Calling all companies: The Global Talent Recruiting & Integration Survey is open

Europe, and Germany specifically, continue to pull in high numbers of international professionals each year. But getting fresh talent through the door is only the first part of the challenge. For employers, the much more difficult question is often what comes next: how can a company help integrate its staff members and teammates hailing from abroad—and also encourage them to stay for the long haul?

A new initiative from Global Impact e.V. and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management—the Global Talent Recruiting & Integration Survey 2026—aims to tackle this question head-on and provide companies with concrete, actionable solutions. Conceived by Mandy Yuman Sun, CEO of Global Spotlight GmbH and alumna of WHU’s Part-Time MBA Class of 2019, and Professor Pisitta Vongswasdi, WHU’s Chair of Leadership & Society, the survey examines how organizations recruit, integrate, and retain international professionals. Its goal is to establish a recurring benchmark that gives companies research-based insights and helps them compare and improve their approach to global talent management.

The survey also provides the basis of evaluation for the Global Talent Employer Award 2026, which recognizes employers that demonstrate a strong approach to recruiting and integrating international talent. Participation in the survey is not limited to companies in Germany or the DACH region, and organizations from other countries are encouraged to take part as well. All companies that pass assessment will receive an official certificate at no cost. 

The awards ceremony will take place at Seifenfabrik Dr. Thompson’s and WHU’s campus in Düsseldorf on October 15, 2026, as part of the Future Career Festival, billed this year as Future Skills. Global Minds. Grow Together. Working in tandem with WHU and other prominent institutions, the event will address several topics pertinent to the corporate world today, including the future of work, artificial intelligence and innovation, global careers, and international talent integration. Awards are to be presented by Christian Zaum, deputy mayor of Düsseldorf, on behalf of Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller. 

“Europe’s greatest challenge is no longer attracting global talent. It is successfully integrating global talent,” says co-initiator Sun. “The future belongs to societies where diversity leads to belonging and where global talent is seen as an opportunity to have a lasting impact.”

Organizations interested in participating in the Global Talent Recruiting & Integration Survey may submit their responses until September 12, 2026.

Interest piqued? Click here to take the survey!