Episode 1: Future of Mobility

Martha:

Hello, and welcome to MVP – Mobility via Podcast our new podcast series focused on global mobility. I am Martha Klasing, a partner of our Global Mobility Services group in Washington National Tax. This series will look at some of the most pressing issues and opportunities facing global mobility departments through interviews with leaders in global mobility, human resources, tax and other areas of business.

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Bob Mischler, the partner-in-charge of our U.S. Global Mobility Services group at KPMG.

Bob … thanks for joining us today.

Bob:

Thank you, it’s good to be here.

Martha:

What would you say are the top issues global mobility departments are facing today?

Bob:

There are some big issues; one is digitization and automation. This is not just about making the back-office more efficient, but it’s about how companies can use digitization to create a different kind of experience for their employees. Another issue is around changing business models. Companies are thinking about what they should be doing within their organization and what risks they should be taking around global mobility and compliance.

Martha:

You mentioned changing business models as a key issue.  In what ways do you see organizations changing?

Bob:

Organizations are changing their business models and the way they do work. We’re living in a time unlike any before, technology-based devices are now a part of everyday life and they change how we interact with each other, how we work, and how we interact with the world. More businesses are adopting technology-driven solutions to manage rising employee and assignment costs. This includes Robotic Process Automation – which refers to software that can be programmed to do basic tasks across multiple applications.

Organizations are also changing their business models based on data and analytics. We have a real opportunity to use data and analytics to drive greater confidence and credibility in the global mobility organization. It can also allow the global mobility function to shift from administration to higher value business advisory. Through data and analytics, we’re seeing closer partnerships developed between mobility, HR and other business units and more alignment between global mobility and the company’s strategic vision and initiatives.

Martha:

So what does all this mean for the future … what are some trends you’re seeing?

Bob:

In my opinion, there’s some fundamental changes that are happening right now that are going to change the shape of how companies, mobility professionals and employees think about global mobility.

The first one is that global compliance will become a matter of survival, not a choice or an option.

The second one is that efficient, digital platforms and the digital enablement of a mobility program will become essential. I think that companies will continue to focus on the employee experience – monitoring it, improving it, and maximizing that experience for their talent and the connection to their international career.

And the final one is that in order to do all of these things, the organizational structure must be lean and focused with a very clear purpose that underpins the company strategy, that is relatable and valuable to a diverse and multi-generational workforce that they’re looking to attract.

Martha:

Bob, you’ve spent your career working with businesses to address global mobility challenges. How can KPMG’s Global Mobility Services assist companies?

Bob:

The landscape of the global workforce really is changing … and as a result, the opportunities are greater than ever. Our professionals can help companies respond to these changes and drive both talent and business outcomes. We have the people and technical experience to provide organizations with integrated technology solutions, data for critical business insight, and technical advice necessary in order to manage mobile workforces with confidence.

We’re really passionate about helping companies make their mobility programs future ready by transforming mobility programs, and aligning global talent management with overall business strategy.

Martha:

Thank you Bob, you’ve given us a lot to think about and we really appreciate you taking the time to go through it with us.

Bob:

Thank you very much for having me.

Martha:

In future episodes we’ll spend more time on top-of-mind issues, geopolitics, digitization and changing business models. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you. If you have thoughts on today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, send us an e-mail at the address below. And remember, you can find our latest publications and other materials at kpmg.com/futureofmobility. Thanks for listening!