Culture & Languages

Early/Mid-2000s

While expatriation is an exciting challenge, it can also bring with it a wealth of challenges – some of which can, unfortunately, be linked with assignee gender. Even as recently as the early/mid-2000s ERC reports dictated that most international assignments at that time were typically completed by older males, moving from Western to Eastern cultures. Comparatively these days, there are more opportunities to travel from East to West in-line with increasing demands for skilled labour in the West.  

Why do people become expatriates? Leaving the relative comfort and familiarity of one’s home country may sound scary for some, but the process can be thrilling for others. There are many motivating factors when deciding to uproot your life and start anew overseas…

Mercer (Global Human Resources consulting firm) recently published their 2019 Quality of Living data report. This report examined over 200 cities and considered many factors that expats and assignees will be considering when thinking of relocating, including;

Returning home

When going on an international assignment, culture-shock in a new country is a very common, even expected, part of the process. Many employers are aware of this and make provisions for their employees, such as ‘look-see’ trips prior to assignments, and cultural training to help combat feeling out of place in their new home. But what about when the assignment is over? Coming home may be thought of as an easy process, however in reality this is often not the case.

This phenomenon, known as reverse culture shock, is experienced by many assignees who find returning home just as difficult, if not more so, than leaving in the first place. After the initial high of returning to your family, friends and ‘old’ life, various negative emotions can rise to the surface.

Top Trends

Global Mobility has become an essential factor in a company’s development and can prove invaluable for both the individual on assignment and the company itself. However, in such a fast-paced industry it is important for a company to adapt to the latest global mobility trends if they wish to thrive. Here are some of the top trend’s companies should be anticipating for 2019...

Gender Divide

Over the past few years “gender divide” has become a common phrase. With initiatives to promote female seniors and business leaders highly publicised in the press, has the world of Global Mobility followed suit? The short answer is no. 

Ahead of The Global Mobility Executive Roundtable…

Global Mobility Pressures

Global Mobility is subject to rapid and frequent change. International HR and Global Mobility teams are consistently being asked to reduce costs; as international business presents an increased need for a mobile and diverse workforce, mobility policies become progressively complex. A good way of addressing this is the open sharing of information between individuals and organisations within the sector. Information sharing encourages connection and collaboration between professionals, which can result in important new findings regarding issues and solutions within the field.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the 2018 Worldwide ERC Global Workforce Symposium, held in Seattle, WA. Many attendees (including myself), were extremely surprised how lucky we were with the lack of rain! The location was excellent and the company even better!