A new study from the HR Research Institute, conducted in partnership with SHL, reveals significant gaps in how organizations implement talent mobility programs despite their proven benefits. The research indicates that 54% of HR professionals observe improvements in retention and business outcomes from internal mobility initiatives, yet the lack of structured skills frameworks severely limits their potential. Only 8% of organizations report having concise, easy-to-use skills frameworks, with most struggling with bloated skill libraries and unclear role profiles.
The study, titled 'Talent Mobility Programs 2025,' demonstrates that organizations assessing both employee skills and job requirements are better equipped to match individuals to suitable roles efficiently. However, over half of respondents find translating and measuring skills with their current frameworks challenging. Additional barriers to effective talent mobility include managerial preference for external hires, limited budgets, and outdated technology systems that cannot support modern mobility strategies.
Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasizes the critical connection between reskilling initiatives and internal mobility success, noting that organizations require a clear view of employee capabilities and job requirements to execute effective programs. The report suggests several essential steps for organizations to bridge the execution gap, including embedding mobility into core talent strategies, training managers on the value of internal advancement, investing in scalable technology solutions, and refining skills frameworks to be more practical and actionable.
For HR vendors serving the human resources industry, these findings highlight significant market opportunities. The research indicates that most organizations lack the technological infrastructure and framework expertise needed to implement successful talent mobility programs. Vendors offering solutions that address these gaps—particularly those providing structured skills assessment tools and integrated mobility platforms—are positioned to meet growing market demand. The full report, which offers detailed insights and recommendations, is available for free download at https://www.hr.com/en/research.
The implications for the HR industry are substantial, as organizations increasingly prioritize workforce agility and retention amid competitive labor markets. The study's findings suggest that vendors who can help organizations develop practical skills frameworks and implement scalable technology will be crucial partners in addressing the talent mobility execution gap. As organizations seek to maximize their internal talent pools, demand for solutions that facilitate skills assessment, role matching, and mobility tracking is likely to increase significantly in coming years.
