02 Apr Pandemic Intensified Global Mobility Policy Evolution in Past 2 Years
It’s any global mobility professional’s goal to craft a well-defined mobility strategy to guide policy development and the application of mobility policies in different situations. The policies in a mobility toolkit have been evolving for the past years to address the progressing needs of a company’s talent strategy. The COVID-19 pandemic only intensified the policy evolution in the past two years.
Plus Relocation took note of a few observations in the global mobility realm:
- Global mobility programs that support intern programs are said to be increasing. Moreover, more companies are focusing on developing policies for remote, hybrid, and onsite internships
- Companies have revisited their mobility programs to see where they can implement better strategies and approaches. They’re also considering implementing technology integrations to provide employees with more flexibility, customization, and the ability to manage corporate costs more effectively
- Global mobility teams are currently focusing on attracting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce
- Global mobility and talent management are now working more collaboratively than ever to become more competitive in enticing a highly demanded talent pool.
- Lump-sum programs are recalculated to keep up with inflation.
- Programs that support environmental efforts and sustainability are now given more serious attention.
These observations prove that the pandemic is still driving changes in the global mobility realm. Therefore, understanding the trends steered by a global health event will aid companies to approach the future better informed.
Fortunately, organizations can focus on Crown World Mobility’s perspective of these three trends.
Covid drives both instability and creativity in mobility
Not one company that has global mobility teams can’t deny the impact of Covid on mobility programs. Global supply chains were put on hold causing price surges and scarce delivery assets resulting in delayed relocations and movement of household goods. Plus, processing visas were slowing down due to travel and government restrictions.
All these have caused several cancellations of planned assignments, so now companies have to make do with remote assignments forcing them to juggle between balancing work and personal life in their homes. No wonder why numerous companies have been investing in mental health coverage in their employee health plans for the past 2 years.
This isn’t the best news; however, Crown World Mobility considers these as stimuli that sparked change and innovation within the industry. The firm even enumerates some of the creative changes that have emerged during the health crisis:
- International remote work
- Vaccine home leave
- Policy booster shots
- Immigration
Global diversity, equity & inclusion – walk the talk
Global acknowledgment of inequality now goes beyond the rising number of Asian hate crimes or even the increasing cases of racial profiling in the USA. The world now recognizes these deep-rooted inequalities in the business realm. Corporations have pushed for more talent in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) with strategic partnerships in supply chains and logistics.
Whether companies like it or not, the shift of focusing on DEI strategies is becoming inevitable. Government officials around the world are now discussing what type of mandates they are willing to undertake to help improve DEI in businesses.
Here are the noticeable changes in this trend:
- Core-flex policy, education, marketing
- Dual-career couples
- LGBTQ+ marriage equality progression
- Work from anywhere / remote work
Sustainability and purposeful mobility
As early as 2020, Crown World Mobility included sustainability in its list of trends. This year, it is predicted to even hasten and is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. But experts observed that it is still difficult to define sustainability in mobility. AirInc’s Sustainability and Global Mobility pulse survey revealed that 77% of 120 companies haven’t made efforts to align their mobility programs with sustainability goals.
Crown World Mobility does point out, however, that climate change, global warming, and businesses’ impact on the environment are sure aspects that are being looked into.
Another aspect that is a hot topic lately is social issues. This ranges from inclusion to equity to human rights. Businesses now just can’t do without having a culture of purpose, especially with new generations of talent entering the workforce.
Here are some of the changes under this theme:
- Talent Beyond Boundaries
- Defining what the environmental metrics will be in your organization
- Authentic experiences for assignees and business travelers
While the COVID-19 pandemic is still an existing phenomenon, global mobility should not take lightly the uncertainties that come with the health crisis. Professionals in the field ought to embrace innovations and opportunities to adapt to the rapid changes in the mobility realm. Now is the time to accept change.