HR and Benefits professionals in U.S.-based multinational companies face the enormous challenge of managing not only the intricate world of U.S. benefits but also a web of international programs spread across multiple countries. Even small global headcounts can create significant headaches at corporate HQ. A lack of expertise in local regulations and market practices can lead to costly liabilities, reputational risks, and difficulties attracting top talent.

For small and mid-sized multinationals, the challenge is even greater—they often lack the scale to build and sustain an internal team dedicated to global benefits. HUB research shows that international benefits specialists turn over every 2.3 years on average, frequently leaving operational gaps, loss of control, and minimal documentation for their replacements.

Outsourcing these complex and time-consuming tasks to experienced global benefits professionals is a cost-effective and strategic solution. These experts act as an extension of the multinational’s benefits team, optimizing performance and ensuring seamless operational continuity worldwide.

Key Areas of Impact

Compliance & Visibility

  • Collecting, translating, and analyzing benefit program data from local sources, securely storing it in an open-access online platform.
  • Coordinating local broker and service provider reviews to ensure benefits meet legal requirements.
  • Proactively alerting clients to regulatory changes worldwide.

Cost Control & Financial Optimization

  • Managing local procurement through on-the-ground brokers and consultants.
  • Leveraging multinational pooling and aggregation techniques to maximize savings.
  • Identifying and correcting cost drivers in medical and long-term disability plans.
  • Mitigating long-tail benefit liabilities and minimizing financial risks.

Competitiveness & Cultural Relevance

  • Conducting benchmarking to maintain competitive benefits.
  • Designing culturally tailored benefits that attract top local talent.
  • Offering flexible, user-friendly plan options for diverse, multi-generational workforces.
  • Developing cross-cultural communications to engage global employees effectively.

Operational Continuity & Strategic Support

  • Ensuring long-term execution of corporate benefits strategies.
  • Providing stability amid HR and benefits team transitions.
  • Supporting international expansion and global M&A transactions.

By outsourcing global benefits management, multinationals can cut through complexity, reduce risks, and create a more streamlined, competitive, and cost-effective benefits strategy.

HUB International’s global benefits specialists consult with employers of all sizes and in all industries on every aspect of employee benefits program planning and management.