Trends in global workforce mobility

Sharing insights on global mobility with industry leaders, HR professionals and associates at the Global Mobility Executive Exchange Leaders event.

It was a pleasure to be part of roundtable discussions amongst industry leaders with my colleague Graeme Kirk. Senior Counsel at Ellisons Solicitors, on the key issues impacting global workforce mobility.

Held in Central London, on Thursday 20 March the GME (Global Mobility Executive) Exchange Leaders event was sponsored by Alliott Global Alliance.

The invitation-only discussion was attended by senior HR professionals from global companies who shared their experiences and thoughts on the key challenges, strategic priorities and emerging trends impacting global workforce mobility.

The Covid pandemic proved that many roles could be performed remotely and combined with changes to employment law around flexible (and remote) working, the onus is increasingly on the employer to try to make a proposed arrangement work.

There is a consensus of a growing number of requests for remote working, and employers do consider and want to support flexible working where they can.

The main challenges employers face include, balancing the needs of the individual with the needs of the business, ensuring that requests are dealt with objectively and fairly and having a robust HR system that adjusts annual leave allowances and pay etc.,

Relocating to another country is time-consuming:  the compliance aspects of leaving the UK and pre-arrival planning can be complex. Rules and requirements vary depending on where the employee is relocating to, and a lack of understanding the local tax and legal requirements can result in accidental non-compliance.

Where employees are regularly seconded overseas some employers offer an ‘advisory package’ which covers the main areas that an employee needs to be aware of and provides the essential professional advice and support an individual needs pre and post arrival. This solution, which is likely to be provided by larger employers, helps make the process stress free.

In summary, there is a growing trend in remote working overseas and employers are keen to help provide support to help the individual enjoy the best working arrangement for them and keep the process as hassle-free as possible for their employees. It’s important that both employers and employees seek professional advice prior to any relocation to ensure that they are compliant with UK and local tax and legal requirements. It’s apparent that working remotely from overseas is an aspect of employment that employers need to plan for, and to build into their HR systems and policies.

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