Explore the findings
Global mobility is at a crossroads—expected to deliver strategic impact, align more closely with talent, and harness data and technology to drive smarter decisions. But realizing this ambition requires more than intent: it calls for stronger infrastructure, sharper communication, and a delivery model built to scale.
01.
Mobility teams continue the evolution from execution to strategic impact, not influence
Global mobility is being called to step beyond process execution and take on a more strategic role, guiding how organizations deploy and develop talent in a complex global landscape.
While many programs have established strong operational foundations, few have reached true strategic alignment, with ongoing challenges like compliance (49%) and cost (36%) still dominating; yet, mobility leaders are pushing forward with a clear focus on talent alignment (34%), employee experience (32%), and tech-driven innovation (32%) to elevate their impact.
02.
Unlocking mobility’s data potential: Building the infrastructure to match ambition
Many mobility teams are pursuing strategic goals, but a lack of data infrastructure is holding them back. Nearly 44 percent of organizations don’t track core metrics like employee satisfaction or stakeholder alignment, and 76 percent don’t monitor post-assignment outcomes. Among those that do, the data is encouraging: 13 percent see promotions within one to two years, and only 3 percent report attrition—highlighting the value of better tracking.
Technology offers potential, with some companies exploring AI and automation to estimate costs, capture communications, or integrate with HRIS systems. However, these efforts are often isolated rather than part of a broader transformation. Few organizations report analytics maturity or enterprise-wide innovation, pointing to a critical gap between mobility ambition and the tools needed to support it.
03.
Communication and selection are getting smarter: Mobility is aligning with talent
Mobility is becoming more integrated with talent strategy, especially in how opportunities are communicated and candidates are selected. Organizations are moving away from broad, one-size-fits-all communication methods and leaning into more targeted, talent-focused approaches. These include using internal job boards, inviting select high-potential employees, and embedding mobility opportunities within career development and talent management programs. This signals a growing effort to position mobility as a meaningful career opportunity, not just a logistical move.
Selection criteria also reflect this strategic shift. Most organizations prioritize business needs and role-specific skills when identifying candidates, with 50 percent also considering succession planning and development pathways. These choices indicate that mobility is increasingly seen not just as a relocation function but as a key lever for developing future leaders and advancing organizational goals.
04.
Designing a delivery model that’s fit for the future
As global mobility evolves, organizations are rethinking their service delivery models to ensure they can support both current needs and future ambitions. It’s no longer just about assigning tasks—it’s about building a structure that integrates with broader workforce planning and can adapt as mobility becomes more strategic.
Most mobility teams operate with lean resources but carry wide-ranging responsibilities, balancing execution with leadership. To deliver effectively, many rely on external partners. Going forward, success will depend on designing flexible, scalable models and building trusted supplier relationships that go beyond transactional support to deliver long-term value and insight.
Download the full report for in-depth insights
We wanted to better understand how mobility programs are evolving to meet today’s strategic demands. From priorities and challenges to innovation and impact, the Mobility Matters survey explores how teams are adapting—and where opportunity lies. Download the full report to dive deeper into the insights shaping the future of global mobility.