By: Christina Urrutia

July 22, 2025

What to do about it

Today’s workforce has changed, and so have their expectations around mobility. Employees, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are looking for relocation support that’s flexible, tech-enabled, and personalized. Unfortunately, many companies are still relying on rigid, traditional relocation policies that no longer meet modern needs. The result? Low satisfaction, weak program adoption, and missed opportunities to retain top talent.

The Disconnect: Traditional Policies vs. Modern Expectations

Legacy relocation programs often operate with a one-size-fits-all approach. But employees want choice, real-time support, and tools they can access on the go. Relocation can be a significant life event, often filled with excitement and anticipation. Still, it can quickly turn into a source of considerable stress if the essentials are not in place. When individuals or families move to a new location for work or personal reasons, they typically rely on a variety of support systems and resources to facilitate a smooth transition. These essentials may include things like housing assistance, information about local schools and healthcare facilities, help with navigating the community, and support for acclimating to a new workplace environment.

Moreover, when employees feel disconnected and unsupported during their relocation, it can create friction between them and their employer. This friction can manifest in various ways, such as decreased morale, lower job satisfaction, and reduced overall engagement with their work and the organization as a whole. Employees may feel that their needs are not being prioritized, which can lead to feelings of resentment or disengagement from the company.

From an organizational perspective, this situation can have significant implications for talent strategy. A negative relocation experience can lead to high turnover rates, as employees who feel unsupported may choose to leave the organization in search of a more supportive work environment. Furthermore, it can tarnish the company’s reputation, making it less attractive to potential talent in the future. A robust talent strategy should prioritize the relocation experience, ensuring that employees have access to the necessary resources and support to make their transition as seamless as possible. By addressing these essentials, organizations can foster a culture of support and engagement, ultimately enhancing employee satisfaction and retention.

The Modern Solution: Customizable, Employee-Centric Mobility Programs

Forward-thinking HR leaders are partnering with relocation providers that offer flexible policy frameworks and digital tools, such as mobile apps, 24/7 chat support, and interactive relocation planners. These services empower employees to navigate their move with confidence, while giving HR teams the ability to track and manage the process seamlessly.

Adding feedback loops—such as pulse surveys and post-move evaluations—ensures your program evolves in response to your workforce’s needs. Instead of guessing what employees want, you’ll have real data to guide smart policy updates.

Quick Win: Try Core-Flex with Quarterly Surveys

Not sure where to start? Implementing a core-flex policy model provides employees with a base level of support, along with the option to personalize their benefits. Pair this with quarterly surveys to fine-tune offerings based on actual feedback. It’s a fast, scalable way to improve satisfaction without overhauling your entire relocation program overnight.

Ready to future-proof your relocation program?

Relocation isn’t just an HR process—it’s a strategic tool for talent mobility, employee retention, and business growth. When you modernize your relocation policy with employee-centric solutions, you create programs that are lean, aligned, and truly appreciated.

At GMS, we help organizations simplify complexity, reduce costs, and elevate the employee experience—without compromise. Let’s talk about building a relocation program your workforce will love.

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Christina oversees Global Business Development for LATAM markets. Christina brings with her over 15 years of experience in helping clients build mobility solutions in a variety of roles such as Relocation Counselor, VP of Global Sales, Manager of Business Development and Strategic Partnership Manager. Christina holds key industry certifications including Global Mobility Specialist with a talent accreditation (GMS-T) and Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) designation from Worldwide ERC. She also holds a 120-hour English as a second language teaching certification (TESOL) and has completed over 400 class hours helping students achieve their fluency goals. Christina’s passion for Duty of Care and Employee Wellbeing has led to countless speaking engagements within the industry and has fueled her own networking group, Women of Global Mobility to inspire and encourage the growth of Women within the industry.

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