In a short essay, discuss some of the difficulties faced by repatriated employees. How can human resource managers assist repatriated employees?

What will be an ideal response?

Repatriation is the return of the expatriate to his or her home country following completion of a lengthy foreign assignment. Unless managed well, the expatriate is likely to encounter problems upon returning home. Some returning employees find their international experience is not valued, and they may be placed in lesser or ill-suited positions than what they held abroad. Some expatriates report financial difficulties upon returning, such as inflated housing prices or cuts in pay. Many experience "reverse culture shock," readjustment to home-country culture. Others refuse subsequent international assignments.

Human resource managers can provide counseling on the types of problems that employees face upon returning home. After repatriation, the firm can provide bridge loans and other interim financial assistance and ensure the expatriate has a career position equal to, or better than, the one held before going abroad.