5 must reads for the weekend

We keep our ear to the ground for the interesting stats, insights and discussion points you need to feel in the know.?

1. Leave them wanting more

Technology is transforming customer experience by using AI for deeper insights and smoother interactions. But the real game-changer will be combining this tech efficiency with genuine human touch. AI will soon permeate every aspect of our lives, so standing out means focusing on what makes us human—trust, emotions, and authentic connections. EY research shows that customers are much more likely to return after a positive experience and, with rising acquisition costs, it's vital to get this right. While 54% of consumers expect tech experiences to improve, only 37% of execs are enhancing employee experiences to match. To truly differentiate, businesses need to avoid the "Uncanny Valley" where AI feels too perfect and unsettling. Trust and human agency are key. People want to feel understood and valued. Balancing seamless tech with meaningful human interaction will create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back...?

Rethink customer experience as human experience?

2. Offices without borders?

The modern nomads of the business world are reshaping the landscape of work, demanding that organizations adapt or risk losing them all together. Mobility programs are being asked to stretch further, yet budgets aren't exactly ballooning. But here's the interesting bit: give someone a meaningful opportunity abroad, and 64% are likely to stick with your company. The quality of that experience? It's transformative. This brings us to the pivotal role of technology. For employees engaged in cross-border assignments or hybrid working arrangements, the right technological solutions are indispensable. It is imperative that any technological enhancements are designed with a people-first philosophy, aiming to enrich the overall employee experience rather than detract from it. In essence, technology should serve as a seamless extension of the professional environment, facilitating rather than complicating the tasks at hand. So, how can organizations thrive when supporting new ways of working and workforce mobility??

How to keep cross-border business from losing people in process?

3. A dynamic first half of 2024 for IPOs

We’re more than halfway through 2024 and it's time to dive into the latest IPO trends from Q2. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. The markets have taken a hit with a 12% drop in activity and a 16% decrease in cash flow. The main reason? Investors in Asia-Pacific are treading carefully. But it's not all cautious steps—EMEIA is actually on a roll, hitting a high we haven't seen since 2008, all thanks to some big deals in Europe and a bustling scene in India. Over in the Americas, there's a real mix of players stepping up to the plate, from up-and-coming tech and health startups to the big, established firms. Here's the scoop: industrials are leading the IPO charge, with India leading the pack, but the tech sector is where the money's at, especially in the US. And guess what? IPOs backed by the deep pockets of Private Equity and Venture Capital have leaped from the sidelines to center stage, with the Americas grabbing the lion's share. Looking forward, a few key factors are stirring the pot: interest rates are doing the tango, geopolitical tensions are simmering, and the election cycle could throw a few curveballs. Companies eyeing an IPO are strategizing to hit the market just right and maximize their gains. With inflation easing off, investors are scouting for the next big thing, which could mean a nice boost for the stock markets. And with the global stage getting a bit tense, we might see some companies looking for friendlier skies to launch their IPOs. Election times can also make the markets skittish, so don't be surprised if some firms decide to wait for clearer skies post-election. The IPO world is as dynamic as ever and is keeping everyone on their toes…?

EY Global IPO Trends Q2 2024??

4. Taxing times

The way businesses handle taxes is getting a shake-up thanks to remote and hybrid work set-ups under BEPS 2.0. Traditionally, taxes were planned based on where employees were stationed. But with more people working remotely, companies are facing new challenges. They've got to figure out how to factor in where their people are working, which affects everything from payroll taxes to how they're taxed globally. Balancing business needs with tax compliance is tougher than ever. There's immense pressure to approve cross-border employee requests, even though the tax team often has to push back, sometimes against strong resistance. Companies navigating employees in multiple tax zones must find a delicate balance. It's about juggling operational needs while staying on top of tax rules and risks.??

Remote work and Pillar Two: navigating tax compliance?

5. Border patrol

There’s been a decline in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A), attributed to heightened government interventions favoring domestic industries, particularly in pharma and biotech. In their June 2024 analysis, the EY Geostrategic Business Group report looks ahead to potential regulatory shake-ups after the European Parliament elections and breaks down what Mexico's recent elections mean for business there. Plus, tensions in the South China Sea are making shipping riskier, and the growing energy demands from data centers and AI are posing sustainability challenges. As governments prioritize national security and economic sovereignty, the regulatory environment will continue to be increasingly complex and unpredictable. Companies should prepare for an increasingly political approval process, making due diligence more intricate and time-consuming...??

Geostrategic Analysis: June 2024 edition?

If you do one thing:?

Create memorable experiences.?

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