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Thinking of terminating an expatriate? Think again - Newsline - 5 November 2008
Peter Ashby, Client Service Director at leading financial advisory firm, Grant Thornton, guides us through the tax considerations of dismissing employees while on assignment.

Getting more from your lawyers - Newsline - 4 November 2008
Employers looking for legal advice usually want three things: good advice; timely delivery; and reasonable fees. Achieving these in the context of an expatriate assignment can be a challenge. Juliet Carp, of law firm Speechly Bircham LLP, provides some guidance.

Moving talent around the world - Newsline - 4 November 2008
All sorts of factors need to be taken into consideration when relocating staff, not least an understanding of how an assignment should fit in with your company’s needs and culture. Speaking to Singapore’s Human Capital Magazine, Lee Quane, General Manager of ECA International Asia, explains why one size can’t always fit all.

From overheating… to the deep freeze - Newsline - 4 November 2008
As the global economic crisis worsens, Anthony Stiff, Head of Corporate Planning at ECA, explains how companies will have to be ready to enter less familiar territory.

Managing mobility - - 18 September 2008
Designed to assist HR practitioners benchmark their mobility policy against those of other employers, ECA’s Managing Mobility Survey also provides the basis for proposing changes in key aspects of policy. Barry Rodin outlines this year’s results.

Which index? - Newsline - 18 September 2008
With the publication of ECA’s September’s cost of living indices due soon, Philippa Robinson, Product Research Manager, reminds us exactly how they work.

Offsetting currency movements at Starwood - Newsline - 18 September 2008
Using a US dollar-determined salary structure for international assignees in the current economic climate prompted Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts, a division of one of the world’s largest hotel companies, to review its expatriate pay management. Alvin Khoo, Manager Compensation & Benefits, shares how the company worked with ECA to come to a solution.

Repats: the forgotten expats - Newsline - 18 September 2008
Expatriate partner organisation, Global Connection, steps into the shoes of the returning expatriate and their family to provide an insight into some of the difficulties they may experience coming home

Have you got talent? - Newsline - 2 July 2008
What should organisations be doing, internally and externally, to meet their global talent needs? Paul Sparrow, Professor of International Human Resource Management, Lancaster University, UK, outlines how to spot ‘mobile-friendly’ staff and what steps companies should be taking towards an effective international management strategy.

Bacardi-Martini: moving towards the truly international - Newsline - 2 July 2008
When leading spirits company Bacardi-Martini increased its international assignee numbers the company had to update its mobility policy. Gina Taylor, Global Director Group HR Services speaks to Alain Verstandig, Managing Director at NET EXPAT about the changes they made.

Costs, currencies and calculations - Newsline - 2 July 2008
ECA’s Claudine Turner and Tim Stoker provide an overview of how price rises and currency movements have impacted ECA’s latest cost of living indices and explain inflation as it affects international assignees.

Changing contexts and the mobile employee - Newsline - 2 July 2008
Anthony Stiff, Head of Corporate Planning at ECA, considers the events and dynamics influencing business and the rise of the mobile employee.

Avoiding culture block - Newsline - 19 May 2008
Working or living alongside people from another culture can result in misunderstandings. These can be alleviated through the provision of cross-cultural training. Josephine Woolley takes a closer look at some of the trouble spots.

Tax and social security issues when entering a new location - Newsline - 19 May 2008
Expanding into new countries raises a number of tax and social security issues. Cara Heaney, Expatriate Tax Manager at BDO Stoy Hayward outlines areas to consider.

Assignee accommodation and the Olympics - - 19 May 2008
As this year’s fast-approaching Beijing Olympics stir up some emotional responses throughout the world, Marie Conein, Accommodation Manager at ECA, looks at how the games could affect business trip planning and rental agreements.

The fundamentals of IA management made easy - Newsline - 11 April 2008
Last month saw the successful launch of ECA’s restructured training course for international HR professionals. Sandra Goossens, ECA Conference Producer, explains what’s new.

Costing an assignment  -  Newsline  -  11 April 2008
International HR are increasingly being asked to calculate projected assignment costs. But what should be included in a cost estimate, and what are the benefits of having one? Sam Matthews, Software and Projects, reports.

Cost of living: preparing assignees for the unexpected  -    -  11 April 2008
As inflationary pressures hit the headlines around the world, Lauren Smith, Vice President at ECA International LLC in New York, explains why some assignees may not get the cost of living adjustment they expect.

Tax developments 2008  -    -  11 April 2008
Resident senior tax analyst, Helen Boggis, takes readers on a quick tour of some of the more interesting tax and social security developments to be aware of this year.

Globalisation: shaking up international assignee pay - Newsline - 4 March 2008
As globalisation prompts ever-increasing cross-border mobility, so the challenges surrounding assignee pay policy grow. Natarajan Sundar, consultant, explores the changes impacting policy reviews and the importance of recognising the long-term benefits of international assignments.

The pendulum effect of in- and outsourcing – the Heineken story - Newsline - 4 March 2008
After three years of outsourcing key activities in expatriate management, Heineken, Europe’s largest brewery, decided to bring this international HR function back to Corporate Headquarters. Ellen Jansma, Expatriate Services Manager at Heineken talks about the reasons for these changes and why she’s glad they took the decision to go in-house.

Negative indices – sweetener or bitter pill? - Newsline - 26 February 2008
With the number of international assignees being sent from high to low cost countries rising, ECA’s very own devil’s advocate, Barry Rodin, debates the pros and the cons of applying negative indices with Newline’s Josephine Woolley.

Expatriate Salary Management Survey 2007 - - 23 January 2008
Barry Rodin, Chief Economist, looks at some of the key indicators of ECA's latest survey on expatriate salary management.

Expatriate Management at Ericsson - Newsline - 23 January 2008
One of the world’s top telecommunications companies, Ericsson, takes ECA on a tour of its expatriate remuneration system. Cecilia Calais, Head of Global International Assignments leads the way.

