Global Employment Institute (GEI)

The GEI, formed in 2010, provides a global approach to legal issues in human resources and human capital for multinationals. GEI collaborates with the Employment, Discrimination and Equality Law Committee and Immigration Law Committee to form the Human Resources Section. GEI members offer expert advice on global HR, discrimination, and immigration issues, enhancing organisations' performance and best practices. Activities include reports, research, commentary on legislation, training, and organising conferences. With leading global labour and employment practitioners, GEI is becoming a leading authority on global HR issues. Membership offers valuable resources and insights.

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Forthcoming conferences and webinars View All Conferences

IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026

04 Oct - 09 Oct 2026

Copenhagen , Denmark

Projects and Reports

Thirteenth Annual Global Report

The 13th Annual Global Report from the GEI reveals the global labour market experienced significant shifts in 2023 and the early part of 2024 driven by evolving workplace dynamics and technological advancements, and that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become more prevalent, offering improvements in efficiency, personalisation and decision-making. The report also demonstrates that alternative work arrangements continued to evolve, reflecting diverse cultural, economic, and organisational priorities and that there has been a discernible return to the office in contrast to the previous annual report.  Focus on a robust economy and economic interests continue to be very important.

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Gender pay gap in employment: a Global Employment Institute perspective

This short report examines why, despite decades of reform, gender-based pay disparities persist across jurisdictions and industries. Drawing on recent legal developments, including the EU Pay Transparency Directive, the report clarifies the difference between the overall gender pay gap and equal pay obligations, evaluates the limits of transparency alone, and outlines practical measures employers can adopt to drive sustainable change. It offers a clear framework for legal, HR and business leaders to translate data into action and close systemic gaps in pay and opportunity.

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Global war, global trade: a Global Employment Institute perspective

The IBA Global Employment Institute has prepared this short report to complement its 13th Annual Global Report. The short report offers key insights on global trends in human resources law, including the impact of global war and conflicts, trade, ESG and artificial intelligence.

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Digitalisation (Artificial Intelligence and Robotics) and its Impact on the World of Work

Part II of the report Digitalisation (Artificial Intelligence and Robotics) and its Impact on the World of Work explores the extensive and complex impacts of AI and robotics on the global labour market. As AI systems advance rapidly, they introduce both opportunities for productivity and risks of job displacement. The report identifies generative AI as a general-purpose technology (GPT), capable of transforming various industries akin to the steam engine or the internet by increasing efficiency, automating content creation and fostering innovation in automated services and business models.

The impact of automation across sectors reveals that routine tasks and roles are most vulnerable. Significant shifts are expected in office work, customer service and production, while sectors such as IT, healthcare and engineering may experience job growth driven by new technological demands. Future AI advancements, including large action models (LAMs), are poised to enhance AI’s capacity to automate complex tasks, pushing industries like transportation and customer care toward greater autonomy.

From a regulatory standpoint, there is a pressing need for adaptive, international legal frameworks to address labour and employment issues arising from rapid technological change. Key policy recommendations include the development of guidelines for employee data protection, fair monitoring practices, and the modernisation of social security systems to accommodate workers in non-traditional roles, such as gig and platform workers.

Economic inequalities are likely to be exacerbated by AI adoption, with advanced economies benefiting more due to substantial investments in AI, thereby widening the gap with emerging markets. To mitigate this, prioritising digital literacy, lifelong learning and both public and private investments in workforce adaptability are essential. Furthermore, the need for flexibility in labour policies, coupled with a societal shift toward greater acceptance of AI, is crucial to facilitate the effective adaptation of workers and industries to ongoing and future digital transformations.

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Twelfth Annual Global Report

Political and environmental factors, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the climate crisis, are together reshaping employment landscapes around the world. In the twelfth annual report from the GEI – based on data from lawyers in 54 countries – issues such as the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the shift towards remote work and the challenge of skilled labour shortages are identified as key areas for the human resources (HR) sector. Sustainability is also becoming increasingly relevant in terms of HR management.

Eleventh Annual Global Report

Employers and governments across the world are paying greater attention to sustainability and the promotion of ethical business, states the eleventh annual report from the GEI. Issues such as environmental responsibility, sustainability and mental health in the workplace are identified as key areas for the HR sector.

Tenth Annual Global Report

Issues connected to the ‘new normal’ way of working following the global COVID-19 outbreak present fresh challenges for HR law, according to the tenth annual report by the GEI. Remote working arrangements, the right to disconnect from work and data privacy challenges related to requirements to be tested or vaccinated are identified as three key issues facing the HR sector in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Publications
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The war for talent, labour shortages and demographic changes: what can we do?

While a diverse workforce fosters creativity and innovation and enhances employee performance, what strategies are countries and companies taking to attract and to retain a diverse workforce to address labour market changes? What are the challenges and opportunities? This was the topic raised by panellists in the session held during the IBA Employment and Diversity Law Conference in Marrakech in April 2025.

Released on Aug 25, 2025

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