In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, the landscape of talent mobility is changing at an unprecedented pace. The 2023 global research study, “Peace of Mind on the Move,” spearheaded by Heather De Cruz-Cornaire, MSc, BSc, sheds light on the intricate interplay between policy, human connection, and employee well-being. This study offers a fresh perspective on the evolving dynamics of global workforces and the critical importance of understanding the transferee experience.
Unveiling the Research
Initiated against the transformative backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study explored the seismic shifts reshaping work cultures worldwide. With the rise of remote work and hybrid models, organizations have been compelled to reevaluate traditional paradigms of productivity and trust. De Cruz-Cornaire, a seasoned business psychologist, used a blend of quantitative insights and qualitative depth to examine the nexus of health, human connection, and resilience in talent mobility.
“We wanted to have a 360-degree view,” De Cruz-Cornaire explains. Unlike traditional big data approaches, this study adopted a bottom-up, organic methodology, allowing unexpected yet valuable insights to surface. This innovative approach revealed three overarching themes: health and well-being, human connection, and resilience.
Themes of Resilience
While health and resilience have long been established trends in workforce discourse, the spotlight on human connection emerged as a pivotal yet often overlooked dimension. The study found that human interaction is crucial for a positive relocation experience, offering a sense of belonging and support essential for navigating the challenges of global relocation.
“The human connection element evolved as a missing link from the big data trends we were seeing,” says De Cruz-Cornaire. When present, human connection buoyed employees, making them feel valued and connected. Conversely, its absence led to isolation, especially in situations of global mobility.
The Psychological Contract
Central to the study’s findings is the concept of the psychological contract—a tacit agreement imbued with implicit expectations and promises. These covert agreements significantly shape employee perceptions and experiences, influencing their sense of belonging and well-being.
“The psychological contract is everywhere,” De Cruz-Cornaire notes. These hidden promises often impact employee experiences, especially for transferees and their families. The study highlights the need for organizations to align policies with these implicit expectations to foster positive transferee experiences.
Balancing Automation with Humanity
In an era dominated by digital automation, organizations face balancing efficiency with empathy. As the workforce increasingly comprises millennials, the demand for personalized, human-centric policies intensifies. De Cruz-Cornaire suggests a paradigm shift toward employee-driven policies, where health and well-being take center stage. Embracing Industry 5.0 entails fostering loyalty and engagement through sustained improvements in policy and practice.
Fulfilling Duty of Care
Amidst the VUCA landscape, organizations must fulfill their duty of care obligations toward globally mobile workforces. Listening to employee voices and embedding health and well-being at the core of policies are fundamental imperatives. Additionally, extending support to accompanying partners and families underscores a holistic approach to talent mobility that transcends transactionalism to embrace the nuances of human experience.
Conclusion
The "Peace of Mind on the Move" study provides invaluable insights into the evolving world of talent mobility. By emphasizing human connection and understanding the psychological contract, organizations can significantly enhance the transferee experience. Balancing automation with a human touch and fulfilling duty of care obligations are essential to creating a supportive and resilient global workforce. As organizations adapt to these insights, they will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of talent mobility in the modern world.
For more detailed insights, read the full article by WERC Staff published in Global Workforce: [The Crucial Role of Human Connection in Talent Mobility] (https://www.worldwideerc.org/article/the-crucial-role-of-human-connection-in-talent-mobility)./.,
To explore the full study, download it here: [Peace of Mind on the MoveStudy](https://www.worldwideerc.org/download/peace-of-mind-on-the-move-study). Integrating these findings into your talent mobility strategies allows you to foster a more connected, valued, and resilient workforce, ready to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.