Rotterdam, 26 July 2010 - Many Western Europeans spent their holidays in countries that are known for their comfortable climate, like France and Spain. Often it is seen, that the Southern European population spends their holidays in this region as well. Both prefer a comfortable climate.

When international labor mobility of these candidates is examined, it can be seen that to the Western European population, the climate is of much higher importance, compared to the Southern Europeans, who already live in a comfortable climate. This is shown by analyses of 12,962 candidates living in Europe from the Global Talent Mobility Research, a study from Intelligence Group and The Network.

Climate more important to Western Europeans

To 12 out of every 100 Western European candidates a better climate is one of the most important reasons to consider working abroad. To candidates living in Southern Europe, where a comfortable climate is an everyday reality this is only true for 5 out of every 100 candidates.

Besides the difference in amount of people that state the climate being a reason to leave their current country, it's interesting to focus on differentiating factors. To Western European candidates the climate is, compared to the global average, the most differentiating reason to consider working abroad. The contrary is true for Southern European candidates. The climate is by these candidates not only less often mentioned as a reason to consider working abroad. It is the reason that shows the biggest difference in the times mentioned, compared to the global figures as well. So, to them it's most differentiating in the ‘negative direction'.

The fact that candidates from Western Europe are more driven by living in a better climate than respondents living in the Southern European countries (which are known for their comfortable climate), shows that the climate really has a considerable impact on moving towards such a country.

Comfortable can mean cooler as well

The table shown below shows the countries where candidates live who show high importance towards the climate when they consider working abroad.

Table 1 - Countries and relative importance of climate when considering working abroad

Source: Global Talent Mobility Research, Intelligence Group/ The Network, 2009/2010

It should be noted that Cyprus is not the only country with a warm climate, but above average importance to climate when considering a job abroad. Malta, Spain and Greece show figures above the global average too. An explanation is that candidates in these countries are interested to work and live in a country with a moderate climate. This shows that even candidates in countries with a warm climate feel their current climate is a reason to be internationally mobile.

And the winner is...

As can be seen in table 2, the United States is most popular. Therefore it can be concluded that the US is the overall winner, even when they consider moving because of the climate.

Table 2 -Popular location to Western and Southern European candidates

Source: Global Talent Mobility Research, Intelligence Group/ The Network, 2009/2010

Besides the fact that the US is the overall winner, it can be concluded that Spain has gained most popularity when adding the dimension of climate. Spain's popularity increases with 11 percent, resulting in a jump from sixth to second rank. Therefore, when focusing on the impact of climate on candidates international mobility, Spain is a winner too. Switzerland shows the biggest loss in popularity with a 15 percent decrease when only candidates who are motivated by the climate to consider working overseas are included. Germany and the United Kingdom face big losses too, with 10 and 13 percent respectively

Technical justification

The data in this article originates from the Global Talent Mobility Research. This study, executed in July and August of 2009 by Intelligence Group and The Network, includes 66,019 respondents from over 40 different countries and enables us to place statements concerning preferences and behavior of candidates at the international labor market.

The figures in this article refer to 12,962 respondents. Southern Europe refers to France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta and Cyprus and includes 2,043 respondents. Western Europe refers to Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom and includes 10,919 respondents.

Last update : 30-07-2010 18:19

Keywords : Intelligence Group, Recruitment, Different impact of climate on Western and Southern European candidates

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