Consider multinational companies
One option is to turn to multinational companies. Since they operate in various countries worldwide, they are more likely to support transfers and/or remote work. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are known for their flexibility, but the feasibility depends on the specific role you're targeting. Not all professions can accommodate international work due to practical constraints or job nature. The evolution of work organization, including trends like digital nomadism and remote working from abroad, has primarily impacted white-collar workers. Some other prominent companies, such as Hitachi, Netflix, Booking, and L'Oréal, have embraced international work arrangements.
Multinational companies also reap benefits. In today's highly competitive global job market, providing employees with mobility options can make them pause and help them make crucial decisions. A study by the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) on November 7, 2021, found that 56% of employees in French multinational companies work abroad. The largest companies send 76.1% of their employees to international assignments. According to INSEE, this decision is also driven by economic considerations. Sending an employee abroad can be more cost-effective for the company, depending on the region where it generates its highest sales.
Don't overlook SMEs
However, before enjoying the advantages of multinational companies, you need to navigate the entry process. Job opportunities can be scarce, and working conditions may not always be ideal. Exploring job options in a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) opens up a wider range of possibilities. Contrary to a common belief that SMEs primarily focus on domestic sales, it varies based on their industry. Take the American design company Lullabot, for instance, which operates exclusively on an international scale. It has employees across various locations, such as New York, Northampton (England), Guelph (Ontario, Canada), and Cádiz (Spain).
Specialization is another path you can explore. The French company Texelis, for instance, is famous for supplying components for streetcars and armored vehicles, as well as refurbishing pre-owned equipment. Amid the health crisis, it ventured into the US market by establishing a partnership with a local collaborator. Seeking out companies with specific expertise or those catering to a particular market is another approach to rejuvenating your career abroad.
Leverage international recruitment platforms
The internet is filled with platforms designed for locating jobs in particular countries. Additionally, there are various websites dedicated to global job searches. These sites can be either general or focused on specific industries and may be operated by agencies that specialize in recruiting international workers. Opting for a recruitment agency comes with the benefit of gaining access to its network. These agencies typically have established connections with companies and are well-positioned to identify employers that align with your search criteria.
Keep an eye on institutional networks
Don't overlook official websites and networks. Governments have their own job search resources, including websites, platforms, and centers dedicated to international careers. For instance, Pôle Emploi, the French employment agency, has its international branch (Pôle Emploi International) connecting job seekers with international employers.
Workation: A new organization of work
While traditional work involving commuting remains promising, a study conducted by the Canadian company FlighHub with 2,000 participants indicates that young Canadians are showing a growing preference for "workation" (a blend of work and vacation), combining work with leisure.
According to the study, 45% of individuals aged 25 to 40 are seriously considering the idea of blending work with travel. For them, working abroad is an ideal way to integrate work and leisure. Specifically, 47% of the surveyed group is actively seeking opportunities from employers who facilitate work abroad. The study highlights a notable contrast between millennials (or Generation Y, individuals aged 25 to 35) and baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964). Among millennials, 63% express a favorable view toward workation, while 70% of baby boomers outright reject this lifestyle.
In past generations, work symbolized stability, often centered around the goal of saving to purchase a home. The idea of living between two continents to balance work and vacations seemed impossible. They perceive workation as an uncertain and unsustainable lifestyle, and they are not alone. Conversely, younger individuals appear more intrigued by this work model, even as they acknowledge the challenges of sustaining it in the long term.
While the work/holiday blend was already gaining attention before COVID-19, the concept has indeed taken root since then. Fueled by the pursuit of well-being and a craving for a "change of scenery," workation now addresses a genuine demand. This lifestyle presents challenges for both employers and employees as they shoulder increased responsibilities. With the rise of digital nomadism and remote working (even after the initial boom), workation is set to remain a hot topic for long.
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