Half of HR managers consider support for relocated spouses and children to be a major cause for concern.

This is according to a new survey by global mobility specialists Crown Relocations, that says a lack of information regarding families settling and child-education options are causing employers a headache, with the Middle East presenting the biggest problem.

Barry Koolen, managing director, UK & Ireland, at Crown Relocations said: “With more companies expanding into emerging and rapidly expanding markets, international preparation is a key component to a successful relocation. The messages from this survey are strong; companies would be wise to fully brief employees about a country in order to dispel any myths before the assignment is accepted.”

Other issues around transferees’ successful deployment centred upon cultural effectiveness, understanding of local workplace behaviour and their expected quality of life.

Over half of HR managers believed that their expats would experience a lower standard of living in South Africa due to security issues, with a further 68% of HR managers and expats claiming that health issues in India would impact upon living standards.