Preventing Expatriate Attrition

Situation

A UK rail company was recruiting engineers and surveyors from South Africa to fill the growing shortage of professionals in the UK.  Prior to IOR’s assistance, the company experienced a costly attrition rate – 80% of the South Africans returned home within the first six months.

IOR Solution

IOR helped establish a buddy program in which the South African recruits were teamed up with British employee counterparts.  In addition, the British team members received a half-day cultural training about South Africa and the South Africans received a cultural training about the UK.  Subsequently a team-building session with both groups solidified the newly established relationships.

Results

The attrition rate was turned around to 100% retention, saving the company more than $470,000.