Key Takeaways:

• Reintegration Challenges: Repatriates often struggle with adapting back to their home country and organisation, which can impact their job satisfaction and increase turnover intentions.
• Importance of Social Networks: Strong social support and networks are essential for helping repatriates reintegrate successfully and feel connected after their international assignments.
• Early and Ongoing Reintegration Planning: Starting the reintegration process before the repatriates return, including expectation-setting and open communication, can make the transition smoother.
• HR’s Role in Supporting Repatriates: HR practitioners are crucial in sustaining repatriates’ networks, ensuring knowledge transfer, and acknowledging the value of their international experience.
• Evolving Global Mobility Trends: The shift toward virtual assignments and shorter-term relocations is growing, though full replacement of international assignments is unlikely.

Authors:

Lena M. Fischer holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, with study experience in Taiwan. She spent three years as a research assistant at TU Chemnitz, contributing to various projects. After a sabbatical traveling through Asia, she joined Mike Geppert’s team at FSU as a PhD student in April 2024.

Stefan Remhof is Managing Partner of the People Mobility Alliance and Professor of International Management at IU International University. He has profound expertise in the fields of global mobility, expat management and international assignments.