AIRINC (Associates for International Research, Inc.)

In analysing AIRINC’s 2020 Mobility Outlook Survey, it was interesting to see that, although the views of European companies were broadly consistent with the overall findings, there were a few differences that caught our attention.

This week I’ve been busy helping an automotive company understand how competitive its expat policy is by preparing a ‘scorecard’ of their current approach. The scorecard is a great way to benchmark a policy against industry or general practice. I get to read and interpret the client’s policies to see what support is provided and how that compares to the competition. It is fascinating to see how every policy is different – and fascinating to sometimes see the inconsistencies between policies within the same company!

Improving the assignee experience is a key focus for Global Mobility teams. Assignee experience comes in many guises, from better support to more choice, from clearly enhanced career prospects to seamless communications. When AIRINC’s Advisory Services team is working with clients to develop an improved assignee experience, we have to take into account that every assignee is different. As a result, we all view the assignee experience in a different way. Programmes that want to genuinely improve the assignee experience need to use a broad range of tools to deliver the enhancements their assignees are looking for.

COVID-19 is impacting everyone, everywhere, and its sphere of influence changes almost daily. Of all the places facing change and uncertainty, the airline industry is at the forefront. News of airlines facing bankruptcy and impending doom cloud the headlines globally. As Global Mobility specialists, we examine 110,000 fares on a quarterly basis so that we can deliver our clients the most up-to-date information to support their assignees. Now, more than ever, we know that you need quick answers and accurate estimates to support your international and domestic assignees that need to return home during this sweeping pandemic.

According to AIRINC’s 2020 Mobility Outlook Survey, Global Mobility’s top priorities for 2020 include enhancing the employee experience (73%), redesigning the mobility program (56%), and simplifying the program (52%). So how can Mobility accomplish these goals?

Employee experience is a top priority for 73% of participants in 2020. Organizations can deliver a positive experience when they view mobility from the perspective of the employee throughout the process of attracting, relocating, and (when required) repatriating employees.

Mobility’s scope of responsibility continues to broaden, challenging the function’s ability to advise their customers in a progressively complex global business environment. 

AIRINC is partnering with United Healthcare, GTN, and others to host an exciting Detroit-area Global Benefits Forum. This is a follow on to our well-attended and valued event on China last year.

AIRINC and K2 are hosting a Cream Tea and interactive Global Mobility discussion for Corporate HR professionals on 23 April 2020 at the Vintry & Mercer Hotel. 

Consistently, when I ask people what they like about working in global mobility, they say, “No day is ever the same.” It is that daily diversity that keeps professionals engaged. And no wonder global mobility is so dynamic; it involves so many disciplines, and it is a deeply human field.