Smoothing the transition: How onboarding helps expatriate workers

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Workers face considerable challenges when relocating to a foreign country. The difficulties are even greater for those expatriates classed as self-initiated. The transition for such individuals can become considerably less traumatic when the organization in the host nation has an effective onboarding program. Properly supporting the employee and his or her spouse and family both inside and outside the workplace can shorten the settling-in process and positively impact on performance as a result.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2017), "Smoothing the transition: How onboarding helps expatriate workers", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 31 No. 3, pp. 29-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-03-2017-0020