State of Talent Mobility EMEA 2025

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Talent Mobility

What is it?

Talent mobility refers to the movement of employees within an organization—whether through internal hiring, lateral moves, promotions, project-based work, reskilling for new roles, or redeployment.

Why is it important?

A strong talent mobility strategy enables businesses to adapt to change, optimize workforce potential, and retain top talent by providing clear career pathways and growth opportunities.


"Without reliable skills data, talent mobility remains an aspiration rather than a reality. Organizations need to move beyond outdated performance reviews and embrace a data-driven approach to truly unlock internal talent potential."

— Josh Bersin, Global HR Industry Analyst

 

Insights from our research:

  • 95% of talent professionals surveyed said internal mobility is critical.
  • Only 15% of talent professionals said their internal mobility strategy was mature and advanced.
  • Over 80% revealed they have limited or no confidence in the accuracy and reliability of their company’s skills data.
  • 44% said resource constraint is a top barrier preventing effective talent mobility.

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What's Inside the Report

Immature Mobility Frameworks

Talent mobility is gaining traction, with 95% of HR professionals acknowledging its importance. However, only 15% have a mature, fully integrated strategy in place. Many organizations are still struggling to build the right frameworks, leaving mobility efforts isolated and less effective. Think of it like having a map to a destination but never starting the journey.

Buy-in Friction

Talent mobility needs support from both HR and business leaders to succeed. Resistance from management and outdated performance reviews slow progress. A balanced approach, combining internal talent and strategic external hires, is crucial. Securing leadership commitment and resources is key to overcoming barriers.

Data Skills Deficit

Without reliable data, talent mobility efforts often stall, leading to siloed teams and limited leadership support. Companies that use data-driven strategies see real business impact, but many still rely on outdated methods. As Josh Bersin says, "Without reliable skills data, talent mobility remains an aspiration."

The Upskilling Ultimatum

Upskilling is key to talent mobility, but many companies struggle to guide employees in their career progression. Overcomplicated skills frameworks and lack of the right tools make it difficult to identify and develop talent. Without clear visibility, decisions are often based on instinct rather than data.

Thirst for Tech

Many employers are still in the early stages of developing talent mobility programs, often lacking integration and measurable impact. The right tools and technology are essential for maturing mobility efforts. Despite the complexity, many talent professionals still rely on outdated HR processes. AI's role in talent mobility is growing, but its current impact remains limited.

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State of Talent Mobility EMEA 2025

Access the full report to uncover the 5 key trends and challenges HR and talent leaders need to know about talent mobility.

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