Many HR departments and in-house Global Mobility functions are caught between a surging demand for increasingly diverse assignments and business pressures on costs and resources.

That's the painful, day-to-day reality for many HR directors and their departments world-wide, according to the Global Mobility Survey 2015, the largest study of its kind, with research based on feedback from nearly 1,300 companies from 74 countries.

The report commissioned by global mobility specialist Santa Fe shows that life is becoming increasingly complex for global mobility functions. They now have to manage a greater diversity of candidates, dynamic legislation, challenging new markets, a dazzling array of compensation options, assignment packages and policy types.

The survey reveals that over the past 12 months, there has been a 24.8% net growth in organisations worldwide reporting an increase in assignment activity. But it seems the resources required and value delivered through Global Mobility functions is not always recognised within the businesses that they serve. The evidence strongly indicates that Global Mobility departments are being squeezed.

Rather than focussing on how Global Mobility can deliver value to the business, it appears that many organisations are instead set on cost reduction. Virtually all companies (92.8%) are focussed on containing costs and over half (53.5%) are feeling under significant pressure to reduce the overall cost of their programmes – requiring them to do more with less in terms of head count and resources. The survey covers other topics too. It explores the type and level of risks that Global Mobility functions must manage and how personal risk to employees on assignment has been highlighted on the agenda for many companies.

The Global Mobility Survey 2015 makes fascinating reading for HR directors and Global Mobility professionals who want to spot global trends early - and are seeking expert guidance on how to optimise Return on Investment from their strategies.

www.globalmobilitysurvey.com