GTN Mobility Tax Blog

Global mobility programs are a win-win solution for both your company and your mobile employees.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic challenges have resulted in fundamental changes for many industries. We have seen labor market shifts, immigration restrictions, and budgetary challenges for national and local jurisdictions across the globe. At the same time, thanks to today’s ever-evolving technology, time zones and borders are not as relevant, and we can now work simultaneously with our colleagues across all corners of the globe—especially in this new world of remote or “work anywhere” workforces. However, these technology advances will also make it more possible for tax and immigration authorities to monitor and enforce regulatory compliance on both employers and their mobile employees.

As the world of cross-border business returns and business travel begins again, you are likely thinking about your mobility program and its ability to scale with your organization’s global goals. And as your mobile workforce grows—whether it consists of remote workers, business travelers, or traditional assignments and transfers—you must consider the complications and major mobility tax issues that will surface as business travel increases.

Without a doubt, COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work, especially within the global mobility industry. As vaccines finally make their way around the globe, organizations are realizing the traditional idea of having employees in the office every day may not be the way of the future. Programs and policies need to adapt to a new way of managing a remote workforce.

An article on mobility strategy during a global pandemic that has significantly curtailed global travel? Surely you jest! However, there may be no better time than now to address your mobility program and its ability to scale with your organization’s global goals. Call us optimistic, but, based on recent discussions with clients and related news reports, we foresee what could be a surge in global mobility later this year once global vaccination efforts ramp up. Now is the time to evaluate your mobility strategy to ensure your organization is ready once the floodgates open. So where do you begin?

While 2020 brought new challenges to the forefront for the global mobility industry, the world of cross-border business continued. Even though business travel was greatly reduced, large scale projects were put on hold, and the day-to-day tasks of a mobility manager shifted, there remained a need to stay on top of the ever-evolving rules and regulations of the global mobility landscape.

The following is a transcription of the webinar, “Mobility Leadership Forum: Leading an Organization During COVID-19 and the Future State of Global Mobility” which was held on June 18, 2020. This webinar showcased a panel of various industry leaders discussing their experiences leading organizations during the pandemic.