Atlas World Group’s 52nd Annual Atlas 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey provides a wealth of information on relocation trends. The survey analyzes several responses from over 400 decision makers who have responsibility for their company’s relocation. Survey responses are representative of a wide range of industries including manufacturing, financial services, and retail trade. Responses were also received from companies of various sizes. They ranged in size from small (with less than 500 employees) to large (over 5,000 employees).

2019 Corporate Relocation Survey Results Show Impact of Spouse and Partner Employment

65% of respondents indicate that spouse and partner employment frequently or nearly always directly affects an employee’s relocation. This figure is the highest level recorded over more than a decade’s worth of data. As a result, various types of industries as well as small, medium, and large companies feel the impact. Also, small companies reported the highest percentage, at 68%.

A new job for a transferee often may result in a job change for their spouse or partner. When an employee is offered a relocation opportunity, it is important to consider their spouse or partner’s needs.

What Does This Mean for Spouse and Partner Assistance?

With historically high levels of spouse and partner employment impacting employee’s relocation, demand for employment assistance is high. The 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey notes several types of assistance including:

  1. Job Networking
  2. Outplacement Services
  3. Career Services
  4. Resume Preparation
  5. Interviewing Skills Training
  6. Finding Employment Within/Without Company
  7. Reimbursement for Career Transition Expenses
  8. Pay for Work Visa in New Location

Importantly, usage trends range from 25% to 33%. More companies are offering this benefit, and usage is now comparable across all companies regardless of size.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that among married-couple families, both spouses were employed in 48.8% of families. Therefore, the possibility of a relocation impacting a working couple is high.

What Challenge Does the 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey Illustrate?

Companies should understand that relocation decisions are often family matters and require input and buy-in from spouses and partners. Global Mobility Solutions’ Case Study on Education Institution Relocation Programs describes the challenge clients face when spouses of transferees feel left out of the decision-making process. Our experts helped our client learn that many dual career couples that moved to their new location had a difficult time adapting if there was no job for the spouse. Many newly hired employees would leave the client after several months of employment because their family could not settle into life in the new location.

What Should Companies do About The 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey Results?

Companies should review their relocation programs to ensure they provide employment assistance for spouses and partners. A well-designed relocation policy will include Pre-Decision Services. As a result, spouses and partners will receive consultation on a range of topics including location, job market information, and nearby companies and organizations that may align with their career goals.

Also, structured programs help spouses and partners create online personal brands with Linkedin profiles and job search engines. As the 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey shows, successful relocation programs include a number of resources. Direct job search assistance, resume writing, professional development, and entrepreneur support are helpful tools. Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) can provide expert assistance to companies looking to benchmark their relocation program to learn best practices for spouse and partner assistance.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs that attract and retain qualified employees and provide spouse and partner assistance. Our team can help your company determine how to ensure successful relocations by providing spouse and partner assistance programs as noted in the 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts. Our experts dedicate themselves to informing and connecting our clients with highlights from the 2019 Corporate Relocation Survey. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation program. We can help you determine if your program provides industry-leading spouse and partner assistance resources to ensure successful relocations, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Senior Vice President, Global Account Management Sam joined Global Mobility Solutions in 1996 and has a unique perspective with her 25 years of industry experience. Samantha offers her clients relocation expertise and a commitment to excellence in her. Her proficiency in orchestrating the BVO and GPO Programs, as well as relocation policy design and implementation, are invaluable assets to the accounts she manages. Her experience in administering Pre-Decision Relocation services to enhance the recruiting process further demonstrates her unique abilities to service her clients. Samantha’s diverse experience, leadership, and outstanding communication skills enable her to manage the relocation process for her clients with finesse and polished professionalism.

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