2021/22 GMS report — REDEFINE: An extraordinary time

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REDEFINE: Global Mobility Survey 2021/22

We are delighted to present this 10th edition of our annual multi-award-winning Global Mobility Survey (GMS) report where we address the critical Global Mobility topics facing organisations operating on a cross-border basis.

This report provides insights into Global Mobility transformation with an increase in visibility and consultative expectations. We continue to see an evolving talent scene where remote working and virtual or hybrid assignments have increased along with a resurgence of all types of international work arrangements. Lastly, we examine the increased complexity of risk, compliance and duty of care

If you wish to informally further explore how we could support you and your organisation with your Mobility programme, please contact Julia Palmer, Chief Operating Officer, Relocation at julia.palmer@santaferelo.com or John Rason, Head of Consulting at john.rason@santaferelo.com.

Transformation

The pandemic has generated significant change and challenges within global organisations, particularly for the human resources (HR) and GM professionals. Their increased visibility with internal leadership and stakeholders has required wider engagement focusing on the formal GM programme and the wider global workforce, because cross-border remote working and virtual assignments have become a complex additional responsibility.

Topics covered:

How COVID-19 redefines Global Mobility and makes it visible
Strategic workforce planning
Building a business case for international assignments
Opportunity for better data
A growing trend to invest in technology

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Talent

The evolving nature of global talent mobility has not just occurred since the pandemic commenced. We had referenced in GMS 2019 that CHROs reported a requirement to focus on sourcing new talent and repurposing existing employees in the face of rapidly evolving roles, digitalisation, changing business models and new geographic and product advancements.

Topics covered:

Strategic and business driver insights
Taking the lead on hybrid working
Understanding the COVID-19 impact on Global Mobility
Predicted resurgence of international assignments
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion considerations
Adoption of Core/Flex policies

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Risk

The pandemic has propelled risk up the league table of challenging issues impacting business stability and sustainability. Organisations are seeking to rapidly adjust to a new norm of virtual, remote and hybrid working arrangements whilst simultaneously resolving the retrospective compliance complexities created by a displaced workforce. The pressure on GM professionals to proactively manage this increasingly complex workload alongside the strategic priorities of the business is immense.

Topics covered:

A climate of uncertainty
Bridging the data gap
Business travel outlook
Crisis management learnings
Duty of care in the pandemic era
Rising to the compliance challenge
Increased innovation and stakeholder engagement

Research methodology

Santa Fe Relocation commissioned Savanta to conduct the Global Mobility Survey 2021/22.
We surveyed 731 professionals responsible for Global Mobility programmes across 35 countries. In addition, 52 Business Leaders were surveyed, spanning the UK, the US, France, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Survey respondents represent organisations that in total employ:

At least 4,675,730 staff globally
At least 16,591 full-time and part-time GM professionals
Respondents that globally manage at least 626,525 internationally mobile assignees

This research report is part of Santa Fe Relocation’s ‘Global Mobility Insights’ series – supporting HR/Global Mobility teams manage a globally mobile workforce. The survey will be followed by a series of webinars and whitepapers produced throughout the year by Santa Fe Relocation’s consulting team, ensuring you are kept on top of trends.

View and register to our upcoming webinars

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