The Death of the Dollar  -  Newsline  -  23 January 2008
As the world’s once stalwart currency loses its grip on stability, ECA’s Economic Analyst, Andy Payne, wonders what next?

Daily rates - keeping track of business trip expenses  -    -  12 December 2007
As the festive season fast approaches Josephine Woolley helps Santa Claus budget for his upcoming, important business trips.

Cost of Living Ranking 2007   -    -  12 December 2007
With all of September’s indices now available Will Turner, ECA’s Cost of Living Product Manager, takes a look at how inflation and currency movements are influencing cost of living ranking throughout the world’s regions this year.

Location ranking – the up and the downs  -    -  11 December 2007
Results from the annual ECAAdapt Location Ranking survey are now available online. Senior Research Analyst, Ruraigh Purcell, highlights some of the issues having an effect on this year’s results across the world.

Managing international assignments in 2008  -    -  1 November 2007
As the world adjusts to challenging times, Ian Ridgwell, Managing Director at ECA, gives a preview of how mobility issues will be affected.

Salary Trends 2007/2008  -    -  1 November 2007
ECA’s Salary Trends Survey 2007/2008 has now been published. David Clifford, Research Analyst at ECA, gives an overview of the predicted trends for 2008.

The changing face of the assignee partner - Newsline - 1 November 2007
Galen Tinder, Regional Manager at Ricklin-Echikson Associates (REA) and Marta Matajz, Director Client Liaison from partner organisation Cedar Talent Management, explore the challenges for HR managers that go hand in hand with the changing profile of the expatriate partner.

Car costs: reaping the benefits - - 1 November 2007
As ECA changes its approach to gathering car data, Research Analyst, Jason Williamson, takes a look at the ins and outs of car benefits and explains how the changes will improve the data available.

International staffing issues in Asia - Newsline - 1 October 2007
Anthony King, Senior Advisor at PT Trakindo Utama, provides an insight into the international staffing issues faced by many companies operating in markets throughout Asia.

Building BRICs - Newsline - 1 October 2007
Sam Matthews looks at some of the world’s fastest growing economies and their likely impact on expatriation trends in the future.

Assignment preparation - Newsline - 1 September 2007
Preparation of expatriates can sometimes be neglected in the rush to finalise the terms and conditions. David Remedios, Head of Consultancy at ECA, introduces some of the key areas HR can make a difference.

Understanding split pay - Newsline - 1 September 2007
With ECA’s latest policy survey on expatriate salary management now underway, Martin Ridgeway provides a refresher about some of the key issues associated with one of the most popular and contentious delivery systems – split pay.

Assignee selection - Newsline - 1 August 2007
Poor candidate selection is one of the most frequently cited reasons for assignment failure, but what can companies do to help ensure they select the right person for the job? Lee Quane, General Manager, ECA International Hong Kong, reports

The Permits Foundation: building opportunities for expat spouses - Newsline - 1 August 2007
Work permit barriers for expat spouses can jeopardise a successful international assignment. But now there is an organisation tackling the trailing spouse permit issue. Immigration lawyer, Patrick Rovers, speaks with The Permits Foundation’s driving force, Kathleen van der Wilk-Carlton.

How much will winning the World Cup cost you? - - 1 August 2007
With kick-off to the 2007 Rugby World Cup just weeks away, Sam Matthews investigates how much it will cost supporters from the 20 participating nations to follow their team to this year’s tournament in France.

Home and host housing options - Newsline - 1 August 2007
David Remedios, Head of Consultancy at ECA, appraises the various approaches companies should consider when planning an assignee’s home and host housing provision.

Cost of living – the movers and the shakers - - 1 July 2007
With ECA’s March 2007 cost of living results now published, Will Turner, Cost of Living Product Manager at ECA, looks at some of the stories emerging from the worldwide cost of living survey.

Duty of care for internationally mobile staff - Newsline - 1 July 2007
Operating in increasingly complex environments means businesses should go the extra mile to demonstrate duty of care. Martyn Thomas, Director, Operational Support at G4S Global Risks, outlines some of the areas that companies should consider.

How much are you worth to your business? - - 1 July 2007
ECA’s latest research shows that few international HRs are able to calculate accurately the value their international mobility programmes bring to the business. Emily Tuite reports.

Grub’s up! - Newsline - 1 July 2007
Food inflation has been hitting the headlines around the world, but is it just another temporary cycle or something more permanent? Andrew Payne, Economic Analyst at ECA, investigates.

Assignment benefits – delivery and tax implications - Newsline - 1 June 2007
Sonja Helfenstein, Senior Consultant at ECA, explains how changing the way taxable benefits are delivered to assignees can result in considerable cost savings for companies.

Accommodation – a world of change - Newsline - 1 June 2007
Housing provision can have a significant impact on assignment packages. Jason Williamson, Accommodation Analyst at ECA, outlines some recent trends in rental prices in markets around the globe.

Return on investment for international assignments - Newsline - 1 June 2007
Jane Massy, CEO of abdi ltd argues that measuring ROI may be tricky but it’s not impossible – and it’s vital if HR’s role is to be strategic.

Customised Country Profiles Online - - 1 April 2007
ECA’s Country Profiles are now available as a customised-content product, deliverable via Member company intranets. Tom Harvey, Product Developer, explains the benefits of ECA’s new service, and how it works.

Expatriate Assessment: the added value? - Newsline - 1 April 2007
Only a quarter of companies undertake formal testing or assessment of non-technical skills in the assignee selection process. Alain Verstandig, Managing Director at NET EXPAT, argues that more companies should use this route in helping them select the right candidate.

ECA – the future - - 1 April 2007
ECA is planning some exciting developments to improve its service to Members. Emily Tuite reports.

Tax developments 2007 - Newsline - 1 April 2007
Helen Boggis, Senior Tax Analyst at ECA, looks at some of the more interesting, recent and forthcoming, tax and social security changes likely to affect employees around the world in 2007.

