Workia Knowhow

The Case for Global Mobility: Embracing the Future of Work

Written by Sarah Lavan | May 24, 2023 9:28:53 AM

The way we work has changed, but that makes employee mobility more relevant, not less.

The rapid changes in how we work, especially since 2020, have shown that employees don’t necessarily need to be in the office every day to be productive.  But just because the way we do our jobs has changed, it doesn’t mean that the ‘old’ reasons for moving people from A to B have evaporated; perhaps it’s the reverse. 👀

One of the prime catalysts for employee mobility is the propagation  of company knowledge. When employees have the opportunity to travel overseas for training or to share their expertise, they become valuable conduits of information. Even emergency gap-fill roles take on a significant purpose as they involve transporting essential insights across different locations🌎📄.

In the era of remote work, the moments when everyone gathers in person become even more cherished. Mobility becomes the conduit for those watercooler conversations, fostering connections and creating a thriving organisational culture that embraces diversity and innovation💡.



Let's revisit the reasons why investing in employee mobility is key to successful organizations...

Leveraging Your Talent Pool

Supporting international mobility opens up roles to a broader talent pool🏊, allowing organizations to tap into a diverse range of skills and experiences. It also provides an opportunity to target and develop future leaders by moving them to different locations for enhanced skill development🎯.

Ensuring the Right Person for the Job

 

Mobility plays a crucial role in ensuring that the right person with the necessary expertise and cultural knowledge is assigned to each role. This is particularly important in specialist roles or situations where deep technical or project expertise is needed, avoiding compromises and settling for less suitable candidates.

Building a Cohesive Organisation

When companies expand overseas, strategically moving employees with the right experience and cultural knowledge to support new teams in new locations helps build a more cohesive and effective organization. It injects new perspectives, processes, and ideas into the company, promoting diversity and fostering innovation.

Speed to Market and Business Growth

Deploying employees with the right expertise and knowledge in new locations allows businesses to swiftly establish a presence and tap into local markets. The experience and insights brought by these mobile employees expedite market entry, enhance business growth, and facilitate a smoother transition into new regions.

Employee Engagement and Retention

In today's workforce, flexibility and growth opportunities, including the chance to live and work overseas, are highly valued. Embracing employee mobility enhances employee well-being, satisfaction, and loyalty🌟. It positions organizations as employers who invest in their people through challenging and developmental experiences, bolstering brand reputation and attracting and retaining top talent💪.

Brand and Reputation Gains

Companies that actively support and facilitate employee mobility send a powerful message to their employees: "We are committed to your growth and advancement", helping employers build a strong brand and reputation. They become known as enjoyable workplaces that foster personal and professional growth, attracting top talent and nurturing employee loyalty and satisfaction.

To summarise

Talent mobility is still relevant and organizations that allow and facilitate mobility, rather than blocking and denying it, are more likely to secure, develop, and retain the right talent, becoming employers of choice and enhancing their brand. 💪🎇