From SHRM Website

An uncertain global economy has reduced the number of international assignments for employees of multinational corporations, according to a recent report released by Brookfield Global Relocation Services (Brookfield GRS).Two-thirds of survey respondents from 180 multinational companies reported that their organizations planned to send fewer employees on international assignments in 2009 or, at most, maintain their current levels of international assignments. Nearly 70 percent of the respondents also reported that they are cutting the costs of international assignments as a direct response to global economic conditions—compared to 58 percent of the respondents in 2008.“This year’s survey makes clear that many multinational companies have adopted a cautious wait-and-see approach, as concerns over the global economy continue to cast a shadow over their business,” said Rick Schwartz, president of Brookfield GRS.Respondents also reported that the employees assigned to work overseas tend to be older and more experienced workers. The survey results showed that approximately 9 percent of expatriate workers for the responding companies were between the ages of 20 and 29—the lowest percentage for that age group in the annual survey’s 14-year history. According to researchers with Brookfield GRS, employers favor older and more experienced employees because they have proven track records and reduce the risks for turnover and incomplete assignments.