International pensions – the offshore advantage - Newsline - 1 March 2007
The Isle of Man is home to hundreds of pension schemes for international companies and assignees. Mike Lightfoot, Pensions Project Executive, Isle of Man Government Insurance & Pensions Authority, explains the benefits of using an offshore benefits scheme.

The ECAEnterprise difference - - 1 March 2007
If you’re looking to improve IHR efficiency and business success, then ECAEnterprise may be the perfect solution for you. Julie Inglis answers some questions.

Writing an assignment agreement - Newsline - 1 March 2007
An assignment agreement should contain so much more than a job title and location details if costly misunderstandings are to be avoided, argues Sonja Helfenstein, Senior Consultant at ECA.

Compensation and benefits practices in China - Newsline - 1 March 2007
Lee Quane, General Manager, ECA International Hong Kong, describes the current compensation and benefits practices in the world’s most rapidly expanding market.

Looking to 2007 - Newsline - 1 January 2007
Ian Ridgwell, Managing Director at ECA, looks at the world economic trends likely to impact international business in 2007.

Software as a Service - Newsline - 1 January 2007
Web-delivery of ECA’s programs takes them from being a product buy to a service buy – a very good deal for Members. Emily Tuite spoke to ECA’s Head of software development, Julie Inglis.

Short-term assignments – an expatriate perspective  -  Newsline  -  1 January 2007
The rise in popularity of the short-term international assignment is well-documented, but is it always as popular with expatriates? Marian Weston, herself an expatriate partner, conducted some research.

EU focus: Bulgaria and Romania   -    -  1 January 2007
As Bulgaria and Romania join the EU, Sam Matthews looks at the two countries in more detail, outlining some of the positive aspects associated with EU accession and the likely implications of membership.

Dealing with cost of living movements  -    -  12 December 2006
With September's indices now published, Sam Matthews looks at how certain drivers have affected year-to-year changes in living costs and the impact of index movements on expatriate salary packages.

Trends in managing mobility  -    -  12 December 2006
This year's Trends in managing mobility survey looks at the whole process of assigning people abroad, from assignee selection to assignment performance and repatriation. Barry Rodin looks at some of the preliminary results.

ECAAdapt at a glance  -    -  12 December 2006
With ECA’s annual location ranking scores and ECAAdapt calculator now published, Ruraigh Purcell, Research Analyst at ECA, takes a look at some of the world events that have impacted on this year’s scores.

Mobility challenges in Asia - Newsline - 1 November 2006
The talent shortage in Asia has been well-documented, with talent management at the centre of many HR issues in the region. Lee Quane, General Manager, ECA International Hong Kong, outlines the issues.

Salary Trends 2006/2007 - - 1 November 2006
The war for talent is pushing Asian salary increases way ahead. Helen Boggis looks at this and other trends from the Salary Trends Survey 2006/2007.

Case study: Customising ECAEnterprise the HSBC way - Newsline - 1 November 2006
HSBC has recently implemented a customised version of ECAEnterprise to replace their existing legacy systems. Anthony Stiff, Head of Product Support at ECA, worked on the project.

Updating ECA’s accommodation reports for improved usability - - 1 November 2006
ECA’s accommodation reports now feature a ‘City overview’ page, designed to help Members calculate housing allowances more efficiently. Marie Conein, Manager, Accommodation services at ECA, describes the advantages.

Attracting and retaining essential staff in difficult locations - Newsline - 1 October 2006
Mark Ellwood, Director at Robert Walters Singapore, describes some of the challenges companies face when hiring and retaining international assignees in difficult locations and outlines some of the ways they can be mitigated.

New Managing Director for ECA! - Newsline - 1 October 2006
Ian Ridgwell has been appointed Managing Director of ECA International as of 1 October 2006. Mr Ridgwell, Commercial Director of ECA since 1997, succeeds Ian Mann, who has retired from the company.

Split pay – a blessing or a curse? - Newsline - 1 September 2006
Martin Ridgeway of ECA International looks at why a delivery system can provoke such differing responses.

‘Local plus’ – the real host-based pay system? - Newsline - 1 September 2006
In reality, most companies using a host-based remuneration system use some form of ‘local plus’ approach. But what exactly is ‘local plus’, when should it be used and how exactly is it calculated? Sam Matthews reports.

New US tax rules - Newsline - 1 August 2006
The recently signed “Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005” has increased the tax burden of many US citizens living abroad, reports Athanasia Ntitoura, ECA Tax Analyst.

Hong Kong: an end to expatriate pay? - Newsline - 1 August 2006
Lee Quane, General Manager of ECA’s office in Hong Kong, looks at the possible implications of the proposed Race Discrimination Bill for international assignments.

Case study: How Finmeccanica integrated its international HR policy - Newsline - 1 August 2006
As it continues to expand, Finmeccanica has set about establishing an integrated policy to manage all of the Group’s international assignees.

Evacuation! - Newsline - 1 August 2006
Recent events in Lebanon prompted Sam Matthews to speak to some experts in evacuation management. His findings make interesting reading.

Annual salary increases: more of the same to come? - Newsline - 1 July 2006
With ECA’s Salary Trends Survey 2006/07 now underway, Anthony Stiff, Head of Corporate Planning at ECA, looks at some of the factors likely to affect next year’s salary increases.

Regional focus: Middle East - Newsline - 1 July 2006
The Middle East is one of the world’s expatriate hotspots, but will it always remain so? Sam Matthews reports.

Case study: How ECAEnterprise improved Saint-Gobain’s international HR - - 1 July 2006
Maurice Sutter, Gestion des Cadres at Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, told Emily Tuite about how ECAEnterprise has improved the efficiency of its international HR team.

Are your salaries competitive? - Newsline - 1 July 2006
In order to remain competitive companies need to benchmark their local and expatriate salaries with market rates. Lindsey Burrows, Remuneration Analyst, explains how ECA’s remuneration surveys can help.

