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Excellence in global mobility/global policy design/implementation

by Editorial Team | Jun 25, 2024

Winner: Assicurazioni Generali

Leveraging deep subject knowledge and sharing learning with the academic community, the Group Global Mobility team at the insurer and asset management company has redefined the global mobility strategy to better support employee inclusion and wellbeing in a cost-effective way, supported by digitised processes and collaboration with its service providers.

As impressive and inspiring is how this entry demonstrates global mobility teams’ vital role in talent development and employee engagement at the company, which has operations in 50 countries and a global workforce of 80,000.

Innovating inclusive hybrid approaches

Assicurazioni Generali’s four-strong Group Global Mobility team designed and rolled out the new global mobility programme for 2022-24 as part of the company’s overarching people strategy. Led by Patrick Harteveld, group head of expatriate management, the team focused on two aspects: how to cultivate a more inclusive work environment; and enable an effective organisation by embracing sustainable hybrid work models rooted in digitalisation.

Throughout its innovation journey, the team leveraged legal frameworks to define approaches that align much more closely with today’s global workforce needs. The range of new assignment types, from flexible short-term experiences to pioneering international hybrid working and international hiring, are highly valued across the business for the crucial flexibility they provide to international hires and operational capability.

A new suite of assignment types

Among the suite of options for short-term moves are Virtual International Experiences. This early-career development enables people to gain international exposure and work across borders without the disruption and cost of a physical move. This cost-effective and inclusive approach is breaking down silos and strengthening the company’s internal networks, as well as deepening Assicurazioni Generali’s global culture of collaboration and exchange.

The company’s longer-term assignments are as innovative. They bring flexibility and choice to sought-after hybrid working arrangements in the international context. Commuter assignments have been transformed into the Hybrid Assignment model. Allowing up to 90 days home-country working, these assignments promote flexibility and employee wellbeing balanced with compliance and cost-effectiveness.

The new International Hiring Flex assignment also better accounts for international permanent hires’ individual needs, offering 50 working days in the original work location.

“This entry is bringing something new to the table,” concluded the category judges. “They fully deserve external recognition for their flexible and responsive programme to the conditions we all face today and the hybrid working models that are being demanded for the future.”

“We are very keen on providing innovative and flexible mobility solutions to our Group,” said Patrick Harteveld, receiving the award. “Not only does this allow us to tap into a greater talent market for acquiring and retaining people, but we also support them in having a better work-life balance. An external, impartial recognition for our innovations fills us with great pride.”

See the Winners Announced Page

The award was collected by Alistair Hunt, sales director, Santa Fe Relocation on behalf of Patrick Harteveld, group head of expatriate management, Assicurazioni Generali, as unfortunately he was unable to attend on the night.