The Brisbane Chapter Meeting on the 3rd November 2016 started off with a quick immigration and tax update from the PwC team (our hosts).

Then the panel consisting of

• Alex Taylor, Cardno
• Robyn Clabrough, Rio Tinto
• Greta McCloy, Rio Tinto
• Jill Price, Oracle
• Anna Law, PwC

Launched into a discussion of our Topic “Flexing for the Future”. The motivation to address this topic was the growing need and focus on the requirement to be agile and flexible to change. Companies are required to ensure they have access to the right workforce to deliver on these ever changing global requirements. In a recent PwC survey of CEOs; 72% indicated they were very concerned about the right talent in the right place at the right time.

Specifically exploring three areas organisations could consider flexing into.

1. Flexibility in approach to moving employees – a shift towards business travellers and short term assignments (being more flexible in assignment types to meet business needs)
2. Flexibility in the assignment benefits that are offered– ‘cash envelope’ or ‘menu’ approach to benefits
3. Flexibility as a tool to attract and retain key talent - including the shift by some large

Australian corporates to implement an official "All Roles Flex" policy and the implications this generates in a mobility context.

Opportunities for flexible working approach:

• Retain and build key talent including addressing diversity imbalances
• Consider barriers that restrict a diverse workforce
• Value for the employee and benefits for the organisation

Actions:

• Clarity on business drivers for talent moves
• Consider flexibility of mobility solutions
• Define parameters for the business to operate within tax and immigration guidelines
• Monitor and measure outcomes

Ultimately, technology is the great enabler for flexible working arrangements and assignments. Not all roles are going to have the same degree of flexibility but it is increasingly important to embrace the change that is building, instead of resisting it and learning to adapt the workforce culture. Normalising or mainstreaming flexible working.

Want to know more about the Brisbane Chapter Meeting or receive updates on future events? Please email Aysegul Kayahan