Global Mobility – navigating international opportunities and challenges

Global mobility has opened new opportunities for companies and professionals, while presenting challenges that stimulate the creativity of leaders and managers.

A few years ago, many companies sent their employees for training or as expatriates to their offices abroad. Today, companies are adapting to the reality of digital nomads, home office and other types of services and employees.

This has generated new needs to be met, as highlighted in the report by international consultancy KPMG, called “Great Expectations: How expectations across pay, mobility, borders, and life are changing.”

This study discusses and points out ways in which companies can reward employees, helping them develop their careers and meet the demands of more flexible working, while navigating different countries and regions, each with their own laws and tax rules and customs.

What is global mobility?

Global mobility is the ability of people to explore new experiences, job opportunities, education or simply a change of environment when moving geographically. This concept has expanded and now even covers mobility within the same country, such as when someone moves from one city to another in search of new career opportunities and a better life.

In an increasingly interconnected world, global mobility is driven by advances in communications technology, easier access to information about opportunities in different places and a growing need for companies to attract global talent.

Companies recognize that professionals with experience in global mobility play a fundamental role in advising on internationalization strategies and issues related to local culture, among other topics.

The motivations behind global mobility

The reasons why people opt for global mobility are diverse and, with the practical barriers to working anywhere being eliminated, more and more professionals are seeking new destinations.

Among the main reasons are the search for better job opportunities, higher salaries and a more favorable work environment in other countries.

In addition to these factors, many professionals seek global mobility to improve their quality of life, enjoy greater social security, seek adventure or experience new cultures. Another issue is the opportunity to improve professional skills and expand a global network of contacts.

Multinational companies play a significant role in this movement by moving employees to offices in different parts of the world. This not only enriches the experience of your employees, but also drives companies to adapt to global markets and promotes diversity in the workplace.

Challenges and ethical considerations

Although global mobility offers countless opportunities, it also brings with it important challenges. Complexity is evident when it comes to cultural adaptation, legal issues, language barriers and potential health issues when moving to a new region or country.

This constant movement also has its emotional challenges, such as the feeling of not belonging to a community, distance from family and friends and, sometimes, loneliness. This is something often considered by digital nomads, who embark on adventures while working remotely.

For groups of expatriate professionals, social ‘bubbles’ often arise based on nationality or profession. This is, in part, due to the differences between the lives of newcomers in a foreign country and the routine of locals, motivating global workers to look to each other for support.

Evolving companies and employees

Global mobility, driven by technology, is constantly evolving, reflecting the interconnectivity between people, companies and geographic spaces.

Understanding the motivations behind global mobility, the challenges it presents and the associated ethical considerations are critical to navigating this ever-changing landscape and making the most of the global opportunities it offers.

As the world continues its transformation, global mobility will remain a fundamental part of people’s lives and global dynamics.

With adequate planning, companies that implement solid global mobility policies, ensuring the maintenance of corporate culture and financial results, together with well-prepared professionals who take advantage of available technologies, it is possible to overcome all challenges and prosper in a globalized world.