Global mobility is a growing and ever-evolving industry. At People Mobility Alliance, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the trends and topics shaping the field. One way we showcase our expertise is through networking and conference events. Our co-founder Daniel Zinner recently had the honour of moderating a series of discussions with some of the industry’s most influential voices at the DGfP GM Conference in Berlin.
The German Society for Human Resource Management (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Personalführung) or DGfP for short is Germany’s longest-running and largest HR association, having been going for over 70 years.
In this blog post, we unpack his main takeaways and insights from the in-person event.
DGfP GM Conference: A Hub of Global Mobility Insights
Held at the vibrant headquarters of HelloFresh in Kreuzberg, Berlin, the DGfP GM Conference brought together leaders and experts from various industries to explore the latest trends in global mobility. The event was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the global mobility community, which has continued to thrive despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the two in-person conference days, both participants and attendees engaged in many deep discussions, workshops and networking sessions. We covered topics from operational global mobility and policy development to international remote work and digitalization. The event was a full-spectrum exploration of how mobility can be a transformative tool for HR departments and companies looking to attract, manage and retain global talent.
Trend 1: Transformation of Global Mobility
One of the main themes was the ongoing transformation within the global mobility sector. The role global mobility professionals play has significantly expanded over the last few years and they are no longer confined to traditional assignments. During the conference, representatives from Deutsche Bahn and Continental shared their strategies for becoming both operational partners to HR and strategic partners to their organizations. This shift emphasises the importance of mobility in shaping corporate culture and addressing complex challenges in a cost-conscious environment.
Trend 2: Increasing Flexibility in the Workplace
Flexibility in the workplace has been an ongoing trend for a number of years. Its relevance and importance were once again raised during the conference, especially by Clarissa Kaiser from BioNTech SE and Pieter Manden of WorkFlex, who both highlighted the need to balance compliance with employee experience. Their session on making processes more flexible emphasized how crucial it is for companies to adapt to the diverse needs of their workforce while maintaining robust government frameworks. The discussion made clear that flexibility is not only about accommodating different work styles but also about enhancing overall company performance.
Trend 3: Digitalisation of Global Mobility Processes
The third biggest theme of the conference was the digital transformation of global mobility. Michali Henig from HelloFresh shared the company’s innovative approaches to managing relocation services through technology. Integrating digital tools into HR and global mobility teams transforms how companies handle mobility and helps make processes more efficient, while also ensuring a personal touch remains intact. Digitalisation is not just a convenience; it’s a strategic necessity enabling companies to respond quickly and effectively to global mobility needs.
Trend 4: The Formula to Enhance Company Performance
One theme that was woven through all discussions and sessions during the conference was the formula that drives company performance. The consensus was clear: mindset + technology = enhanced company performance. Adopting a forward-thinking mindset combined with leveraging cutting-edge technologies can significantly improve a company’s operational capabilities. Whether it’s managing virtual secondments, as discussed by Andreas Thalmann of Merck Group, or onboarding international hires, as presented by Lena Egbers from Deutsche Bahn, the right blend of innovative thinking and technological solutions is key to staying ahead in global mobility.
Trend 5: People Centricity
The fifth and one of the most important trends highlighted was the critical importance of people centricity in global mobility strategies. As technology continues to streamline processes, it’s important to remember that efficiency does not necessarily equate to human satisfaction. Multiple speakers underscored the importance of guiding employees through the complex relocation process with empathy, acknowledging that technology alone cannot address emotional intelligence or bridge cultural differences. This human touch not only enhances employee experience but also boosts productivity and engagement. By integrating digital tools with a people-centric approach, organisations can foster a supportive environment that maximises the success of their global mobility initiatives.
Expertise in Action
At People Mobility Alliance, we possess deep-rooted expertise and knowledge in the field of global mobility. That is how and why we get to take part in and moderate these amazing events. Our expertise is not just theoretical but is actively applied in our consulting approach, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest trends and best practices. The DGfP GM Conference was a perfect platform to showcase our thought leadership and our commitment to advancing global mobility practices.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the success of the DGfP GM Conference, we are excited about the future of global mobility. The event reaffirmed that transformation, flexibility, and digitalization are not just trends but fundamental shifts that are redefining how we approach global mobility. At PMA, we are dedicated to continuing our role as leaders in this space, helping organizations navigate these changes and achieve their global mobility goals.
We look forward to next year’s event for another round of insightful discussions and innovative ideas. Until then, we will continue to lead the way in global mobility, providing our clients with the expertise and tools they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
