PwC: Employee Mobility Programs Becoming More Accessible

By Rob Starr, Content Manager, Big4.com

Global companies are taking steps to make their employee mobility programs more accessible and attractive, according to PwC’s 2012 Survey of Global Mobility Policies. These new programs are also broader in reach, affecting more than 10 percent of employees, compared to traditional short- and long-term programs that impact only 1 percent.

The changes in mobility programs reflect the need to match evolving economic and workforce demands. Increasing business globalization and activity in emerging markets, younger employees seeking international work opportunities early and often in their careers, as well as a focus on developing future leaders with global mobility experience are leading companies to take a more strategic approach to mobility that better aligns the programs with business growth objectives and longer-term talent and career development plans.

The survey, which provides a perspective on the ways corporate mobility programs have evolved over the decade 2002-2012, reflects how businesses are responding to major changes in workplace demographics, technology and a globalizing economy. For example, companies are increasingly committed to reviewing and updating their employee mobility programs; half (50 percent) of participants reported that they are focused on refining their policies, while 48 percent want to simplify administration. Ten years ago the top two areas of focus were cost reduction and regional policy development.