Case study: Streamlining expatriate management - Newsline - 1 June 2006
SUEZ recently set up a competence centre dedicated to expatriate management resulting in considerable time and cost savings. Sam Matthews spoke to Paul-Henri De Blay, who manages the centre in Brussels.

ECA’s cost of living results, commodity super-cycles and the death of inflation - - 1 June 2006
With ECA’s March 2006 cost of living indices now published, Anthony Stiff, Head of Corporate Planning at ECA, looks at some of the global phenomena affecting ECA’s indices.

What is hypothetical tax? - Newsline - 1 June 2006
Rebecca Hannon, Senior tax analyst at ECA, explains the ins and outs of hypothetical tax.

Latest trends in international HR organisation – the survey and the conference - Newsline - 1 June 2006
Emily Tuite and Sam Matthews report on the initial findings of ECA’s latest survey, and the conference at which it was presented.

Planning a costly trip to the World Cup? - Newsline - 1 May 2006
With the World Cup approaching, Sam Matthews looks at how much it will cost supporters to follow their team to glory this summer in Germany.

What are spendable tables and why are they important? - Newsline - 1 May 2006
Rameez Kaleem, Senior Research Analyst, looks at the factors affecting the spending patterns of different nationalities, and why these need to be reflected in expatriate salaries.

Managing expatriate pay in a low inflation environment - Newsline - 1 May 2006
Does a stable world economy make managing expatriate pay straightforward? Not necessarily, argues Barry Rodin, ECA's Chief Economist.

European Union social security rules - Newsline - 1 May 2006
Social security rules vary between countries with implications for both employers and employees. Jim Yuill, Consultant with Chiltern PLC and the Yuill Consultancy, outlines the rules within the EU and their implications for IHR.

Managing a contract worker abroad - Newsline - 1 April 2006
Martin Glick, CEO, The Albany Group of Companies, looks at some of the issues that companies face when hiring contractors internationally, and some of the current and future trends in business practice.

Calculating a cost estimate - Newsline - 1 April 2006
Completing a full cost estimate is the only way to budget accurately for an international assignment argues Sonja Emilien-Helfenstein, Senior Consultant at ECA.

2006 tax developments - Newsline - 1 April 2006
The first quarter of the calendar year sees the start of a new tax year for many countries, often with repercussions for international assignments. Rebecca Hannon, Senior Tax Analyst, looks at some recent tax and social security changes affecting employees around the world.

Regional focus: Latin America - Newsline - 1 April 2006
As the major Latin American economies continue to feature in the world news, Anthony Stiff, Head of Corporate Planning, gives an overview of the current economic situation in the region.

IHR – people management or process management? - Newsline - 1 March 2006
ECA is conducting its first survey exclusively about international HR processes. Emily Tuite tries to anticipate the results.

Global employment companies – do you need one? - Newsline - 1 March 2006
Tracey Horne, Senior Associate, Employee Incentives & Benefits at Bird & Bird looks at the advantages and disadvantages of using a global employment company.

Policies, programmes, processes and projects – ECA’s consultancy solutions - Newsline - 1 March 2006
Sam Matthews spoke to Angela Hume, Head of Consultancy, to find out the full scope of support that ECA can offer its Members.

The Netherlands – a new system for health insurance - Newsline - 1 March 2006
Helen Boggis, ECA tax analyst, looks at how the recent changes to the Dutch health insurance system will affect companies with operations in the Netherlands.

When a build-up doesn't build enough - Newsline - 1 February 2006
Lauren Smith, Vice President at ECA International LLC in New York, investigates some of the challenges facing employers when moving employees out of a country with low base salaries.

Plus ça change... - Newsline - 1 February 2006
Ian Ridgwell looks at life after Greenspan, and predicts a stable year for world economies.

Outsourcing – the debate goes on... - Newsline - 1 February 2006
Tom Mitchell joins ECA’s Consultancy team with specialist knowledge in outsourcing. Here, Tom discusses some of the pros and cons for IHR.

Labour issues in China - Newsline - 1 February 2006
Lee Quane, General Manager of ECA International’s office in Hong Kong, looks at how China’s economic growth is affecting its labour market.

Solutions for IHR  -  Newsline  -  1 January 2006
Ian Ridgwell introduces this issue with examples of how companies, with ECA's help, have revised policy, process, systems and administration to achieve the most effective management of their international workforces.

Adapting ECAAdapt for improved flexibility  -    -  1 January 2006
ECA's location ranking calculator, ECAAdapt, now sports new features for customising allowances to fit company policy.

ECA launches its calculator for essentials allowance: ECACalc SIA  -    -  1 January 2006
Martin Ridgeway explains why short-term international assignments are a real asset to international business, and how ECA's latest program facilitates their administration.

Cost of living in China - Newsline - 1 December 2005
As ECA continues to expand its coverage of data for China, Lee Quane, General Manager of ECA’s office in Hong Kong, visited several cities as part of ECA’s cost of living research earlier this year.

Adapting to a changing world - Newsline - 1 December 2005
ECA’s annual review of ECAAdapt, the location ranking program, is now complete. Sally Wintle provides an overview of some of this year’s results, looking at trends in five regions.

Commuter assignments - - 1 December 2005
ECA’s latest policy survey – on commuter and rotational assignments – examines how companies use these alternative assignments to fulfil business needs. Barry Rodin looks at the facts relating to commuter assignments.

Globalisation of inflation - Newsline - 1 December 2005
With the cost of living indices for the September 2005 survey now published, Rameez Kaleem, Senior Research Analyst, and Sam Matthews look at some of the wider trends affecting consumer prices.

Flat tax - a sweeping trend? - - 1 December 2005
2005 saw Romania and Georgia become the latest countries in Eastern Europe to introduce a flat rate of income tax. Rebecca Hannon looks at the trend which has swept through the former communist bloc since the mid-nineties.

