International assignments have long helped organisations grow and stay resilient. But in 2025, global mobility looks very different from even a few years ago.
Over the past eight years, we've been tracking and listening to the experiences of HR leaders and assignees across the world to understand how international placements are evolving. Our latest research reveals that they haven’t just rebounded since the pandemic – they’ve transformed, driven by new pressures, rising employee expectations and a workforce that wants more flexibility than ever before.
Our 2025 World of Work report uncovers what this means for businesses – and where they can level up to support their people and future-proof their success.
International assignments need more investment than ever.
Since 2017, the average cost of a placement has increased by 58%.
Shorter assignments are on the rise.
3 in 4 HR decision-makers expect more digital nomadism in their workforce over the next 5 years.
Family support is now crucial to placement success.
Yet, only 38% of companies provide help for assignees' families.
Sustainable assignments rely on strong preparation and repatriation support.
Currently, over 50% of assignees find the first 3 months of an assignment the hardest.
For insights into what global mobility looks like in 2025 and beyond, download our latest report today.
“As someone who has experienced life both as an international assignee and as the leader of a global team, I see more than ever how global mobility continues to change. Now, rather than focusing on well-organised logistics, businesses need to create global mobility strategies which are centered around their people – their health and happiness, their families and their ability to thrive wherever their role takes them.
This means supporting them at every stage of their assignment journey. When organisations get this right, they strengthen their ability to attract global talent, retain critical skills and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.”
Karim Idilby, Chief Growth Officer, AXA Health International
We’re digging deeper into the detail in 2026, with further findings into each stage of the international assignment journey.
Preparation:
How to set employees up for assignment success
During placement:
How to keep them brilliant while they're away
Coming home:
How to support them with their return
