Securities Law

Microsoft faced significant challenges in its workforce mobility function, particularly in adapting to the evolving needs of employees in a post-pandemic world. The traditional model of mobility, which primarily focused on expatriate assignments and company-supported relocations, was no longer sufficient. Employees were increasingly viewed as individuals with unique needs, requiring a more strategic and personalized approach to mobility that emphasized diversity, inclusion, and overall employee experience. To address these challenges, Microsoft collaborated with EY to develop a comprehensive mobility strategy that integrated advanced technology with a people-centered approach. The initial focus was on launching a US state-to-state business traveler program, which necessitated seamless integration with Microsoft’s existing human resources information systems, travel, payroll, and equity systems. This program aimed to enhance the traveler experience while automating downstream processes, thereby streamlining operations. As part of the transformation, Microsoft sought to reduce its reliance on multiple immigration providers, moving from 19 global providers to a single global provider outside the US. This shift aimed to create a more centralized and efficient immigration program that aligned with Microsoft’s broader workforce strategy. The goal was to enhance the employee experience by providing a cohesive and integrated mobility solution that reduced complexity and improved compliance with immigration regulations. The implementation of the EY Mobility Pathway, a scalable platform built on Microsoft Azure, played a crucial role in this transformation. This platform integrated various mobility lifecycle activities and into a single interface, significantly reducing administrative burdens and improving data management. The collaboration between Microsoft and EY allowed for real-time iterations of the technology, ensuring that the solution was tailored to meet the specific needs of Microsoft’s workforce. The results of this initiative were quantifiable and impactful. Microsoft reported improvements in several key areas: efficiency in mobility processes, enhanced collaboration between teams, better compliance management, and an overall improved experience for mobile employees. The use of data-driven insights from the EY Mobility Pathway enabled more informed decision-making regarding mobility strategies. This agile and collaborative approach not only streamlined operations but also fostered a culture of innovation, positioning Microsoft to better attract and retain talent in a competitive global landscape.

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