Case Study | Differentiating in a tight domestic talent acquisition market

This global defense industry organization was challenged with an order book through to 2050 and simply not enough talent to achieve the manufacturing goals needed to hit key contracted client deadlines.

Challenge

The search for talent had become even more challenging given the tight local labor markets and their need for highly specialist skills within

the electrical and mechanical engineering sector.

The location of the primary project also presented

significant challenges given its remote location and limited infrastructure.

Whilst talent was willing to consider an offer of

employment, this often came with the caveat of working on-site midweek, and commuting home at weekends, leading to family dislocation and over time, burnt out and exhausted

employees.

The organization needed to find a solution that would encourage families to relocate together and put down roots for the long term.

Solution

NetExpat was brought into discussions about approaches to help encourage domestic family relocation and it quickly became apparent that partner/spouse concerns over employment opportunities and the ability to maintain a second family income were amongst the top reasons for families not moving together.

High touch 1:1 job search and self-employment program, as well as a social integration assistance program were immediately included in the relocation policy to acknowledge and support the need for partners/spouse to receive professional and focused 1:1 guidance and direction.

Each relocating partner/spouse received the option of either program with the complete flexibility of switching support if they subsequently chose to follow a different professional or personal pathway.

They also received access to supporting tools and technology, as well as membership to the on-line NetExpat Community for partners/spouses and

Buddy Program.

Outcome

The outcome was an immediate increase in the number of domestic families who chose to relocate (intra country) as a unit, leading to an improved relocation experience, employee productivity, and a reduction in premature talent loss. The organization also saw an increase in overall production levels, ensuring that they remained on target to achieve their client order book commitments.

Investment

The modest investment of providing 1:1 support for partners delivered an extremely cost effective solution, improving talent productivity and boosting long term talent retention.