Quite a Common ExPat Case

Marc and Michelle are an expat family who actually felt happy to live abroad. It was a unique opportunity for them and their children to learn and grow. They were of course aware that life as an expat couple would have its stresses. And that became reality: Marc is working extra hours, Michelle does everything she possibly can to create a new home for the family. The children have some troubles adjusting to the new situation and need tons of attention. Back home, Michelle’s father gets seriously ill. She wants to be there for him, but she cannot be there right now.

When people have too much stress for a long time it will show: It shows in their physical health, it shows in their wellbeing, it definitely shows in their relationship and also in their work performance. Marc suffers from a disturbed sleep, he has a short fuse with the children and in his rare free time he works out in order to stay fit. Michelle misses her work she had left in order to join Marc abroad. She misses her family, her friends and… she misses Marc! She finds it increasingly difficult to compromise, being understanding and accepting. She gets irritated, blames Marc for not being at home enough and not really being interested in questions of the household and the children. Her desire to make love has dropped dramatically and when they make love it is not that great.

Solid Relationships → Solid Business

• We believe that every expat couple deserves to be prepared for the challenges and stresses of their life abroad in order to make their stay to be a professionally rewarding experience and a wonderful opportunity to grow as a person, a couple and a family.
• We believe and observe that companies often underestimate what expat couples go through personally in order to manage the challenges at home and at work.
• We believe that companies have a substantial impact on the professional and personal performance of the expat (couple) by helping to reduce the stress both partners experience at home and at work. Managing emotional stress professionally but also within the family is a key factor for work performance.

Yes, there is a lot of support for expats to help with practicalities, and that is great. However, it shows every time that attention for the private relationship and emotional wellbeing of the expat couple is very much needed as well. And the positive reward will be shown in all areas of life, and most definitely in the creative and productive contribution at work.