although the role of AI within these is likely to increase. Interestingly, the AIRINC survey respondents report
it less likely that AI will benefit relationship-based work – namely how the global mobility function operates in terms of its personal interactions with employees and the business. In essence, greater input into the strategic function, including talent strategy, international staffing and assignment planning, is seen as remaining a human preserve rather than falling within the domain of AI. Communication and relationship building are
considered to be important human activities, particularly as they involve empathy and trust. Nonetheless, AI is thought to help enable the employee experience by speeding up effective communication and supporting flexibility in choice of benefits.
AI’S FUTURE BENEFITS In terms of how mobility will be impacted in the future, AIRINC suggests that tasks are likely to be streamlined to a greater extent such that process approval is required for fewer steps within the mobility process. Improved chat functions will speed up the delivery of interventions and services from vendors can be brought to market faster. To reduce environmental impact and again speed up
the relocation process, destination service providers might use AI to change the way home and school search is conducted. The use of virtual reality headsets can provide a personalised home search service and children will be able
to sit within virtual classes in schools. Such AI interventions could reduce costs as well in terms of negating the need for personal home/school search visits abroad. In summary, positive aspects of AI include freeing up
global mobility professionals to focus more on strategic issues such that less of their time is spent on routine process tasks and on repetitive functions. A combination of increased automation and API ecosystems use supported by AI technology could potentially result in a reduction in the routine workloads of the global mobility function enabling it to focus more carefully on a strategic role. It could also improve the employee experience and help to reduce physical relocation costs.
BENEFITS VERSUS DRAWBACKS While the future for the use of AI might appear bright, AIRINC does raise some warnings: the downside of AI must also be considered within global mobility. The first point concerns quality. AI systems are designed to learn from the inputs they receive and the old adage of “rubbish in, rubbish out”, applies. Not all materials on the internet from which information can be drawn are accurate, for instance. The data that is uploaded by global mobility professionals will be incorporated by AI systems and so it is important to ensure that any uploads are accurate and do not contain confidential/sensitive material. The next point concerns control of materials;
“ Upskilling will be required such that the function keeps on top of new developments and uses AI, APIs and automation to its advantage going forward into the future.”
the sources used may be dubious or plagiarised. It is important to be sure of the sources from which materials are being drawn because otherwise data being supplied to individuals through AI systems in terms of answering their questions may be inaccurate. A further point raised by AIRINC concerns the cost
of developing or customising AI tools. Complex mobility programmes may require considerable investment in order to ensure AI systems being used either directly or as input into APIs and automation are doing their job correctly. Human input is therefore still likely to be necessary to ensure that AI technology does not give incorrect answers or lead policy design into an unwelcome direction.
THE FUTURE LIES IN GLOBAL MOBILITY UPSKILLING Consideration also needs to be given to the effect on global mobility professionals’ employment prospects. It is impossible to predict the future, but there is bound to be concern over whether AI will eventually take over the job roles of global mobility and other service firm professionals. Indeed, when asking their survey participants this question, AIRINC certainly found there was concern amongst those working in the industry as to the negative effects of AI on the job market. The conclusion though was that despite any
uneasiness over employment opportunities within the global mobility function, it is not possible to take an ostrich-like approach and bury one’s head in the sand. Upskilling will be required such that the function keeps on top of new developments and uses AI, APIs and automation to its advantage going forward into the future.
* Perspectives on AI: What does it mean for global mobility, AIRINC
www.air-inc.com
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