Global mobility survey reveals, AI adoption has raced ahead of governance
AI adoption has raced ahead of governance, according to ECA’s Global Mobility Now 2026 survey. Four-fifths of organisations now use AI in some form, but only about 6% have embedded it into structured workflows, and many are using tools like long language models (LLMs) with little oversight or data protection in place. For a profession underpinned by compliance is this a worry?
What does this mean for employee engagement? Global mobility teams have been under stress for some time. This is not surprising as global mobility (GM) now has responsibility for a myriad of different mobility types. As well as long-term assignments and short-term assignments, permanent transfers, international commuters and remote workers now fall within their remit as well as foreign direct hires, domestic mobility, business travel and extended business trips.
Oliver Browne, Head of Content and Insights at ECA, says: “Limited budgets are restricting investment in all kinds of mobility technology. As a result, organisations are turning to lower-cost solutions, such as standalone AI tools, in the short term. That said, many recognise the benefits of enhanced mobility technology, including improved productivity, greater data oversight and stronger strategic capabilities. In the current climate, this is why businesses are making incremental technology improvements where budgets allow, laying the foundations for future transformation.”
The top five global participant industry groups were manufacturing, technology engineering finance including insurance and chemical and pharmaceutical. The survey of 302 organisations across 36 countries highlighted the trends in the biggest worldwide employers with 58% employing 10,001- 100,000 around the world.
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The Global Mobility Now 2026 survey covers AI adoption, compliance tracking, employee experience, diversity in mobility and programme growth expectations.
Download a sample of the report and explore the findings in detail here https://eca.global/Content/Collateral/Surveys%20and%20Reports/ECA-GlobalMobilityNow(sample).pdf
Methodology: The Global Mobility Now 2026 survey was conducted by ECA, drawing responses from global mobility, HR and reward professionals across multiple sectors and regions, and 302 respondents participated.
