72% of execs consider international recruitment amid skills gaps: Globalization Partners

MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES — Executives are increasingly looking beyond borders to address talent shortages and maintain competitiveness.
A recent report by Globalization Partners revealed that 72% of executives are prepared to search internationally for skilled workers to meet their talent needs. According to Nicole Sahin, CEO of Globalization Partners, “There’s never been a better time to build a global team.”
Conducted by Wakefield Research, the survey involved 2,000 executives and 4,000 employed professionals across several key global markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, and Singapore.
Talent shortage challenges business growth
The study indicates that 41% of executives cite talent deficits as their primary barrier to growth—an increase from previous assessments.
Nearly half of the surveyed executives (46%) reported that finding skilled talent in their existing markets is “very or extremely difficult,” marking a 10-point increase from the previous year.
Global expansion plans remain strong
Despite these challenges, an overwhelming 98% of executives plan to expand their global presence in the next 12 months. This aligns with the belief held by 97% of leaders that establishing a market presence in multiple countries is crucial for remaining competitive in today’s business environment.
The data suggests that companies are increasingly viewing global expansion as a strategic necessity rather than an option.
Employees embrace global opportunities
The report also sheds light on employee perspectives, revealing that 80% of workers desire to work for a global company. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger generations, with 85% of millennials and 84% of Gen Z expressing interest in international companies, compared to 77% of Gen X and 62% of boomers.
For those attracted to global companies, professional goals and interests are the primary motivators (61%), followed by enhanced opportunities to acquire new personal skills (50%), up from 39% in 2023.
Workforce mobility and AI integration
The study indicates a significant shift in workforce dynamics:
- 53% of workers are actively searching or likely to search for a new job in the next six months
- 32% are planning or considering moving to a different region or state to support their careers
- Nearly 20% are contemplating an international move
Interestingly, the technological landscape is also influencing workforce dynamics, with half of the executives surveyed seeing artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential aid in forecasting business challenges in new markets. While 92% of employees are excited about AI’s potential applications, 34%, remain cautious about its impact on their perceived value at work.
The future of global employment
Nicole Sahin, CEO of Globalization Partners, emphasized the opportune moment for building global teams, stating, “There’s never been a better time to build a global team.”
This sentiment is echoed by the survey findings, which demonstrate a strong alignment between business strategies and talent outlook on global employment.
As companies continue to navigate the challenges of talent acquisition and retention, the trend towards global workforce strategies is likely to accelerate. The intersection of global employment and emerging technologies like AI presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses and employees alike, shaping the future of work in an increasingly.