The global workforce is undergoing rapid transformation. As technology, mobility, and
connectivity redefine how and where work happens, globalisation is no longer simply a business
ambition, it is a lived reality. Companies today face complex challenges: expanding
internationally, navigating cross-border compliance, and meeting the expectations of a new
generation of workers who value flexibility, purpose, and opportunity.
Globally, 76% of employers report difficulty filling roles within their domestic markets
(ManpowerGroup 2025), driving organisations to seek talent across borders. At the same time,
70% of SMEs view international expansion as essential within two years (PwC UK / HSBC / Grant
Thornton UK). Workers are equally ready to embrace global work, with 80% preferring remote
or hybrid roles (Breeze 2025) and 42% saying they would use remote policies to work abroad
(Hubble 2024).
However, this shift has not come without strain. Global employee engagement has fallen to
21%, resulting in an estimated $438 billion in lost productivity worldwide (Gallup 2025). As
organisations become increasingly borderless, the focus must now move from expansion to
connection, creating systems, benefits, and cultures that support a globally distributed
workforce.
In “How Businesses Are Evolving Without Borders,” we explore:
- The operational challenges of scaling across borders – and how to overcome them
- The global skills shortage and what it means for talent strategy
- How leading companies are adapting to the realities of globalisation
- The link between belonging, engagement and retention across regions
- The crucial role of benefits and support in distributed workforces
Read the full white paper here.
Want to learn more about Thrivr or book a demo? Get in touch with us today and explore how we’re helping businesses support their teams, wherever they work.
