Workforce mobility is the ability of a company’s workforce to move and work from one location to another.
Workforce mobility allows a company's employees to communicate, collaborate, and work without the need for meeting in a centralized location.
A mobile workforce often utilizes technology, such as cloud-based software and digital collaboration tools, to access projects, information, and communication from anywhere.
What is global workforce mobility?
Global workforce mobility is when a company enables its employees to relocate and work from anywhere in the world.
For example, a company might send talent abroad on a short-term or long-term assignment for networking or to train international staff. Or a company might allow their employees to transfer abroad or work as digital nomads while keeping their jobs.
Global workforce mobility allows companies to tap into a larger talent pool to find talent with specific skill sets, diversify their workforce, and stay competitive in the global market.
What are the benefits of workforce mobility?
Workforce mobility provides employers with a strategic approach to growth and attracting and retaining high-quality talent worldwide. Several advantages of workforce mobility include the following:
Broadens the talent pool
Workforce mobility, especially when used globally, allows employers to tap into a larger talent pool. Employers can target specialized talent and individuals with specific skill sets regardless of location.
Improves talent retention
Employees value the ability to work from anywhere, explore opportunities, and advance their careers with new experiences. Workforce mobility allows employees to balance work life with personal endeavors, ultimately increasing job satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty within the organization.
Fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion
Workforce mobility allows employers to source talent with diverse skill sets, experience, and backgrounds. Workforce diversity helps employees learn and respect the differences among their colleagues and fosters healthy and productive collaboration among teams.
Grants insights into new markets
Workforce mobility also allows companies to explore new markets for global expansion and relocate employees to locations where they are needed most.
International employees offer valuable insights into their local markets and can provide companies with strategies for navigating the culture, business practices, and competitors.
How is workforce mobility evolving?
Workforce mobility continues to shift as companies seek global expansion with diverse distributed workforces and talent seeks international opportunities and work flexibility.
Today's world of work is propelling workforce mobility through new technology, changes in work culture and policies, and even talent needs and wants. Several trends shaping and supporting the future of workforce mobility include the following:
- Remote work. Remote work is now a significant and often assumed aspect of workforce mobility options, and many companies offer flexible work arrangements that allow their employees to work from anywhere.
- Digital nomadism. Remote work and improved connectivity worldwide allow employees to adopt a digital nomad lifestyle and work while traveling and living in different locations.
- Technology. Advanced digital work platforms, video conferencing, and collaboration tools allow for seamless communication for remote teams across different time zones and schedules.
- Flexible work policies. Companies continue adopting flexible work policies that allow employees to choose when and where to work.
- Contractors. The gig economy and workforce mobility offer opportunities for employers to engage international contractors for short-term projects and specialized tasks.
- Global talent. Workforce mobility allows companies to tap into the global talent pool and access diverse skills and perspectives, regardless of talent’s geographical location.
- Hybrid work models. Companies are adopting hybrid work models that combine remote and in-office work to provide flexibility while maintaining levels of in-person collaboration.
- Employee experience and skills development. Employers are prioritizing the employee experience for remote and mobile workers by providing the right tools, investing in skills training programs, addressing well-being concerns, and fostering a sense of connection and inclusion.
- Security and compliance. Companies are focusing on ensuring the security of remote work environments and compliance with data protection regulations.
- Rethinking physical workspaces. Companies continue to reimagine their physical office spaces as flexible workspaces and collaborative hubs for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and social interactions.
Key tips for managing a mobile workforce
Effective mobile workforce management requires many considerations as workforce mobility continues to evolve. The following information offers vital tips for successfully establishing and managing a mobile workforce:
Communicate and set clear expectations
Clearly communicate your expectations and communication protocols to your workforce. Establish clear channels, such as video conferencing, messaging applications, and project management tools.
Provide regular updates, guidelines, and feedback to keep everyone informed and address any areas for improvement. Encourage opportunities for remote employees to share feedback in return so they feel valued and heard.
Utilize technology
Ensure that your workforce can access mobile technology and collaboration tools for effective project management, sharing, and communication. Leverage technology that makes it easier to collaborate and access information from various locations and time zones, such as cloud-based software, virtual meetings, and chat applications.
Offer flexible work policies
Provide flexible work policies that accommodate a mobile workforce with various work preferences and time zones. Set boundaries for work hours, communication, and time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Provide training and support
Offer training and resources to ensure remote employees have the necessary tools, technology, and equipment to perform their jobs. Offer ongoing support for technical issues and confirm that employees are comfortable using their virtual tools. Establish regular check-ins to address any remote work challenges and discuss progress.
Implement security measures
Ensure the security of sensitive information by implementing cybersecurity measures and training employees on best practices for maintaining secure information while working remotely.
Also, develop contingency plans for emergencies and ensure that employees know what steps to take in the case of disruptions or technical issues.
Promote inclusivity and team building
Consider the unique backgrounds, skill sets, and perspectives of your distributed workforce, and celebrate that diversity through team events, activities, and recognition.
Create opportunities for team bonding through virtual team-building activities that foster a culture of inclusivity. Encourage social interactions and opportunities that promote camaraderie for employees who do not all work in the same location.
Stay compliant
Employment regulations vary from country to country, so you must consider the logistical nuances of global expansion and relocation, including compliance with local laws, immigration, and global payroll. Understand the local labor laws and remote requirements in every location of your mobile, distributed workforce to ensure global hiring compliance.
