FEMs Brussels Chapter saw a lively discussion between the Panel and audience on Thursday 22 September. The Panel consisted of the FEMs Brussels Steering Committee members, Sigrid Nauwelaerts (J&J), Daphne Meganck (UCB), Veronique Devooght (BNParibasFortis) and also Peter Wuyts (BDO Belgium).

Santa Fe Relocation Services were invited to share the findings from their annual 2016 Global Mobility Survey which for 2016, includes the views and responses from c. 60 ‘C’ suite business leaders. BDO joined ranks with Santa Fe in commissioning the Business Leaders research as part of the overall Global Mobility Survey. The total survey responses were c. 1,200 which is one of the largest of its kind in the Global Mobility industry.

Under the theme of ‘Bridging the gap– closing the gap between global mobility reality and business expectations’, John Rason, Santa Fe’s Head of Consulting Services highlighted the key findings;

Changing nature of Assignment types - high growth expected in short term business travellers and short term assignments and greater policy segmentation (based on business and talent drivers), resulting in more company and employee initiated permanent transfers. A forecast reduction in the number of long-term assignments.

Global Mobility’s future role - Business leaders are looking for enhanced value from their global mobility teams to make a strategic contribution and not just focus on compliance and administration – largely seen as ‘hygiene’ activities.

Data analytics and demonstrating a commercial approach was critical to global mobility been seen as a business partner.

The Panel provided examples of how their organisations were responding to these challenges and opportunities, with a clear focus on being more engaged with the business. There was a lively debate about the current and future trend of global mobility teams taking control of Business Traveller programmes.

Challenges over the next five years – it seems the world is becoming more complicated and there is an expected increase associated with immigration and compliance, concerns over personal safety and security and host country conditions such as cost of housing and high living costs.

The next session saw BDO’s Alexandra Martin share some of the key considerations associated with risk and compliance, in regard to Business Travellers and Short Term Assignments and provide an update on Brexit.

It was a very interactive event and covered a lot of material relevant to future proofing global mobility’s place as a business partner.

Want to know more about the Belgium Chapter Meeting or receive updates on future events? Please email Marianne Aronsen.