Companies now increasingly rely on international assignments, as they look to break into new markets that aren’t attainable in their current country. There’s struggle that comes with this, as managing the complexities of sending employees across borders can be troublesome. This is where Human Resources Shared Services (HRSS) plays a pivotal role, streamlining the processes involved in global mobility and ensuring a smooth and supportive experience.

HRSS leverages technology to minimise risk, enhance compliance and deliver a consistent, supportive experience for employees embarking on critical international ventures, transforming it into a well-orchestrated strategic advantage that some businesses are too afraid to navigate. This can take a lot of preparation and getting the right people in the right places, which can take some time.

This guide will further explore how HRSS facilitates international assignments and makes it an overall better experience. Continue reading to find out more.

Navigating the Legal Aspects

Document Verification

Meticulously gathering and verifying all necessary personal and professional documents from the assignee and their family is essential. This ensures accuracy and completeness for submission, so there will be less hitches when it comes to the international assignment.

Visa and Work Permits

Visas and work permits are essential to working in a new country and each place will have different requirements for this. Collaborating with external immigration councils can help you to understand your requirements. Many countries require you to hold some form of working visa or permit to lawfully be paid for your work while there.

Compliance Monitoring

Keeping up with ever-changing worldwide immigration laws and policies will significantly improve the experience. Assignees need to also proactively identify potential compliance concerns and make appropriate adjustments to ensure the organisation adheres to requirements in both home and host countries.

Financial Considerations

Compensation Packages

Administering various compensation approaches, such as the balance sheet approach, host-base or globally mobile packages can ensure that all components are accurately processed. This makes it a more affordable and enjoyable process for the assignee. For example, Singapore payroll regulations differ from other countries and these compensation packages can help greatly.

Benefits Management

Some types of professionals, such as credit insurance brokers, will have to travel internationally for various clients and will expect certain perks in doing so. Overseeing the continuity of benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans can be extra incentive to accept international assignments.

Cost Projections and Budgeting

Assisting in the preparation of detailed cost projections for international assignments, providing critical data to business units for budgeting and decision-making. HRSS plays a vital role in creating these financial blueprints, providing critical data to business units and senior leadership for informed decision-making and strategic resource allocation.

Seamless Transitions

Relocation Service Coordination

Partnering with professional relocation companies to manage everything from household goods shipment and temporary housing arrangements to permanent home search assistance in the host country. This will depend on how long the international assignment is set to last, as they can last from days to weeks to months.

Travel Arrangements

Coordinating international travel, including flights and ground transportation, often leveraging corporate travel services for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Having a specific HRSS professional on your team can improve this aspect significantly.

Pre-Departure and Onboarding Support

Receiving briefings and onboard assistance in the host country will make sure that the assignee is well clued up about how life will be. HRSS can give the proper support for the assignee to complete their new roles to the best of their ability.

Fostering Integration

Cross-Cultural Training Coordination

Arranging and facilitating cross-cultural training programs for assignees and their families is a great part of HRSS. The training can include multiple different aspects of living abroad, such as learning the customs of a new country, their language and usual daily life. Seamless integration is always key to making the best first impression for business success.

Wellness and Support Networks

HRSS provide resources and connections for mental health support, stress management and access to expat networks, helping assignees and their families build a support system in their new location. This makes the international move feel more relaxing rather than stressful.

Repatriation Planning

Looking beyond the assignment itself, HRSS also plays a role in planning for the assignee’s return, supporting their re-entry into the home country workforce and cultural environment. This ensures a smooth transition back and leveraging their international experience.

Final Thoughts

HRSS can make international assignments much better and easier for the assignee. They can help to make the transition more comfortable for everyone involved, which can also empower businesses to effectively leverage global talent like never before. This can give companies a huge advantage over their competitors.