Family Impact on Becoming an Expat
China is a critical destination for many expat assignments. The business interests of a significant number of businesses of all sizes from all over the world are tied to what they make or sell in China. Along with the managers of those businesses, come the families of those managers. For some, it’s a family adventure and for some it’s a trial.
It is not easy moving a family to China for 3 or more years and making it work. Even with a generous expat package, often there are compromises. The company has certain expectations for sending the manager to China and can be viewed as either a success or a failure. Depending on the company, the home country of the expat, and assignment, and average failure rate for expat assignments worldwide is between 10 and 20%. In some specific cases, it has been as high as 60%. Failure can mean that the expat returns to their home country before the end of their assignment. It can also mean that they were marginally effective at accomplishing company goals. The cost to the company of a failed assignment can be as high as 4 times the pay of the manager.
Compromises for the family are many. Families with children have pull out the school in their home country and find suitable, affordable education once they move. The "trailing" spouse has to give up their job, network of friends, and many activities and rebuild them in the new location. Small things, like access to favorite foods can have a large impact on the stress levels of the parents.
In fact, US based research has shown that the primary causes of failure in overseas assignments have to do with adjustment to a new environment, and less with performance or issues that are directly job related. In over 40% of the instances where assignments have failed, lifestyle and family adjustments are at top of the list. This represent a significant risk the company in terms of cost and significant issue for the expat manager in terms of loss of confidence, family stress and issues, and limitation of career prospects.
Spousal support is a key factor. Often, the spouse of the expat manager leaves his/her support network of friends and family, often leaves a job, and is challenged by culture shock and boredom. For the assignment to be successful, these issues need to be addressed and prepared for by both the expat and the HR staff.
Adjustment to life in Shanghai is not without its issues. Adjusting to a new language, culture (both in and out of the office), new relationships, and lifestyle all generate stress. However, Shanghai has a very active international expat community and with the right attitude and sense of adventure, the experience of being here has its advantages. There are many opportunities to meet people and get involved with the local scene. Here are a few.
Shanghai is full of networking events and groups. These might be a starting place for building support networks and friendships outside of the work environment. They also can open the door to activities and help for the spouse and family of the relocated manager and allow them to make the most of their adventure in Shanghai.
Biz Shanghai has regular networking events to allow you tap into the business community. The next one is listed in this edition.
The Community Center of Shanghai ( http://www.ccshanghai.org ) has regular events and activities for families in both PuDong and Puxi. This group is especially good for spouses who want to contribute to charitable work and activities for families.
Weekly, we at Shanghai Expat run a mixer every Wed night and a Coffee Meeting every Sunday. More info on the site for places and times.
For activities to fight back culture shock and boredom - numerous opportunities exist. Shanghai Classes ( http://www.shanghai-classes.com ) though JiaTong University offers a number of regular classes on a variety of subjects through its continuing education program. For the Sports minded Active Sports Active Social http://www.asas.com.cn/english.php has regular events and leagues for a variety of sports.
If it gets tough and more help dealing with the emotional issues and stress of adjustment is needed, Lifeline Shanghai - 6279-8990 (http://www.lifelineshanghai.com/ ) operates a free call in services operated by expat volunteers.
There is more to do than can be listed here. There are many ways to tap in online and offline to find out what's happening. With a little initiative and the right attitude, life in Shanghai really can be an adventure.