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 new World of Work report series explores how global mobility has not just rebounded since the pandemic, but transformed – driven by new economic pressures, rising employee expectations and a workforce that wants more flexibility than ever before.
From preparing people to relocate, to supporting their return home, the World of Work series explores each stage of the assignment journey and how they are all equally essential to success.
Global mobility on the move
Part 1: Executive summary
Setting up for success
Part 2: Pre-assignment
Available now
Keeping people brilliant
Part 3: On assignment
Coming soon
Bringing talent home
Part 4: Post-assignment
Coming soon
For insights into how crucial preparation is to assignment success, download our latest report 'Setting up for success' today.
International assignments now cost more than ever.
Since 2017, the average investment has risen by 58%.
Shorter assignments are increasing.
69% of HR decision-makers expect this trend to continue over the next five years.
Family support is critical to placement success.
Only 38% of organisations provide help for assignees’ families.
Preparation and repatriation support are key to sustainable assignments.
Over 50% of assignees find the first 3 months of their placement the hardest.
“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
“Behind every international placement is a personal transition: a shift in culture, routine, identity, and support systems.
Having experienced international assignments myself and supported many others through it since, I have seen first-hand how effective preparation can ease the transition and shape the trajectory of an assignment. While the practical elements will always remain a pillar of support, it's the social, cultural and psychological aspects of relocation, as our 'Setting up for success’ report explores, that are becoming increasingly critical and complex.”
Ellen Hughes, Chief People Officer, AXA Health Business
