2022 Survey on Host-Based Approach for International Assignments

The study collects benchmarking data on multinational companies' host-based approaches for international assignments across all geographies, whether purely host-based or host-based-plus.

2022 survey report: All you need to know about host-based compensation and benefits approaches for international assignments of limited duration (1-5 years).

While also gathering data for general program trends regardless of any compensation and benefits approach, the 2022 compensation, benefits and relocation assistance questionnaire intentionally focuses on host-based approaches used for international assignments of limited duration only.

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Time-limited assignments encompass any long-term assignment of a limited duration (1 to 5 years) after which the assignee will either return to the home country, move to another assignment location or be permanently localized in the host country.

By contrast, other Mercer surveys can be completed with regard to approaches to one-way transfers, internationally hired foreigners or international assignees localized from a home-based package after a certain assignment duration.

Selected report findings:

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The top 3 drivers making companies choose the host-based approach for compensation and benefits of their international assignees are:

  1. Pay philosophy (local equity)
  2. Cost effectivieness
  3. Simplified administration
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The trend is growing! Half of respondents expect an increase in long-term assignments on a host-based approach within the next two years, compared to just 21% expecting an increase in those on a home-based approach.

 
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Among the companies that differentiate host-based policies for self- and company-initiated moves, nearly 2/3 only use a pure local approach with no "plus" benefits for the employee-requested assignments.

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The top 3 "plus" benefits offered by multinational companies to assignees on host-based plans are:

  1. Medical beneft
  2. Tax briefing assistance
  3. Tax filing assistance

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Topics covered

1. General mobility program management and demographic trends

2. Host-based approach for international assignments of temporary duration including:

  • Trends and management, as well as eligibility
  • Base pay
  • Plus allowances and benefits
  • Relocation assistance
  • Short-term and long-term incentives
  • Contract and employment conditions
  • Benefits

Participation remains open

You can still participate and gian:

  • Exclusive 66% discount to purchase the 2022 report
  • Access to custom participant-only benchmarking solutions
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Need other data?

Order one of the available reports:

Local-Plus Asia Reports

A closer look at global and regional policies and practices for paying international employees on a locally-based salary structure.

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Reports available:

  • Singapore Location-Specific Report
  • Vietnam Location-Specific Report
  • Hong Kong Location-Specific Report

Participate now The survey remains open to new participants. Completing it gives you access to unique benchmarking opportunities and entitles you to discounted report pricing.

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Local Approaches Webinar See the highlights of our latest host-based approaches survey, get key takeaways for multinational companies, and hear a case study from Credit Suisse sharing their experience of applying local scenarios.

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Host-based compensation approaches revisited A closer look at the complexities related to host-based compensation approaches and assignee localization. 

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Localized Compensation Localized, or host-based, compensation packages can be significantly less expensive than traditional expatriate pay packages, but they must be applied with care and in appropriate circumstances. Mercer can help with developing policies and calculating packages.

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Compensation Localizer 2.0 Mercer’s Compensation Localizer calculator helps you assess how home pay compares to the host compensation program.

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