Security issues for assignees - Newsline - 1 November 2005
Security issues are a growing concern for all employers with international operations. Sam Matthews spoke to Tony Ridley from International SOS about dealing with security risks.

Managing international assignments in 2006 - Newsline - 1 November 2005
ECA’s meetings through November and December have been put together to help IHR managers prepare for the coming year. Emily Tuite previews the topics to be addressed.

Salary Trends 2005/2006 - Newsline - 1 November 2005
Lindsey Burrows, Remuneration Analyst, gives a taster of the results from ECA’s Salary Trends Survey 2005/2006 and provides an insight into some of the driving factors behind local salary movements.

Cafeteria benefits - Newsline - 1 November 2005
Many companies use cafeteria benefits, but are they really the most effective way of compensating international assignees? Ian Ridgwell, Commercial Director, provides an insight.

Implications of choice of salary system on repatriation - Newsline - 1 October 2005
With the ongoing challenge of retaining valued staff upon repatriation, choosing the appropriate remuneration system remains one of the most critical issues. Sam Matthews reports.

Case study: returning home - Newsline - 1 October 2005
Sasol, the global petrochemical company, have implemented a repatriation policy. Yvonne Webb, Principal HR Consultant, explains why the need was so great – particularly for expatriates from their South Africa operations.

Repatriation: the ongoing challenge - Newsline - 1 September 2005
Lee Quane, General Manager of ECA International Hong Kong, explains why it is important to help an expatriate settle back into his home country after an international assignment.

Settling-in support - Newsline - 1 August 2005
Julia Clayden from Foursquare Relocation Ltd looks at some of the ways in which companies can provide additional settling-in support for their international assignees.

Health insurance for expatriates - Newsline - 1 August 2005
Providing good health insurance for your expatriates is reassuring for them, and makes good business sense for you. But how do you choose the right one? Emily Tuite reports.

Case study - expatriate support on assignment - Newsline - 1 July 2005
Lisa Haight, International HR Consultant at BUPA, talks about the ways in which BUPA support their expatriates whilst on assignment.

Compensating assignee partners - Newsline - 1 July 2005
There are a number of ways that companies can support expatriate partners on assignment. Sam Matthews spoke to NET EXPAT’s Alain Verstandig.

Planning for an international assignment - Newsline - 1 May 2005
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail when it comes to international assignments says Sam Matthews.

A case study - tools for expatriate preparation - Newsline - 1 April 2005
Deutsche Bank has created a dedicated area on their intranet to encourage employees to think about international assignments and for assignees and their families to prepare. Emily Tuite reports.

Being transparent – does it help or hinder expatriate assignments? - Newsline - 1 March 2005
Some people might argue that being completely transparent with salary calculations right from the start of an assignment will mitigate against confusion and bad feelings further down the line if any adjustments have to be made. Ian Mann, Managing Director of ECA, argues the toss.

Salary trends for 2005 - Newsline - 1 January 2005
Over 150 multinational companies participated in ECA’s Salary Trends Survey 2004-2005. Laura Russo gives a taster of the results.

Variable pay - Newsline - 1 December 2004
Barry Rodin, ECA’s Chief Economist, previews the results of ECA’s latest survey.

The essentials in the short term - Newsline - 1 November 2004
As the number of employees on short-term international assignments continues to grow, Martin Ridgeway explains how to calculate an essentials allowance.

Paying for performance the GSK way - Newsline - 1 October 2004
Jon Wilson, Compensation Manager at GSK, answers ECA’s questions on their policy.

Focus: expatriate compensation - Newsline - 1 September 2004
Ian Ridgwell, Commercial Director, introduces the second issue of Newsline on this subject and looks at factors influencing compensation today.

Focus: expatriate compensation - Newsline - 1 August 2004
Anthony Stiff, Head of Product Support, introduces the first of two issues of Newsline dedicated to expatriate compensation.

Making the choice: A guide to expatriate remuneration systems - Newsline - 1 August 2004
Choosing the right system for your company isn’t easy. Phil Turner’s The Choice outlines the options and the pros and cons of the main methods to help you get the right one for your business.

focus: EU accession - Newsline - 1 May 2004
As ten new countries join the EU, Newsline looks at the implications for the economy and labour markets. Here, Andrew Payne outlines some of the main issues.

Mobility issues - Newsline - 1 May 2004
Michael Jacobs, cost of living analyst, looks at the implications of EU accession for business and employee mobility.

How do salaries compare across the expanding EU market? - Newsline - 1 May 2004
ECA's National Salary Comparison survey can act as a unique guide, says Laura Russo.

Assignments at Arup - Newsline - 1 April 2004
Short-term international assignments let Arup respond to the needs of the business and of the employees. Barbara Miller, Personnel Manager, describes Arup's policy.

Managing assignments in changing times - Eureca - 1 April 2004
Emily Tuite looks at some of the headlines emerging from ECA's latest Expatriate Salary Management Survey.

Going into China - Newsline - 1 April 2004
Engineering firms are among the many heading to China. Lee Quane, General Manager of ECA International in Hong Kong, provides an insight into the current business climate.

The dollar - how to cope with a falling currency - Eureca - 1 April 2004
Ian Ridgwell, ECA's Commercial Director, looks at the implications for IHR

focus: IHR in the engineering sector  -  Newsline  -  1 April 2004
The last of our sector-focused Newslines looks at engineering. Paul Bailey introduces the issue.

Are you ready for growth?   -  Eureca  -  1 April 2004
As the global economy shows signs of recovery, Eureca looks at how companies can stay ahead of the game. Here Anthony Stiff, Head of Product Support, introduces some vital issues.

Performance-related pay  -  Eureca  -  1 April 2004
Natarajan Sundar, Vice President - Global Reward Expertise Centre at Unilever, talks about the challenges involved in successful implementation of a new remuneration policy.

Can expatriate packages always be fair?  -  Eureca  -  1 April 2004
In a taster of his talk for Directors' Forum 2004, Ian Mann, Managing Director of ECA International, looks at how the changing face of international business has made fairness a complex matter.

