ICYMI: What risks and challenges are we seeing now and in the future?

As we roll into November and sneak up on the midpoint of Q4 2022, it's hard not to feel jittery about where things are going and what's ahead of us in 2023. I am signed up for the Nov 10 webinar, Risk Outlook 2023, hosted by EIU’s experts that will explore major risks that could affect the global political and economic landscape in 2023. We'll see what professional risk assessors have to say, looking for insights for mobility leaders to consider where and how they can plan for success in the new year. No doubt, there are things that will come up that won't be on our current list of worries.  

Now, like we do every couple of weeks, we are going to look around and review what's going on right now, just in case you missed it. 

• United Kingdom: Unionized railway workers in the UK plan nationwide strikes Nov. 3, 5, 7. Rail travel disruptions are likely. Per Crisis 24, the labor action will affect rail service operators across England, Scotland, and Wales. The strikes target Network Rail on all three days, 14 specific rail operators on Nov. 3, and 5, and London Underground and Overground services on Nov. 3. To check out all of their risk alerts go here. 
• Spain: Spain recently lifted all remaining COVID-19 restrictions and as of 21 October 2022, both EU and non-EU citizens no longer have to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative COVID test. Tourists are also no longer required to complete a health control form prior to travel. The rules that previously applied to travelers coming to Spain no longer apply, and that includes UK citizens. Also, as shared by Crisis24, Ryanair staff announce an extension of a nationwide strike in Spain until Jan. 7; flight cancelations and delays likely. Additionally, Vueling cabin crew to stage series of strikes Nov. 1-Jan. 31; flight disruptions likely.
• China: A lockdown is in effect in Wuhan at least until Sunday. Per MarketWatch, roughly 800,000 people in one district of the city in central China have been ordered to stay at home. Lockdowns or restrictions in other cities include Xining in the northwest and Guangzhou in the south. China actually had more new weekly cases than the U.S. this past week. 
• Singapore: Per Newland Chase, Singapore is requiring all foreign nationals and their dependents aged 13 and above, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be eligible to have new work passes issued.
• Qatar: As shared by Smartraveller.gov.au, from 1 November to 22 December only Hayya Card holders can enter Qatar. To obtain a Hayya card you must hold a ticket for the FIFA 2022 World Cup. For a fee, FIFA World Cup ticket holders can use their Hayya Card to bring in three friends or relatives who don't hold tickets. From 1 November, you're no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR or RAT) test to enter Qatar. You're also no longer required to pre-register on the Ehteraz health application prior to arrival. You'll still need to present evidence of your health status via the Ehteraz app to enter healthcare facilities. 
• Europe: Europe's COVID cases showed more signs of rising last week, marking the first regionwide spike since the most recent BA.5 wave, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) explained in a weekly update. The ECDC said the overall picture is that increasing transmission in the majority of countries is mainly affecting seniors, which is in turn  impacting hospitals. France, Germany and Britain, are experiencing an uptick in hospitalizations and deaths.
• Tripledemic?: Experts are warning of the potential for a "tripledemic" this winter. With multiple viruses floating around (Covid, RSV and influenza), much of the concern is related to young children and older adults. Cases of the flu and RSV have already started to pick up as we move about with no restrictions in place for travel and socializing back in the mix. 

We discussed the degree of volatility in the world in our ICYMI post last week, and The Fortune 2022’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list reinforces the fast pace of change occurring. The list, now in it's 37th year, ranks companies based on growth in revenue, profits, and stock returns. Per Fortune, "Plummeting share prices and rising costs shook up the entire list this year, with only 24 companies from 2021 returning to the top 100," according to the report. "That’s a 76% turnover rate—the highest since Fortune began tracking that statistic in 2000." I bring this up because that is reflective across our client base and mobility programs are likely working in evolving business environments and grappling with internal talent challenges. While some companies have slowed spending and are pulling out all the stops to cut back amid high inflation and fears of a recession, others are either benefiting from the change or (re)positioning themselves to benefit. Either way, mobility will help bring initiatives to life and provide key strategic insights to support those big talent decisions coming ahead.