{"id":2409,"date":"2024-03-21T01:50:31","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T01:50:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/relocate.me\/blog\/?p=2409"},"modified":"2026-04-02T14:44:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T14:44:02","slug":"guide-to-global-mobility-and-international-hiring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/relocate.me\/blog\/international-hiring\/guide-to-global-mobility-and-international-hiring\/","title":{"rendered":"The Beginner\u2019s Guide to Global Mobility: How Companies Can Hire International Talent"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 9<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

For a business, adopting a global mobility strategy means making the most out of a globalised workforce. Greater diversity, skilled labour, extended operational hours, and access to specialised skills that may not be readily available in your home country \u2014 global mobility can bring on all of those advantages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, crossing borders and onboarding workers from different backgrounds in their home country or yours is a complex process. Global mobility programs need to be set up to make this strategy work. We\u2019ll walk you through the key elements of a global mobility program and how your company can run one so that you can hire and onboard international talent with ease.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is global mobility?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Global mobility, also known sometimes as <\/span>employee relocation<\/span><\/i>, is the HR process that allows businesses to move workers across international borders, from one location to another to meet the company\u2019s operational, strategic or development needs. In this sense, it implies planning, coordinating and administrating employee relocations, including aspects such as visas, work permits, accommodation, benefits and cultural support to ensure a smooth transition into the new environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Is global mobility similar to employee relocation?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Yes, <\/span>global mobility<\/span><\/i> is a relatively new term that has been gaining popularity in the <\/span>past 30 years<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> and that is very similar to the less-sellable <\/span>employee relocation<\/span><\/i>. But talking about <\/span>global mobility<\/span><\/i> has extra undertones that more closely represent the opportunities the workforce has access to in the 21st century.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, relocating within one\u2019s country for work is still very common in certain regions. Talking about <\/span>employee relocation<\/span><\/i> certainly applies to domestic transfers, but falls short of defining how companies can enable workers to move across international borders for work, or to make international hires. Also, <\/span>global mobility<\/span><\/i> suggests a company strategy, not a single effort from the employee\u2019s camp. Additionally, some HR teams consider business travel a part of <\/span>global mobility<\/span><\/i>, while <\/span>relocation <\/span><\/i>refers to a new life in a new town, not a business trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

All in all, the terms are comparable, but global mobility underscores the international aspect of the movements. It\u2019s also the name of an HR strategy: HR teams can make global mobility happen.<\/span><\/p>\n

These employees\u2019 transfers, movements, or <\/span>assignments<\/span><\/i> can be classified into:<\/span><\/p>\n