German Christmas Market Huddle - 2024

We almost always say at Expat Academy, ‘you had to be there’! But for good reason because the best post-event blog in the world couldn’t capture everything that happens at a Network Huddle. And so was the case in Erlangen, Germany last week where Tobi and Siemens kindly hosted us for the inaugural German Christmas Market Huddle!

Breaking Down Implementation Barriers

The first main session of the day aimed to help attendees explore barriers preventing implementation of proven Global Mobility strategies. Despite knowing the value and favourable cost-benefit ratios of certain support items, many struggle to advocate for these changes or have to accept them dropping off first in the face of cost saving. Own the problem, take charge, grow your influence – these were just a few key phrases we decided on!

Corporate Updates

Next up, two amazing but very different corporate updates from Tobi at Siemens and Paul at GSK. This session never ceases to remind me how context is key – context of company culture, team history, locations, industry, size of programme, etc.! Is it fair to expect an average employee to think about anything other than their seat on a plane and their hotel room when travelling abroad? Could virtual assignments – previously dismissed many times over – actually form a big part of future Global Mobility whereby the job comes to the person, but there’s still compliance to consider? These are just two questions I’ve written on my very full notepad (yes, I’m old school pen and paper!)!

Hearing from the Experts

Following this came a cornucopia of discussion (is that a phrase?) regarding core/flex policies, GM tech, vendor RFPs, and linking in with Talent. Is core/flex the enemy of fairness and consistency? Should you only change vendors off the back of bad performance, or regularly keep them on their toes? Yes, you did have to be there for these answers 😉 But what I can tell you is that I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Mike at Global Expat Pay speak a few times recently and I always come away with a new nugget or two! This time, Mike advised audiences to critically assess some of their vendor and tech choices a bit closer. For example, don’t assume one big vendor is a better choice than specialist vendors with a collaborative mindset and integrated services. Furthermore, don’t customise technology, but instead buy configurable, connected and modular technology instead. This way, should something like COVID or conflicts occur, you can unplug elements individually instead of ripping everything up!

Outsmarted

Finally – at least for the ‘work’ part of the day – I designed a challenge where everyone was supposed to debate whether Global Mobility will soon be obsolete if the ownership of international business travellers doesn’t routinely come under Global Mobility. Instead, everyone decided to pick holes in my statement! I shouldn’t be surprised; as one attendee put it, the collective IQ in the room is astounding and therefore I could only be humbled! Nevertheless, we agreed this time that Global Mobility probably should take on business travellers, but there's still a lot to crack on with if they don't!

A Fitting End

Such an amazing day was matched by an amazing evening sampling local cuisine in a privately hired 13th century house, drinking wonderful Glühwein, and generally having a great time with great company! Thank you to everyone who came and made the event so good, and a special thank you to Tobi! Until next time!

Join the Conversation

Whilst this summary provides a glimpse of the day's valuable discussions, it represents just a fraction of the insights and materials shared with attendees. Ensure you're part of these crucial conversations next time!