How big of a priority is finding efficiencies for your mobility program in 2025?

As we enter the final stretch of Q4, mobility programs everywhere are deep in strategy mode, setting priorities and goals for 2025. If the last few years are any indication, one theme stands out loud and clear: efficiency is king. In fact, for two years running, our Trends surveys have revealed that streamlining processes and finding efficiencies has been the top priority for mobility programs heading into a new year.  

And now, the 2024 KPMG Global Mobility Benchmarking Survey reaffirms this. Of the tasks expected to grow over the next 12-18 months, 7 out of 10 programs identified operational efficiency as their primary driver. It echoes findings from our 2023 Global Mobility Efficiencies Survey Report, which emphasized that: 

What does “efficiency”" really mean in this context? It's about focusing on four areas:

• Simplifying processes
• Minimizing administrative burdens
• Optimizing costs
• Ensuring compliance across immigration and tax requirements

How do you get there? By leveraging technology, standardizing policies, and enhancing cross-departmental collaboration between Talent, HR, Finance, Legal, and Recruiting. The result? A smoother, faster, and more cost-effective relocation experience that sets your program apart.  

So, how big of a priority is finding efficiencies for your mobility program in 2025?

Before your boss enlists Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy for optimization tips, here are some actionable ideas to get ahead:

1. Invest in tech solutions: Look for tools that reduce manual tasks and free up your team's time.
2. Identify pain points: What consumes the most effort? Start there. 
3. Revisit vendor partnerships: Sometimes the help you're already paying for isn't fully utilized. For instance, your RMC could handle tasks like paying allowances or managing gross-ups.
4. Avoid false wins: While lump-sum programs may seem like an efficiency hack, hidden challenges like exceptions or disputes can erode any savings.
5. Prioritize the employee experience: Efficiency gains shouldn't come at the cost of employee satisfaction. The goal is to create a better experience while cutting costs. 
6. Engage stakeholders: Talk to internal teams about pain points to identify opportunities for improvement. 

Now might be the time to consider some of the findings. From our research, we know this:

• 84% of mobility programs believe they can become more efficient, and 72% see multiple areas for improvement.
• Cost estimates, budgeting, and financial reporting rank as the top areas for potential efficiency gains. 
• The most effort-intensive assignments? Commuter and international programs. Mobility leaders aiming for the biggest impact may want to prioritize theses areas. 
• The top five pain points revolve around reducing time spent on training and stakeholder interactions.

Ready to contribute? We want to hear from you! Take our 2025 Global Mobility Insights and Trends Survey, and you'll gain exclusive access to insights from mobility experts like yourself. Your expertise is invaluable, and your participation helps shape the future of global mobility.

To participate in the survey, click the link below: 

2025 Global Mobility Insights and Trends Survey