Strategic Mobility Management Survey

Based on data from close to 350 participating organizations, this 2025 report outlines the why and how of global talent mobility programs, their direction, and how they fit within broader company strategies.

Strategic Mobility Management

  • What drives international talent mobility
  • Where mobility management fits within an organization and how it relates to talent management
  • The organization and responsibilities of the mobility function, including operating models, digitalization and technology
  • Demographic trends
  • International assignment policy framework trends

Key Strategic Mobility Management Report highlights

icon of an arrow

Only 6% of organizations say their global mobility program is totally aligned with their global talent strategy, while a quarter say they are aligned. Almost half of respondents indicate that they are only somewhat aligned and should be more aligned, and one-fifth admit they are not aligned and still work in siloes.

icon of an arrow

Employee experience enhancement remains one of the highest global mobility priorities for the next two years, rated the highest priority score by close to half of respondents.

icon of an arrow

Three-quarters report that ensuring that global mobility can play a bigger role in talent management is a medium to high priority for the next two years.

icon of an arrow

Among the tasks performed by the global mobility function, strategic activities typically consume between 10% and 25% of the time in a one-year period. Compared to the last edition’s results, this shows an increasing trend in the amount of time spent on strategic activities.

icon of an arrow

Costs is once more at the forefront of organizations’ obstacles to international mobility, as the number one barrier. Above half of respondents mentioned the high cost of moves as a large or very large barrier to international mobility in their organization, a 10 percentage points increase compared to the previous edition results.

icon of an arrow

As a measure to address the potential negative environmental impacts of global mobility, four in ten offer a furniture/cash allowance instead of shipping personal/household items, a 12 percent points increase compared to two years ago.

Order now

Participation remains open

You may participate at your convenience to receive discounted access to the full report and benefit from participant-only benchmarking opportunities. Survey participants can also order custom cut benchmarking reports for tailored insights and company positioning.

Complete the Strategic Mobility Management Survey →

Order online The 2025 Strategic Mobility Management report is available through our online shop, along with other reports covering a range of talent mobility topics.

Order online

Policy benchmarking Participation in the WIAPP facilitates a review with Mercer's Policy Benchmarking service. We can assess your mobility program using precise benchmarking tools and report on gaps in your program that could be costing you money or valuable competitive advantage.

Learn more