According to the EY 2025 Mobility Reimagined Survey, a growing number of organizations are leveraging workforce mobility to address one of today’s most pressing challenges: the global shortage of skilled talent.
The survey gathered insights from 1,074 global mobility professionals across 22 countries. It highlights the strategic divide between organizations that use mobility as a forward-looking tool—whether for talent management or the integration of emerging technologies like generative AI—and those still struggling to adapt.
Global Talent Shortage Reaches New Heights
Nearly half (48%) of employers surveyed report difficulties in finding the right talent, while 74% say that filling senior roles can take more than a year. In this context, workforce mobility plays a dual role—acting both as a growth driver and a means of attracting and retaining top talent.
The value of internal mobility is also widely recognized: 85% of respondents believe it has a positive transformational impact, and 48% say such experiences increase their likelihood of staying with their current employer. Importantly, organizations that treat mobility as a core component of talent strategy are more than twice as likely to achieve annual revenue growth above 10%.
Delivering Results with Fewer Resources
Cost reduction remains a top priority for 96% of mobility professionals. The most mature mobility functions outperform their peers in tracking key performance indicators—such as mobility impact on turnover (63%), post-assignment promotion rates (59%), and time-to-fill for open roles (53%).
Facing growing cost pressures, these teams are nearly twice as likely to adopt automation and outsourcing solutions. Their approach reflects a broader commitment to efficiency, agile resource management, and resilience under economic strain.
AI Driving a New Era in Workforce Mobility
The use of Generative AI (GenAI) in mobility is gaining momentum: up from 22% last year, now 35% of professionals report using GenAI tools regularly. And it’s not just a passing trend—70% believe GenAI will have a positive impact on how mobility functions operate.
From document generation to the consolidation of data from multiple systems, AI is increasingly taking over routine tasks, enabling mobility professionals to focus on more strategic and human-centric challenges. These include supporting leadership and HR teams in areas such as talent development, risk mitigation, and policy design.
A Shift in Mindset: From Logistics to Strategic Growth
Commenting on the survey findings, Eftychia Kasselaki, Partner at EY Greece and Head of Organization, Change & People Services and EY Private, stated:
“Mobility is no longer just a logistics function—it’s a reflection of company culture and strategic adaptability. In an era where employees seek flexibility, purpose, and growth, and where AI is redefining how we work, internal talent mobility takes on renewed significance.
Organizations that embrace mobility as a human-centered, empowering experience—not merely as a transactional process—will be the ones to earn trust, attract top talent, and deliver long-term performance.”
