Setting up global mobility strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the legal issues that HR professionals may face when seconding talent internationally for work assignments and offer advice on how to overcome the challenges involved. Design/methodology/approach – Best practices are outlined to help avoid legal issues when seconding talent to other countries. The guidance offered is based on private practice experience of almost 15 years in employment and global mobility issues and studies of case law and jurisprudence with regard to global mobility. Findings – Seconding employees abroad can be a complex and confusing process. Assumptions should be avoided and care taken to investigate the legal and tax implications in each country. A global mobility strategy should be put in place to ensure proper procedures are applied. Originality/value – The best practice provided in this paper will be useful to HR professionals with employees working across the globe, as it takes a global view of talent mobility.