The final report of Permits Foundation global spouse survey has sharpened focus on partner employment needs and the impact on assignment success and international mobility.
The survey studied the employment aspirations of expatriate spouses and partners of highly skilled international staff. More than 3300 spouses and partners took part, representing 120 nationalities in as many host countries. They accompanied highly skilled staff working for more than 200 employers in both the private and public sectors.
The results provide a clear evidence that:
A lack of partner employment opportunities adversely affects global mobility of highly skilled international employees.
A few focused improvements by employers and governments can make a triple win for families, employers and host countries.
Work permits for spouses and partners are one of the keys to location attractiveness.
The final report includes additonal analysis highlighting the importance of career issues to male spouses and partners, unmarried partners, younger partners and those with a university degree.