Skills Frameworks Identified as Critical for Successful Talent Mobility, Study Finds

A new study conducted by the HR Research Institute in collaboration with SHL underscores the pivotal role of structured skills frameworks in the success of internal talent mobility programs. The research, titled 'Talent Mobility Programs 2025,' delves into the challenges and opportunities organizations face in fostering internal mobility, a strategy recognized by 54% of HR professionals for its positive impact on retention and business outcomes.

Despite the acknowledged benefits, the study reveals a significant gap in the infrastructure necessary to fully leverage internal mobility. A mere 8% of organizations possess a concise and user-friendly skills framework, which is essential for effectively matching employees with suitable internal opportunities. The research identifies several obstacles, including a preference for external hires among managers, budgetary constraints, and reliance on outdated technology.

The findings suggest that organizations assessing both employee skills and job requirements are better equipped to facilitate internal mobility at scale. However, over half of the respondents report difficulties in translating and measuring skills within their current frameworks, often due to overly complex skill libraries or ambiguous role profiles.

Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasizes the synergy between reskilling and internal mobility, noting that a clear understanding of employee skills and job requirements is crucial for success. The study advocates for integrating mobility into core talent strategies, enhancing manager training on the value of internal advancement, investing in scalable technology, and refining skills frameworks for greater clarity and actionability.

The report, available for free download, provides HR professionals with actionable insights to overcome execution barriers and harness internal mobility as a tool for improving retention, development, and workforce agility. For further details, visit https://www.shl.com or https://hr.com/hrresearchinstitute.