RELO Roundtable…a gathering place

According to the 2010 Global Relocation Trends Survey Report, published by Brookfield Global Relocation Services, almost half (44%) of the 120 companies polled recently anticipate their expatriate populations to expand. That's the same percentage that expect their overseas assignments to remain the same. Meanwhile, 12 percent remain cautious and forecast a decrease in activity.

Age matters
Older workers take heart.  The report notes that companies that are transferring employees for both short- and long-term assignments are turning to older, more experienced employees to fill the ranks. Expatriates ages 40 to 49 increased from 37 percent to 40 percent, while those 50 to 59 years old increased from 14 percent to 16 percent.

Trailing partners handicapped
Reflecting the current economic conditions, the survey confirms that it is continues to be increasingly difficult for previously employed partners to find jobs during their assignments. Only 9 percent were employed both before and during their expat assignments, compared to a historical average of 14 percent. This is an all time low during the 15 years that Brookfield has been conducting their annual survey.

Register for webinar
Brookfield plans to present key findings of its 2010 survey on Tuesday, April 20, during a complimentary webinar designed to provide a comparative analysis of the key global mobility issues facing today’s business world. To register, go to: http://www.brookfieldgrs.com/2010GRTS_Webinar.html

The webinar will address the following areas:

• Volume of international assignments and expatriate demographics
• Response to economic conditions
• Expatriate destinations and related challenges
• Cultural and family issues
• Assignment types, policy types and program design strategy
• Program and assignment objectives
• Repatriation and expatriate retention

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