Sibson Releases 2009 Expatriate Talent Market Trends Survey

NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
A recent Sibson Consulting survey of U.S.-based multinational companies found
that nearly two-thirds of the companies surveyed are maintaining or increasing
the size of their expatriate workforce while one-third are decreasing this
segment of their workforce.

Key findings include:

* 53% of respondents employing expatriates in China/Hong Kong/Taiwan plan to
keep their expatriate workforce the same.
* Almost all companies that are decreasing their expatriate workforce reported
doing so because of high compensation costs.
* Replacing expats with local talent was ranked as the top method of reducing
costs with 51% of companies saying they intend to increase their investments in
local talent.

* 67% reported keeping expat pay the same, with 26% decreasing pay, and only 7%
increasing expat compensation.

"Despite the global recession, a majority of U.S. multinationals are maintaining
or increasing the number of expatriates around the world," observes Michael
Norman, Senior Vice President and leader of Sibson Consulting`s Organization and
Talent Practice. Mr. Norman points out that the top-ranked expatriate skills
sought are industry knowledge, leadership ability and technical skills.

"Over the last two years, there has been some change in the ideal expatriate job
candidate profile, with greater emphasis placed on language proficiency,
cultural awareness and sensitivity," says Mr. Norman. "Expats` business
capabilities and experience continue to differentiate them from many local
candidates."

Sibson Consulting and IBIS Advisors (an independent, international human
resources management consulting firm affiliated with Sibson) invited
professionals who work for US-based companies that operate abroad to participate
in this study earlier in 2009. Richard Polak, President and CEO of IBIS
Advisors, said, "The findings in this survey support our empirical data. Our
clients have been concerned about how their competitive expatriate position
aligns with their firm's business objectives. The study findings provide
confidence in making long-term expatriate decisions."

For further details about the survey, please click on the following link:
http://www.sibson.com/services/organization-and-talent/expat-talent-survey/

Sibson Consulting(www.sibson.com), a Division of Segal, provides strategic human
resources solutions to corporate and non-profit employers. Sibson's services
include benefits, compensation, talent and performance management,
communications, sales force effectiveness and change management.

For Sibson Consulting
Mary L. Feldman, 212-251-5029
Senior Vice President, Public Affairs
mfeldman@segalco.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009