International assignments have long played a critical role in helping organisations grow and achieve their ambitions. But the world of global mobility is changing.
Over the past eight years, we've been tracking the experiences of HR leaders and assignees across the world to understand how global mobility is evolving. New research in our World of Work series reveals how international assignments have rebounded since the pandemic, amid new economic pressures. And what organisations must now do to meet the expectations of their assignees, who are asking for more flexibility and support than ever before.
From preparing people for their new life overseas, to supporting their return home, the World of Work series explores each stage of the assignment journey and what organisations can do to futureproof their success.
Global mobility on the move
Read the key insights from our latest World of Work research – conducted with 689 HR decision-makers and 641 non-native assignees across 10 markets and four continents.
What benefits do assignees value most? And how important is family to placement success? Find out in our latest report: Keeping people brilliant.
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.
‘Having experienced life as an international assignee and as a leader of a global team, I see how global mobility continues to change. Our latest World of Work research shows how businesses are adapting their policies and strategies to centre around their people — their health and happiness, their families and their ability to thrive on assignment. This holistic approach strengthens their ability to attract global talent, retain critical skills and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.’
‘Behind every international placement is a personal transition: a shift in culture, routine, identity and support systems. I've seen first-hand how effective preparation can ease the transition and shape the trajectory of a placement. While practical support remains a pillar, 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.’
'Insights in our Keeping People Brilliant report shows that the in-assignment stage is now the most complex phase of the assignment experience for organisations, as employee needs have become increasingly individual and personal. Employers must move beyond standardised benefits towards holistic, human-centred support, which is flexible enough to meet individual needs, adaptable enough to evolve throughout an assignment, and comprehensive enough to reflect each person's full lived experience overseas.’
Discover what’s behind eight years of research into global mobility by taking a look at our earlier World of Work reports.
