When I started GlobalPeopleTransitions 15 years ago as a resource site for Expats and Expat Spouses, one main reason was the talent gap for hashtag#expats, the lack of international assignments in the talent and leadership development approach. The other reason was the frustration of dual-career couples (my own spouse included) around finding a job in the hashtag#Zurich job market. We started to build communities and courses for Expat Spouses together with ETH Zurich and I kept talking in our communities of practice that we can’t just pay a lump sum. We need to help Expat Spouses and Partners have a career, because careers are a vital part of your identity. I wanted to repeat the reasons why our support is still needed: Coaching is Essential for the Retention of Expats 🌍

Expat coaching is not a service; it’s a game-changer for the success of international assignments. Here’s why:
✅ Support for Accompanying Spouses
Transitions can be stressful and isolating, especially for accompanying spouses. Coaching alleviates these challenges by providing career support that fosters emotional well-being and creates a smoother adjustment process.
✅ Career Growth & Employability
Investing in a spouse’s career development benefits the individual and is a strategic move. Enhancing their skills and employability empowers spouses to become standout candidates in competitive job markets like Switzerland.
✅ Filling the Talent Career Gap
hashtag#GlobalMobility presents a unique opportunity to address the talent gap by tapping into the potential of expat spouses. These talented individuals often have diverse skill sets, international perspectives, and leadership potential that organizations can leverage to enrich their workforce. Coaching and career support empower them and unlock a largely untapped pool of global talent.
✅ Organizational Impact
Companies offering Spouse Career Support send a clear message: We value you and your family. This approach strengthens employee loyalty, boosts engagement, and positions organizations as leaders in workplace inclusivity.
✅ Promoting Inclusion Goals
Organizations make significant strides in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by addressing the unique needs of expat families. It’s about creating a culture that embraces every facet of an employee’s life.

With GlobalPeopleTransitions, we go beyond traditional career support. Our extensive network and reputation allow us to connect expats and their spouses with decision-makers in Swiss companies—often unlocking opportunities that seemed out of reach. Coaching expats is about more than transitions—it’s about fostering thriving families, inclusive workplaces, and sustainable careers. 🌟
What do you think?