Living and working abroad is an economic competitive advantage, but practical matters cannot be ignored, attendees have heard during Adecco Group’s first ever “International Mobility Week”, held November 25 to 30.

Organisers said the event represents a chance to exchange news and views both externally and internally with its corporate family, which in the Grand Duchy includes interim staff provider Adecco, recruitment and HR services provider Ajilon, and Badenoch & Clark, the financial and legal recruitment consultancy.

“Global mobility is critical to the success of today’s multinational companies and thus also for our clients,” Julie Noirhomme, director at Ajilon HR Solutions in Luxembourg told Delano on Tuesday.

“In an ever-increasing global and competitive economic environment, employee mobility and attracting external talents is becoming an important factor. In order to increase competitiveness, ensure stability and growth in new markets, companies need to rely on their current employees and encourage the interest of new talents,” she said.

Swiss-headquartered Adecco Group--which according to its website has “around 5,100 branches in over 60 countries and territories”--decided to hold the event here since the Grand Duchy is “in the heart of Europe”, said Philippe Michecoppin, the company’s director of international business projects and branding.

“We know that companies here are constantly looking for global talent and that local candidates are also searching for new opportunities abroad. Luxembourg appeared as a natural place to meet both needs,” Michecoppin told Delano.

“Modern international mobility”

More than 12 speakers are participating in conferences held at the Novotel in the Gare district and Sofitel in Kirchberg, including guests from external firms such as Alter Domus, Axa, Deloitte, Delphi and Mizuho Trust & Banking.

On Monday, Michecoppin spoke about “new forms of modern international mobility”. In addition to short-term and project-based assignments, commuting and employee rotation programmes “are allowing companies to be more flexible, more efficient, and to adjust their costs”, he said.

Other conference topics were best practices between expatriates, HR and expatriation managers, and managing “the tax and administrative consequences of international mobility”.

A job fair for globally minded candidates will be held on Thursday. For registration information, email [email protected].