Despite Europe's current economic and political volatility, many of its cities still offer the world’s highest quality of living and remain attractive destinations for expatriates on assignment.
According to HR consultancy Mercer’s 20th annual Quality of Living survey, Vienna tops the rankings for the ninth year running. It is followed by Zurich, with Auckland and Munich coming in joint third place.
In the fifth slot, Vancouver is the highest-ranking city in North America, while Singapore and Montevideo are the highest-ranking cities in Asia and Latin America respectively.
Ilya Bonic, senior partner and president of Mercer’s career business, said: "With increasing globalisation and the changing demographic of the workforce, attracting and retaining the right talent is set to be one of the key challenges for businesses over the next five years."
In addition, the workforce is becoming increasingly diverse, mobile and digital and often has very different requirements and aspirations in terms of career, lifestyle and where and how they want to work. As a result, Bonic added: “Companies need to consider these factors in their value proposition to both their local and their expatriate employees."
Emma Woollacott is a freelance business journalist. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including the Guardian, the Times, Forbes and the BBC.
Despite Europe's current economic and political volatility, many of its cities still offer the world’s highest quality of living and remain attractive destinations for expatriates on assignment.
According to HR consultancy Mercer’s 20th annual Quality of Living survey, Vienna tops the rankings for the ninth year running. It is followed by Zurich, with Auckland and Munich coming in joint third place.
In the fifth slot, Vancouver is the highest-ranking city in North America, while Singapore and Montevideo are the highest-ranking cities in Asia and Latin America respectively.
Ilya Bonic, senior partner and president of Mercer’s career business, said: "With increasing globalisation and the changing demographic of the workforce, attracting and retaining the right talent is set to be one of the key challenges for businesses over the next five years."
In addition, the workforce is becoming increasingly diverse, mobile and digital and often has very different requirements and aspirations in terms of career, lifestyle and where and how they want to work. As a result, Bonic added: “Companies need to consider these factors in their value proposition to both their local and their expatriate employees."
Emma Woollacott is a freelance business journalist. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including the Guardian, the Times, Forbes and the BBC.