Costing an assignment - Newsline - 1 April 2004
Engineering is one of many sectors that bid for projects. Neil Ashman and Anthony Stiff look at how ECA's information helps companies accurately factor in the cost of international assignments.

Accor in accord - HR policy examined - Newsline - 1 March 2004
David Tabournel, International Assignment Manager for Accor, talks about the main points of Accor's HR policy.

Mergers & acquisitions - Newsline - 1 March 2004
Ian Mann, Managing Director, looks at HR's role in acquisitive expansion.

focus: IHR in the service sector - Newsline - 1 March 2004
This month, Newsline focuses on the service sector. Paul Bailey introduces the issue with a sector overview.

Latest Trends seminar - highlights - Newsline - 1 March 2004
Anna Jay, Consultant, Business Development at ECA, summarises the main points of the day.

Set up by you... set up for you... ECA is your service - Newsline - 1 March 2004
Jocelyn Miller, International Commercial Manager, reports on how ECA has responded to the demands of a changing market where delivering a high level of service is increasingly seen as an essential Membership element.

Performance-related pay in a manufacturing organisation - Newsline - 1 February 2004
Natarajan Sundar, Vice President - Global Reward Expertise Centre at Unilever, talks about the challenges involved in successful implementation of a new remuneration policy.

Business drivers for IHR policy in manufacturing - Newsline - 1 February 2004
Ian Mann and Barry Rodin look at the challenges and factors shaping the trends in international assignments in the sector.

Tax calculations made easy online! - Newsline - 1 February 2004
ECATax will shortly become available on ECA Online. Emily Tuite, Web Editor, reports.

focus: IHR in manufacturing  -  Newsline  -  1 February 2004
Newsline this month features issues pertinent to manufacturing companies. Here, Paul Bailey takes a look at the sector as a whole.

How to handle a crisis  -  Eureca  -  1 January 2004
Philip Alcock, Senior Consultant, Crisis Management at Control Risks Group, the international business risk specialist, provides some practical guidance on what can be done to minimise business risk in unstable areas.

Consumption patterns in an enlarging Europe  -  Eureca  -  1 January 2004
ECA is increasing its cost of living base and expatriate indices to incorporate new member states as they begin to join the EU. Steven Harling has discovered that union though it might be, national spending patterns within the EU still vary wildly.

focus: IHR and technology - Newsline - 1 January 2004
We start 2004 with a look at the challenges facing HR managers in the technology sector. Here, Paul Bailey and Frederic Franchi, Client Services contact for the sector, give an overview of technology today.

Skills and scholars - Newsline - 1 January 2004
Stephan Kolbe, Consultant at ECA, looks at some of the employment issues facing technology companies recruiting from abroad.

Value for money  -  Newsline  -  1 January 2004
Barry Rodin, ECA's Chief Economist, looks at the opportunities for containing the cost of assignments in the technology sector - and highlights the dangers of being too economical.

Balancing US pay  -  Eureca  -  1 January 2004
Why does the balance sheet approach dominate as the pay system of choice for companies sending assignees out of the USA? Laura Russo, remunerational analyst at ECA, reports.

Insourcing - to India   -  Eureca  -  1 January 2004
Standard Chartered Bank set up shared services for its international assignments administration in India in just six months. Ian Ridgwell heard Jacqui Summons, Group Benefits Manager, talk about their experiences at a recent ECA conference.

Implementing a global international assignment policy - the Vodafone experience - Newsline - 1 January 2004
Jonathan Cottrill, International Assignment Manager at Vodafone, shares his company's approach to expatriate management.

Using technology in HR - Newsline - 1 January 2004
It is maybe no surprise to learn that companies within the technology sector are using technology for refining HR procedures and setting up shared services. But technology is only one piece of the puzzle. Emily Tuite reports.

focus: IHR in the finance sector - Newsline - 1 December 2003
December Newsline looks at issues facing HR managers in one of the world's oldest industries. Here Paul Bailey and Claudine Turner, ECA's Client Services Manager with responsibility for Members in the sector, give an overview of the finance business today.

HR issues in investment and retail banking - Newsline - 1 December 2003
Ian Mann, Managing Director of ECA International, looks at how the nature of banking drives the issues and treatment of HR management.

Bonuses, share options and internationally mobile employees - Newsline - 1 December 2003
Linking performance to reward is a defining characteristic of salary management in the finance sector. But what are the tax implications for mobile staff? Fern Roberts reports.

Foreign office and government organisation discussion group - Newsline - 1 December 2003
ECA International's industry discussion groups are well-established arenas in which companies come together to address common issues, network and share ideas. Sarah Smith reports on the issues raised at ECA's recent event for government and foreign office managers.

ECA onwards and upwards! - Newsline - 1 December 2003
November saw the roll-out of a number of improvements to MemberNet and ECA Online, including the launch of ECAAdapt on the web. 2004 will see continued investment in improvements to ECA's service offerings. Ian Ridgwell, Commercial Director, outlines just two of the many here.

Cost of living - Newsline - 1 December 2003
Offshore locations and the tax breaks they are famous for make attractive sites for business. But the cost of living in these locations shouldn't be overlooked. Rameez Kaleem, cost of living analyst, reports.

focus: IHR in oil and gas - Newsline - 1 November 2003
November's Newsline marks the start of a series of issues where international HR challenges are examined in the context of particular business sectors. Some of the mobility and HR challenges in this issue will be familiar to readers from other industries, but this month we are looking particularly at global HRM for the oil and gas industry.

Rotational assignments - Newsline - 1 November 2003
Rotational assignments are commonly used as training programmes for high-potential managers to develop a broader understanding of international company operations and markets. In the oil, gas and mining industries, however, rotational assignments are used for completely different reasons. Stephan Kolbe reports.

