GLOBAL MOBILITY AND IMMIGRATION TRENDS
Despite the disruption to global mobility COVID-19 has forced us to operate within, we are still looking forward to future movement and return to travel and global mobility – even if in a revised format.
With that in mind, and given we’re about to launch into a new financial year, we thought it was an opportune time to look ahead and consider some of the trends we are seeing that may play a role in our industry in the coming year ahead.
We operate in a global economy characterised by technology, changing demographics and the globalisation of talent supply. Afterall, it is this globalisation of talent that drives us to do what we do everyday. And while it isn’t going anywhere, change is always afoot.
GLOCAL IS THE NEW GLOBAL
We’re hearing some clients and industry leaders talk about a shift from global to glocal as people become more interested in fostering a personalised, human and local approach within our globalised world.
Within our area of expertise we see this play out as a transition from global mobility to mutli-local mobility, where the approach taken is tailored to each local market rather than casting the net with a one-size-fits-all approach.
More clients are opting for this approach as it allows them to benefit from expert and highly personalised solutions but still take advantage of our international network, for example through our K2 Corporate Mobility partnership.
In essence: it lets everyone focus on getting the right person, from the right place, at the right time and on the right terms.
PAUSE FOR PLANNING
We’ve seen a lot of clients and industry peers use this pause in normal operations as a chance to plan and revise existing global mobility strategies. They’ve taken the time to look ahead into the new financial year and consider new or out-of-the-box solutions to boost their business and talent pools in the coming months, taking advantage of immigration programs available to business. They’re considering where and by who their upcoming work will be carried out and being strategic in creating effective policies and processes to let them be ahead of the game when borders reopen.
CLARITY CREATING ACTION
2020 changed how we operate and do business globally. However, we are now seeing many industries and businesses resume some kind of normal and have greater clarity on what to expect in relation to international recruitment, immigration and talent mobility. We can help you with workforce planning and reviewing your immigration program, ensuring it is optimal for future business plans.
BOOTS ARE STILL NEEDED ON THE GROUND
While there’s a lot of buzz about remote working and taking a remote first approach, we believe it isn’t going to be the new normal. In fact, we believe we’ll see the adaptation of a hybrid approach that gives organisations “the best of both worlds”. In our own offices, we have introduced a 3:2 work week because we believe that company culture is created by people within the business and that collaboration achieves the best outcome for our clients. The time we spend in the office, together, is vital to achieve that.
While working 100% remote seems like utopia to many, for a lot of industries their work simply cannot be done remotely. This is another reason why immigration will remain strong as boots remain required on the ground and getting the job done.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING GIVEN GREATER PRIORITY
Perhaps more than ever, it will be vital to consider how your organisation supports the health and wellbeing of employees, particularly foreign employees. And, importantly, stepping outside of the traditionally thought of areas of wellbeing and health and considering the wider spectrum of financial, spiritual, mental wellness. For example, taking advantage of special considerations put in place for foreign employees in Australia who have been separated from family. Building a culture that supports and champions this level of emotional intelligence will, as the future of work evolves, will become a vital selling points for candidates seeking a forward thinking organisation to work with.
If The Migration Agency can help with any of your business needs, we’d love to chat with you.
