How can employers enhance internal mobility?

Visibility is important in an organisation's mobility strategy amid strong demand from employees in exploring internal opportunities.

Paul Broughton, head of Asia-Pacific and Japan at Cornerstone OnDemand, said visibility covers sharing open positions, projects, and initiatives, as well as having regular conversations with employees.

"This isn't a once-a-year discussion; it should be a regular conversation on how each employee is doing and what development opportunities they have," Broughton said in an exclusive feature with HRD.

His remarks came after Cornerstone OnDemand's research revealed that three out of four employees are interested in career opportunities offered by their own employer.

The same share of employees has also begun asking about internal mobility as early as the recruitment process, according to the data.

"Imagine that. They haven't even joined your company yet, and they're already asking what opportunities they'll have to grow, develop and move around the business," Broughton said.

Talent sharing, other measures

Amid strong demand, Broughton also stressed that managers need to foster an environment where employees can "consider other options and grow and develop."

This includes potentially sharing talent across departments to allow them to explore.

Technology is also vital in a mobility strategy, according to the APJ head, as their findings revealed that 80% of employees prefer exploring internal career opportunities through technology first.

"Business needs are constantly evolving," he said. "Making sure you have the right skills and capabilities internally to grow, and the right solutions and technology to support this growth – that's the key."

Costs of turnover

Being unable to provide internal opportunities for employees could see attrition and competition challenges for employers, according to Broughton.

Employees who don't get their desired opportunities in the workplace will likely find it in another company elsewhere, adding turnover costs to employees' concerns.

"The obvious cost is that of replacing the employee, as well as the lost productivity that naturally impacts business revenue and customer satisfaction," Broughton said.

But there are also "hidden costs," such as turnover's impact on morale.

"If a team sees a great performer leave, they'll wonder what went wrong, and there'll be an atmosphere of concern and instability. That work may also get distributed, which will also impact engagement and morale," he said.

Internal mobility has been gaining a momentum across Australia amid the country's shortage in labourers. Unemployment recently increased to 4.1% in April, with the labour market remaining "tight."

Broughton further discussed measures to boost internal mobility at work in this exclusive feature with HRD.