Salary Trends 2004 - a world of difference - Newsline - 1 November 2003
ECA's Salary Trends Survey, just published, shows that struggling economies in Europe and the USA are taking their toll on salary increases. Asia's predicted trends tell a different story though. Julie Inglis and Anthony Stiff look at the reasons why.

ECA hits the road - Newsline - 1 November 2003
ECA's recent European roadshow proved a great success. Jocelyn Miller, Chair of the meetings and ECA's International Commercial Manager, reports on a productive couple of weeks.

Expanding operations in a smaller world - Newsline - 1 November 2003
The oil & gas industry is dominated by huge multinationals, but the nature of the business is no less global for the smaller companies prospecting and drilling around the world. Helen McGuire spoke to Claire Carwood, recently appointed International Assignment Co-ordinator, UK at John Wood Group Plc.

Spousal support - Newsline - 1 November 2003
Dual careers is an issue facing companies in all industries - but none more so than oil and gas, where assignments are often to remote and hostile locations. Martin Ridgeway reports on the issues, and Shell's programme to support expatriate partners.

Global performance - HR challenges in the oil and gas industry - Newsline - 1 November 2003
Achieving competitive advantage is every company's Holy Grail. So how do oil and gas companies rise to the challenge in what is a mature, low-return business? Anthony Stiff and Fern Roberts report.

US economy boosts the dollar - Newsline - 1 September 2003
Paul Bailey looks at economic conditions in the US and around the world.

US tax cuts - working it out - Newsline - 1 September 2003
US income taxpayers are enjoying a third tax cut in as many years. Martin Ridgeway, tax analyst, looks at the implications.

A bird in the hand... - Newsline - 1 September 2003
Earlier this month Microsoft announced its decision to abandon share options as a performance incentive for its 50 000 staff, joining a growing number of companies that are ending or cutting back on this method of compensation. Laura Russo looks at the pros and cons of share option programmes.

Balancing US pay - Newsline - 1 September 2003
Why does the balance sheet approach dominate as the pay system of choice for companies sending assignees out of the USA? Stuart Oliver and Laura Russo report.

Visa variations - Newsline - 1 September 2003
US visa provisions have changed radically since 9/11. Lauren Smith, Senior Vice President at ECA International LLC in New York, looks at the implications for HR managers.

Salary snapshots - North America - Newsline - 1 September 2003
Comparing salaries across the North American region.

focus: Africa - Newsline - 1 August 2003
Africa is an enormous and diverse continent, with its fair share of difficulties. In this issue of Newsline, we look at economic challenges and how they affect salary management, one company's management of Aids, and salary trends and location ranking in the region. Here, Andrew Payne takes an overview.

African economics - Newsline - 1 August 2003
Rameez Kaleem, cost of living analyst, looks at the factors influencing economic conditions in some of Africa's main host countries for expatriates.

Africa - the HR challenge - Newsline - 1 August 2003
John Nichol of IRCC looks at issues facing HR managers in a diverse continent.

Adapting to Africa - Newsline - 1 August 2003
Most African countries are considered to be hardship locations for expatriates. How are conditions measured, and how do they vary within the region? Andrew Payne reports.

Salary snapshots - Africa - Newsline - 1 August 2003
Anthony Stiff casts an eye over factors evident in African salary data.

Managing Aids - Newsline - 1 August 2003
Aids is a major concern for employers in Africa, causing skills shortages and massive absenteeism. Paul Bailey spoke to Dr. Brian Brink, Senior VP Medical at Anglo American, about their strategy for helping their workforce.

HR challenges in India's IT industry - Newsline - 1 July 2003
The IT software and services industry in India currently employs about 650 000 people, a number set to triple over the next five years. Kiran Karnik of Nasscom looks at the challenges such growth poses to HR managers.

focus: South Asia - Newsline - 1 July 2003
South Asia is a burgeoning source of new expatriates and host to many others. This month's Newsline looks at the issues for HR professionals managing assignees into and out of this developing region. It features case studies from IHR managers about the IT industry in India and outsourcing to South Asia, plus articles about salary trends and share options. Here, Rameez Kaleem takes an overview.

Save as you earn share plans in South Asia - Newsline - 1 July 2003
Share options were invented in the USA in the 1950s as a tax-saving vehicle in a period when marginal tax rates were extremely high - 70%. In the 50 years since their invention though they've become much more than this and they've gone global, spreading into the UK, Europe and more recently Asia. Fern Roberts reports.

We're moving to Chennai... and we've got six months to do it! - Newsline - 1 July 2003
Standard Chartered Bank set up shared services for its international assignments administration in India in just six months. Ian Ridgwell heard Jacqui Summons, Group Benefits Manager, talk about their experiences at a recent ECA conference.

Salary snapshots - South Asia - Newsline - 1 July 2003
Comparing salaries across the South Asia region.

Middle East packages - Newsline - 1 June 2003
Anthony Stiff looks at the unique drivers that shape remuneration packages for expatriates going into the region.

Working profile: the Gulf states - Newsline - 1 June 2003
Western expatriates, regionally mobile workers and local labour markets give the Gulf states an interesting profile in terms of both remuneration practice and workforce management. Paul Bailey reports.

focus: Middle East - Newsline - 1 June 2003
Barely a day goes by that the Middle East does not make front-page news. While the headlines might paint an unfairly gruesome picture which distorts the realities of most of the region, it is fair to say that the Middle East is faced with more than its fair share of difficult issues. Andrew Payne reports.

Compensating for personal security problems and political instability - Newsline - 1 June 2003
ECA International's recent survey Latest trends in expatriate compensation and benefits shows that 82% of multinationals provide some form of location allowance. Paul Bailey reports on the particular issues affecting these allowances for the Middle East.

Company case study: Sasol - Newsline - 1 June 2003
What are the particular challenges of sending assignees to the Middle East and supporting them there? We asked Yvonne Webb, Senior Human Resources Consultant with Sasol, the global petrochemical company.

