Why Do Global Organizations Need Expatriate Policy and Procedures Group, an Expatriate Policy Manual, and a Dedicated Website?
In most organizations, the proper expatriate employee handbook, updated annually is essential. We can explain why this task should never be at the bottom of a list.
We offer a dedicated website and a single place to post expatriate policy and reference information for international benefits, tax, legal, relocation, and more.
Where do expatriates today access everything they need to know about their expatriate assignment? Is everything in one place? How often is it updated and "refreshed?" How much is in document form vs. electronic copy. How easy is the information to access. How much are you spending in time, effort and money? Of course, we feel our dedicated web portal solves all these problems.
The website can be used to communicate to all international assignees including expatriates and travelers, or it can be used just for one group such as "local nationals in Australia." The platform is flexible and adaptable.
Why should you have a policy manual for each class of international assignee, and why it's not acceptable to have policy that is old, or fails to address all major issues.
About 75% of global organizations that think they have complete international policy and procedures are missing more than 3 components that we consider to be vital. There is nothing more important you can do to protect your organization than have the proper international policy in place, and well documented.
The importance of documentation and record keeping cannot be stressed enough, because once a lawsuit is filed, if the employer cannot prove something, it never happened. Indeed, one of the first things that a judge, juror, arbitrator, EEOC investigator or opposing counsel wants to know is, “do you have that in writing?”
An employee handbooks is also often called a Policy and Procedures Manual. The Handbook /Manual is a statement of the policies for international assignees and how the business is to be conducted. The employee handbook for any employee is one of the most important communication tools between the organization and its employees. Not only does it set forth expectations for the employees, but it describes what they can expect from the company during the international assignment or while they travel on business. It is essential that your company has one for all classes of international employees, and that it be clear and as unambiguous as possible. Misunderstandings, items not addressed, or misstatements can create legal liabilities for the employer. In legal disputes around the world, courts have considered an employee handbook to be a contractual obligation, so it needs careful attention.
