Revolutionise your global mobility management process through digital transformation.  

Nov 06, 2023

The Role of Technology in Streamlining Global Mobility Management

New technology is pivotal for companies streamlining global operations, minimising administrative burdens, and maximising growth — including in global mobility management. Yet, according to a recent survey by Sage, just 59% of HR leaders and C-suite executives use HR analytics, while just 54% use automation.

This blog explores how digitisation is revolutionising global mobility management, looking at data analytics and automation, key trends, and solutions.

The Challenges of Traditional Global Mobility Management

Traditionally, moving your people to where they were most needed when they were needed was managed using simple software like Excel spreadsheets. Today, it’s a different story. More advanced global mobility technology exists and can better capture and disseminate data to inform strategy, support employee development and drive company growth.

Compliance is still king in any global mobility program. As global mobility professionals navigate the needs of both the business and relocating or onboarding employees, they need to stay informed about, and on top of, legal and regulatory requirements to remain compliant.

Layer in new challenges like the global talent shortage and changing workplace, and the need to manage data and processes effectively through digitisation intensifies.

How Technology is Revolutionising Global Mobility

Suppose you’re inundated with tasks like amending contracts, organising payroll, assisting with visa and immigration applications, and supporting relocation activities. There’s little time to focus on strategic development and diversity initiatives in that case.

Introducing artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and automation can reduce costs while significantly improving efficiency and decision-making.

Take AI, for example, which can carry out routine tasks like resume analysis, visa management and work permit processing, relieving staff from administrative burdens associated with global mobility management. With AI in place, HR leaders can place strategic emphasis on employee development and satisfaction instead.

In addition, big data analytics (the process of examining large amounts of data) can underpin data-driven decisions, including on global mobility. For example, nurturing future leaders through succession planning is more manageable when employee performance is tracked.

Automation can also make global mobility programs far more consistent. Manual data recording is easily overlooked when HR, payroll and legal teams are stretched across various projects. Data automation can take the strain, significantly reducing the risk of costly errors and non-compliance.

The Importance of Data Analytics

You buy a Coke, and you’re encouraged to sign up for a digital loyalty scheme. Turn on Netflix, and you’re greeted with personalised movie suggestions. Scroll through Instagram, and you’re presented with products you were thinking about just that day.

Companies are collecting and acting on data everywhere you turn. In global mobility, data analysis is critical to unlocking employee potential. Typically, data falls into two categories when deploying a colleague abroad.

1. Administrative-led data:

• Visa and immigration requirements
• Legal and regulatory requirements
• Employment laws
• Remote work regulations
• Relocation tasks such as securing accommodation, transferring possessions
• Tax and Accounting

2. Performance-led data:

• Engagement
• Skill acquisition
• Knowledge retention
• Promotion and succession potential
• Regular performance reviews

When layered, this data can create a compliance base that serves as a springboard for people-centric growth. However, it’s important to note data analytics are only as effective as the data collected. Data collection should be a key consideration in digital transformation.

Automation and Its Benefits

In a recent Salesforce survey, 77% of employees said automation gave them more time to deepen relationships with customers and other stakeholders, and 86% said automation solutions helped them make decisions faster. In the same survey, 88% said they trust automation solutions to complete tasks faster and without error.

Automation can be deployed in global mobility management, such as tracking and managing administrative processes and ensuring HR and individuals remain informed about changes to local legislation.

Blockchain for Secure and Transparent Transactions

Blockchain technology is built around decentralised consensus mechanisms and cryptographic security, creating a transparent, secure, and tamper-resistant environment for international transactions, such as payroll and taxation.

Suppose a company uses blockchain for its payroll process, paying Employee X monthly.

• Employee X’s information is stored on the blockchain and given a unique ID.
• Smart contracts are set up to manage salary calculations, authorisations, and payments into Employee X’s bank account (linked to their blockchain ID).
• Each transaction is securely recorded and date-stamped.

The result? Employee X is happy their pay is secure and transparent. They can access their payroll history anytime, making it easier to resolve pay discrepancies or disputes using accurate data. The company has given Employee X confidence in its payroll system, building high trust.

IoT (Internet of Things) in Asset Management

Relocation is stressful for employees, but the everyday challenges of moving across borders are reduced with technology. IoT is the physical network of ‘things’ embedded with sensors and software, connecting them to the Internet and providing data. These IoT-enabled things help to smooth transitions and reduce losses.

For example, GPS trackers and RFID tags can be attached to assets (items like vehicles and containers), tracking their location in real-time. Trackers are also helpful for security; if a car, for example, is moved without authorisation, it will trigger a notification.

Remotely monitoring assets is especially beneficial for long-term assignees with many items in transit. IoT-enabled movements generate data in all cases, allowing for analysis and optimising future assignments.

Machine Learning for Dynamic Policy Adaptation

The global workplace is ever-evolving due to digitisation; therefore, policy adaptation is necessary when developing a robust global mobility management program. Machine learning algorithms provide valuable insights, helping organisations to make better-informed decisions on when and where to adapt policies.

Leveraging real-time data on various data points, such as immigration laws, the cost of living and employee satisfaction shapes employee-friendly, cost-effective policies.

Key Technologies to Adopt for Effective Global Mobility Management

Here’s our quick guide to key technologies firms should build into their digital transformation for effective global mobility management.

• Global mobility management software. Set up a local business entity, transfer your employees or open a localised bank account. Modern global mobility platforms put you in the driving seat with customised dashboards, case management, concierge, and cost-of-living calculator features. Read more about typical features here.

• Employee self-service portals. Portals like Centuro Connect give database access covering almost every country, along with access to your teams worldwide.

• Document management and compliance tools. Solutions like DocuWare and Sharepoint store and track documents to ensure compliance.

• Communication and collaboration tools. Tools like Zoom, Teams and Slack offer useful video conferencing and file-sharing capabilities for keeping teams connected.

Conclusion

The workplace is constantly evolving, and so must global mobility programs and policies – to best serve employees and ensure compliance. Tech is pivotal in streamlining global operations, minimising administrative burdens, and maximising growth, enabling policymakers to make quick decisions based on accurate data. The potential of global mobility data streams is amplified with tech as a consolidator. For genuinely dynamic programs and policies, the time for digital transformation is now.

Contact us today to arrange a consultation on our global mobility solutions.