How to handle a crisis - Newsline - 1 June 2003
Philip Alcock, Senior Consultant, Crisis Management at Control Risks Group, the international business risk specialist, provides some practical guidance on what can be done to minimise business risk in an unstable area.

focus: Western Europe - Newsline - 1 May 2003
How, if at all, has the union of countries in Western Europe affected expatriation, harmonisation and mobility? Newsline takes a look at several factors and inhibitors this month - pensions, cost of living, tax regimes and labour law. Here, Andrew Payne takes stock of where Western Europe is today.

Pan-European pensions - a real step closer - Newsline - 1 May 2003
Robin Ellison, partner at law firm Pinsent Curtis Biddle, looks at forthcoming EU legislation designed to facilitate pan-European pension schemes.

A taxing union? - Newsline - 1 May 2003
Martin Ridgeway, senior tax analyst, explains how differing fiscal regimes across the EU are one of the major obstacles to true unification.

Western Europe - salary trends - Newsline - 1 May 2003
Comparing salaries across the Western Europe region.

Remunerating within Europe - Newsline - 1 May 2003
Barry Rodin, ECA's Senior Economist, explains why companies are still having to adhere to traditional remuneration methods for transfers within Western Europe.

The strong euro: implications for expatriate compensation - Newsline - 1 May 2003
The prolonged and significant appreciation of the euro may be giving IHR managers headaches when it comes to compensation. Paul Bailey looks at management challenges in the light of the current economic situation.

German reforms - Newsline - 1 May 2003
A stark economic reality is forcing Germany to review its generous labour law and social security provisions. Stephan Kolbe, Consultant, and Liz Gatti, Analyst, explain all.

focus: Latin America - Newsline - 1 April 2003
Latin America comes under the spotlight in this issue of Newsline. Labour law, economics, salary trends and an expatriate viewpoint all feature. Here, Lee Quane looks at how events in the region have led to a turbulent 18 months.

Brazil story - Newsline - 1 April 2003
Anthony Stiff reports on Brazil's ongoing economic struggle.

Living in Brazil - an expatriate viewpoint - Newsline - 1 April 2003
Since July 2002 Matthias Wagner has been based in Brazil where he is on assignment for Robert Bosch. Prior to this, Matthias was Manager Corporate Human Resources, International Assignments, with Robert Bosch in Stuttgart.

Laying off labour in Latin America - Newsline - 1 April 2003
Making redundancies is an unfortunate and unenviable part of the HR function. During an economic downturn, however, they are often a business necessity. But redundancies are not without costs themselves, and in Latin America these costs can be significant, as Martin Ridgway discovers.

Latin America - salary trends snapshot - Newsline - 1 April 2003
Comparing salaries across the Latin America region.

Kidnap! - Newsline - 1 April 2003
Brazil and Colombia are notorious for their kidnap culture. Emily Tuite reports on the practice that has become big business.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Newsline - 1 April 2003
War, kidnapping and other security issues are not the only problems that international organisations are currently facing. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a newly identified and potentially fatal disease with transmission patterns that are only beginning to emerge. Paul Bailey reports on the consequences for HR management.

Implications for employee mobility - Newsline - 1 March 2003
The entry of the new member states to the EU will open up the labour market. Jette H. Ronøe, Partner at Danish law firm Bech-Bruun Dragsted looks at the mobility issues arising as a result.

focus: Eastern Europe - Newsline - 1 March 2003
With the forthcoming accession of ten Eastern European countries to the EU, Newsline takes a closer look at some of the issues in the region. Cost of living, company case studies, mobility issues and salary trends all feature in this bumper issue. Here, Emily Tuite looks at the progress towards EU entry in each of the proposed new Eastern European states.

Consumption patterns in an enlarging Europe - Newsline - 1 March 2003
ECA is increasing its cost of living base and expatriate indices to incorporate new member states as they begin to join the EU. Steven Harling has discovered that union though it might be, national spending patterns within the EU still vary wildly.

The dollar dives deeper - Newsline - 1 March 2003
As the US dollar continues its decline, Ian Ridgwell, ECA's Commercial Director, looks at the implications for US companies and those using the dollar as a hard currency delivery medium.

Case study: Tesco's Eastern European experience - Newsline - 1 March 2003
What is the employment market like for multinationals in Central Europe? How are HR practices evolving in the region? Graham Stapleton shares Tesco's perspective.

Eastern Europe - salary trends snapshot - Newsline - 1 March 2003
Comparing salaries across the Eastern Europe region.

Focus: Asia Pacific  -  Newsline  -  1 February 2003
Newsline this month focuses on the issues facing people working in and out of Asia Pacific. Anthony Stiff discusses developments in the 'Paradise' islands.

Directors' Forum 2003  -  Eureca  -  1 February 2003
ECA's 10th Directors' Forum looks at how global HR strategy is being used to deliver improved organisational performance and business results within the world's leading multinationals. Fern Roberts, Meetings Manager, reports.

Daily Rates - how do you get yours?  -  Eureca  -  1 February 2003
ECA's new Daily Rates have just been published. As always, they are essential for avoiding nasty budgeting surprises and, what's more, are now more accessible than ever. Andrew Payne reports.

Education planning for expatriate children  -  Eureca  -  1 February 2003
A new life abroad offers wonderful experiences and development opportunities for children, as long as key education issues have been well researched and planned in advance. There are many ways HR can help, says Sharon Neish of ECA International.

Asia Pacific - salary trends - Newsline - 1 February 2003
Comparing local salaries across the Asia-Pacific region.

GST - a storm in a teacup? - Newsline - 1 February 2003
The impact of the weak world markets has been felt throughout South East Asia, and whereas the United States' response to the economic slowdown has been to stimulate the economy with tax cuts, shortfalls in government income in Asia are leading to price increases aimed at supporting government revenues.

Directors' Forum 2003: Building sustained performance through HRM - Eureca - 1 February 2003
Realising intellectual potential. Alfa Laval is revolutionising its business by developing a new organisational culture. Philip Whiteley spoke to David Ford.

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