Companies find international relocation of executives with a working spouse complex

Japan, Inc., Nov, 2002 by Charlotte Kennedy-Takahashi

It used to be simpler for firms to relocate executives overseas. An executive (usually male) was selected; discussions were held with the spouse and the opportunity was polished up with "great private schools," "private clubs," "benefits" and "travel galore."

The world has changed! Families now count on two incomes and don't want to lose income upon repatriation. The accompanying spouse (either male or female) may like his/her current work and does not want to move to what may be a strange foreign work environment along with the reality that an absence could limit promotion and future opportunity.

Corporate Solutions

Corporations and governments today feel the pinch when filling international assignments. An accompanying spouse may refuse to relocate. Additionally, cases of early and costly repatriation because the spouse did not find a satisfactory career alternative are increasing.

How do firms solve these problems? Different corporate responses are listed below:

1) Award stipends for educational advancement for future career maximization, using relocation time for good benefit

2) Subsidize a percentage of a spouse's salary to avoid financial impact on the family

3) If both partners are currently employees of the same firm, employ both partners in an overseas branch. (May have complications in the Japanese environment.)

4) Actively support a job search for spouse in the home country prior or/and after relocation

5) Utilize career support services to facilitate speedier resolution of career issues.

Successful resettlement of a two career couple is closely connected to the type of career an accompanying spouse has had so far (easy: marketing and teaching; impossible: medical jobs with licensing requirements), the degree of adaptability to a new work environment and willingness to adapt skills and knowledge to affiliated work areas. The current career stage is important as well. Older professionals often like a job break and easily become immersed in non-profit activities. The under 30s group has time to try out various opportunities, even some which might not present themselves in the home job market (model for agencies in Japan, TV work). Probably the most difficult spouse to convince to go international is someone who has made an extensive commitment to develop a career and is very specialized.

Opportunities for Accompanying Spouses in Japan

Legally, accompanying spouses may work in Japan, provided a minimum requirement of a college degree or/and long work experience is met (accompanying spouses may work up to 28 hours without applying for a work visa). To encourage newcomers, below is a list of successful career moves made by accompanying spouses in Japan.

Qualifications & Experience before Japan   > In Japan

[] Human resources manager                 > [] Same job different
                                             industry

[] Nurse                                   > [] Support preparations
                                             for medical conventions,
                                             editing medical reports

[] Advertising professional                > [] Customer Relations
                                             Manager in international
                                             food company

[] Retired government official             > [] Managed professional
                                             group activities

[] Advertising company                     > [] Joined same firm in
                                             Japan

[] Studied TV documentary making           > [] Made documentary on
                                             Japan/US relationship

[] Writer                                  > [] Technical writer

[] Legal secretary                         > [] Began study in Japan
                                             to become a lawyer/became
                                             lawyer later

[] Dental professional                     > [] Healthcare recruiter

[] Jazz pianist                            > [] Jazz pianist in clubs

If relocating a dual-career couple to Japan, it is important to research the possibilities before rushing into accepting any stereotypes about the limitations in the Japanese market of the workplace. There are many resources available, and corporations need to evaluate how they can keep their best people, which means satisfying a spouse's career needs.

If you are an accompanying spouse--smile! Many like you have found Japan a rewarding work experience that enriched their lives and career opportunities upon returning home.

Charlotte Kennedy-Takahashi, President, Oak Associates