At Michelin, job mobility is a family affair

Accepting a transfer or promotion, especially if it involves a relocation, is always going to have an impact on an employee’s family life. For those with a partner, their job situation will also factor into the equation.

At tire manufacturer Michelin, which has operations in 18 countries, employees get personalised guidance to promote career opportunities across its various sites (1). Recognising that it benefits no one for a couple to prioritise one partner’s career over the other, the company introduced support measures for the partners of its employees.

To help couples find a new place to live, the company offers three or six days of leave (depending on how far away the move is) as well guidance from a financial advisor.

Hiring priority is given to interested partners who are qualified for open positions.

The company also offers to conduct a skills assessment and to get involved in their job search. In addition to working with job centres and recruitment agencies, it has hiring partnerships with a dozen or so large companies.

The initiative has already produced positive results. To date, the placement rate for employees’ partners (those transitioning from a permanent position, a contract position of 6 months or more, or a long-term training programme) is 90%.

¹ Michelin has created a dedicated job mobility portal to provide information to employees and their families.