In this month's Mobility Magazine, Dr. Anne Copeland presents the findings of phase two of her "Voices From Home" study, which focuses on the impact of short-term international assignments and extended business travel on the spouses of relocating employees. (Phase one of the study focused on the impact on the employees themselves).

The study, sponsored by Full Circle and Relocation Support Services (RSS), found that the financial incentives of taking on an international assignment were not necessarily beneficial, as there were increased costs at home for child care, transportation, and household help. In addition, those employees who were coerced into accepting an assignment had a greater likelihood of having a negative experience, which meant that the family also had a negative experience at home. One positive aspect was that since the assignment was short-term, the spouse did not have to move, uproot the children, or quit their jobs.

The full article can be found here.

EM