Tokyo, the business and technological capital of Asia
Countries in Asia, including China and India are considered some of the most challenging destinations for relocating employees. In the Global Mobility Survey 2012 cultural differences were identified by 57% of respondents as the main reason behind the demanding nature of certain countries.
Employees working in Asia should be aware each country has its own individual conventions for doing business. However, there are a few ideas that do apply across countries and some important differences to remember. Hopefully, by having at least a basic knowledge of business etiquette, you can avoid the common pitfalls of conducting business in a foreign country.
Relocating to China is getting easier
China’s policy for expats seeking permanent residency has undergone a change recently, with increased benefits and a reduction in barriers to application. The developments follow a perceived need to attract foreign talent, and the poor uptake of green cards since their introduction in 2004. Only around 5,000 have been granted up to 2012, compared to vastly higher figures in countries like Australia (100,000 since 2004) and the USA (120,000 in the same period).
Things look set to change though. With China’s government looking at changes to the regulations that would make it easier to work, invest and live in the People’s Republic, as well as new rights when buying property and accessing social security.
Increased employee benefits will be needed for UK companies to entice their employees abroad.
Close to half of British companies, of all sizes, are looking to extend their presence overseas, according to a survey by private medical insurance providers, Expacare. The survey questioned 100 decision makers from UK businesses with between five and 1,000 employees.
Nearly a half (43%) were considering a move to start working abroad, or to strengthen their current international position. The results also revealed two thirds (64%) of SMEs expect trading overseas is set to become commonplace in the future.
The cost of living and finding a job were among the top worries for people moving to the UAE.
A new survey has shown nearly a half of expats moving to the UAE don’t have enough practical information. A third found the relocation process more difficult than they expected, according to the research from Zurich, an international insurance company.
The survey of 775 expatriates in the UAE was conducted by YouGov, and found the most difficult part of relocation was obtaining a driving licence, with 21 percent of respondents reporting this. Finding employment (18%), the cost of living (17%) and the weather (12%) followed in second, third and fourth place.
The rise of expats who travel from country to country on assignments and the increase in health insurance premiums make the provision of expat benefits challenging.
The total number of employees on international assignments has stayed relatively stable over the last few years. However, the number of global nomads (people who move from country to country on multiple assignments) and long-term expats has increased. This is creating challenges for employers when it comes to providing expatriate benefits.
According to Mercer’s 2011/2012 Benefits Survey for Expatriates and Internationally Mobile Employees, providing expatriate benefits is a key priority for multinational companies. The survey covers expat benefit policies in 288 multinational companies that have 119,000 expat employees between them.
Employees benefit from career advancements and employers can fill skill gaps and expand into new markets.
A new study shows relocating employees abroad can be beneficial to both business and employees. Conducted by TJinsite, the survey results showed 70 percent of organisations think relocation is especially important for talent acquisition and retention. This percentage was significantly higher in larger companies, those with 500+ employees. With a larger workforce staff mobility is higher and the cost of relocation can more easily be absorbed.
A lack of talent and business expansion were named as the main reasons for relocation. The results also revealed relocation is the first choice for employers and is preferable over hiring new staff in the case of business expansion. Over half of companies stated relocation solved the problem of skills shortages in particular areas.
The increase in expatriate assignments looks set to continue through 2012.
Despite the ongoing global economic crisis, companies are increasing the number of employees they send abroad. According to the 2012 Global Relocation Trends Survey report, overseas assignments increased at 64 percent of companies in 2011, compared with 43 percent the previous year.
Among these companies 63 percent expect this trend to continue in 2012. This would indicate a return to pre-recession levels of overseas relocation. Industries with the highest growth of international assignments are healthcare, pharmaceutical and energy. The financial and service sectors are at a new low in terms of international relocation.
With more companies sending employees overseas it is more important than ever to make sure you are up to date with compliance rules.
A recent study has shown the number of people moving abroad for work continues to increase. While this is benefiting the recruitment and relocation industries, it brings risks in terms of international compliance. The biggest risk for recruiters or companies is found when moving talent across borders.
The “2011 Global Talent Mobility Survey” of more than 160,000 job seekers in 66 countries, by online recruitment firm The Network and Intelligence Group, concluded that, “Workers were keener than ever before to move internationally for a new job.
The cost of living is increasing in the UAE and Singapore, especially for education.
The United Arab Emirates, and in particular Dubai, has long been a top destination for professional expatriates. But now, the rising cost of living is impacting on the lives of expats across the region.
The cost of rent has fallen slightly, but the cost of everything else is rising. This includes groceries, utilities, school fees, entertainment and leisure. Larissa Voronina, a Russian expat living with her family, told the Dubai Chronicle, “I used to spend Dh500 weekly on groceries a year ago.but for the same quantity of essential items the bill comes to Dh600 or even Dh700 now.”
Help employees organise their move with these mobile apps.
Exercising, cooking, health checks, many things have been made easier with the advent of new apps. For employees or clients relocating abroad the stress levels can be high. Consider using one of these mobile phone apps to aid in the relocation process.
1. Moving List – An app for iPhone and iPod Touch, it contains a to-do list with 95 pre-programmed tasks commonly associated with moving and the option to add your own. It also includes a timeline telling you how far in advance you should be finding packing boxes, packing, notifying utility companies, shipping things etc. Cost: US$2.99