Return on Investment (ROI) in Global Mobility
entry by Julie M. Marx, Global Family Expert at Expat Valley
ROI in Global Mobility refers to the systematic assessment of the value an organization gains from its international assignments and broader mobility program, by comparing the full cost of relocating employees and families with the measurable business, talent, and learning outcomes those moves generate.
Comparable terms
Assignment Success (Transitions & Mobility); Global Mobility Policy (Professional Support Roles); Business Case for Mobility (HR / finance practice)
Why this matters
Naming ROI in Global Mobility makes explicit that family-inclusive relocation support is not just a cost but a strategic investment. When organizations track ROI, they are more likely to factor in family adjustment, assignment completion, talent retention, and leadership pipeline development rather than focusing only on short-term expenses. This term helps HR, finance, and mobility teams align around shared metrics and language.
Cross-references
Assignment Success (Transitions & Mobility); Global Mobility Policy (Professional Support Roles) ROI in Global Mobility operationalizes how organizations judge the success of assignments described under Assignment Success and provides the quantitative lens that informs the design choices captured in Global Mobility Policy.
Sources
Doherty, N., & Dickmann, M. (2012). Measuring the return on investment in international assignments: a review of professional practice and the academic literature. International Journal of Human Resource Management.
A two-tiered Family Support Program
Client Profile Industry: Aviation & Aerospace Headquarters: USA Company Size: Global enterprise with over 100,000 employees worldwide Mobility Program Size: 10-49 international assignments/year Geographic Scope of Assignment Footprint: Global, with primary operational hubs and international corporate stations spanning the Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), and APAC (Asia-Pacific). The Challenge:...
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