One of the key issues facing human resources today is mobility. Those unfamiliar with the industry would think that the term ‘mobility’ refers to disability, healthcare and workplace safety. But the term has been coined to talk about staff movement. A process that allows businesses to have the right resources and talent at their office anywhere in the world and online. On this episode of the Grace Always More Podcast, Jane Riley spoke to Deborah de Cerff, founder of The Employee Mobility Institute (TEMI) to discuss the evolution of the industry, why people are a company’s most important asset and the future trends facing mobility.
A recent study conducted by Strategy Analytics predicted that by 2022, 1.87 billion people will be mobile employees. This is 42.5% of the entire global workforce*. Leading this is charge are staff from North America and Western Europe and a growing number of teams from Asian countries. One the biggest reasons for this is advancing technology as well as younger and more connected employers/employee who sees this is a norm and part of their day-to-day work life. They also think that their workplace is not bound to a central physical location as technologies are now portable, affordable and user friendly, which means they can work from home, on site or anywhere they choose.
Other technological innovations that are currently being trialled and introduced in the industry include “AI, machine learning and predictive models” *. These advancements can cut the recruitment timeframe and allow practitioners to easily collect information about a country, its employment regulations and what is required from clients instantly.
This is a far cry from the early stages of mobility where it was mainly about “tax, immigration and international HR” says Deborah. It was also a time where the fax machine was the latest innovation. “We were amazed that we only had to wait 30 minutes to receive information rather than waiting for several days for a response”. Nowadays, it’s all about “immediate responses, automation and process enhancement” as well as the ability to collaborate with team members globally.
However, it’s not only technology that has changed but the people as well. Today’s workplaces are now a melting pot of individuals with different backgrounds, education and skill set. Recruiters and employers understand this, and now places more emphasis on relationship-based practices and ensuring that its people are at the heart and soul of the everything they do. According to Deborah, “organisations that embraces and nurture a culturally diverse workforce are those that are destined to succeed within their respective industries and in society”. Companies like these attract talent through positive word-of-mouth as existing employees are eager to talk about how their workplaces have embraced equality, diversity, inclusivity and removed bias.
Similarly, Deborah says that success also comes down to how corporations have worked with their partners such as suppliers and sponsors. And recognising that establishing a supportive and dedicated talent management process and global management system is important. This led her to establishing TEMI, which is a “community based international network of Global Workforce Management Professional with a commitment and passion to support and strengthen individual and business mobile workforce capability globally±”.
“Global Workforce Management and the way we work is in a phase of radical change, with greater reliance on technology, changing macro-economic influences and the growth in agile workplaces, we saw a need to broaden the network to include all disciplines involved in the management of a global workforce. We imagined an organisation dedicated to a simple vision: – to inform the business community about the challenges and opportunities of Global Workforce Management and all its area specialisations; support the growth and development of the industry and provide a comprehensive range of learning and business solutions to meet individual and organisational needs^” says Deborah.
Grace understands this and supports TEMI through many activities including the sponsorship of the 2021 TEMI Awards. A platform that recognises the achievements of mobility professionals and the industries that support them. This year’s TEMI award is scheduled on the 12th November at the Victorian Arts Centre. This national event will be shown live allowing anybody to be part of the event where ever they’re located in Australia.
To read more about TEMI visit their page. If you’d like to learn how Grace’s Employee Mobility Solutions can help you call us on 1300 209 036. A Grace Mobility Specialist will act as your single point of contact throughout the entire relocation process, from the delivery of relocation services to consolidated invoicing and will be happy to answer all your questions and assist you at every step of the way.
*Strategy Analytics on Human Resources Online
±TEMI
https://anchor.fm/gracegroup/episodes/Hear-from-Australian-mobility-industry-pioneer–Deborah-de-Cerff-e1kfqc0/a-a860erp
