Month: January 2021

Categories
Talent Mobility

2020 Migration Patterns: Where are People Moving To in the United States?

United Van Lines’ newly published study of 2020 migration patterns in the United States shows where people are moving. The study ranks those states where the company has moved 250 or more into the state. Four of the top five states from the 2019 study make an appearance at the top of the 2020 list. One state that was in the top 5 in 2019 does not even rank in the top 10 for 2020—Washington. A new entrant into the top 5 is South Dakota, although it ranked at #8 in 2019.

Top 5 States Growing due to 2020 Migration Patterns

2020 Ranking2019 Ranking
1. Idaho1. Idaho
2. South Carolina2. Oregon
3. Oregon3. Arizona
4. South Dakota4. South Carolina
5. Arizona5. Washington

Note: Just as in 2019, for 2020 the state of Vermont actually had the highest overall percentage of inbound moves. However, United Van Lines performed less than 250 moves into the state

COVID-19 Impacts 2020 Migration Patterns

One major difference between 2019 and 2020 is the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies allow workers to “work from anywhere” in order to reduce the spread of the disease. As a result, some large metropolitan areas have lost population. Employees are choosing to move to suburban areas and smaller cities.

How did South Dakota Rise from #8 to #4 in 2020 Migration Patterns?

South Dakota rose in the 2020 migration patterns due in part to a few specific reasons:

Governor Kristi Noem

  1. Governor Kristi Noem encourages workers and businesses to relocate to South Dakota through the state’s “South Dakota Means Business” campaign. Messages in the campaign include the state will “never be shut down or face mandates.” New residents that have chosen South Dakota are leaving states that have been on lockdown for many months in response to the global pandemic. The Governor has been an effective leader and communicator, spreading the message of all that South Dakota offers to its residents.

Economic Stability

  1. Nearby states such as Minnesota target business owners over issues relating to COVID-19. Governor Noem tweeted to Minnesota business owners to “Come to South Dakota! We respect your rights. We won’t shut you down.” Other Minnesota businesses are looking to relocate to South Dakota for greater economic freedom and civil protection. 2020 migration patterns reflect these relocations.

Additionally, South Dakota has a favorable business climate. Business owners benefit because the state has less taxes.

South Dakota does not impose any of the following taxes:

  • Corporate income tax
  • Personal income tax
  • Personal property tax
  • Business inventory tax
  • Inheritance or estate taxes

Affordable Cost of Living

  1. Overall, the cost of living in South Dakota is less than the US average. Looking at Sioux Falls, the state’s largest city with an estimated population of nearly 180,000 residents, the cost of living compares favorably across many categories:
Cost of LivingSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
Overall88.688.3100
Groceries100.197100
Health91.6101.5100
Housing81.483.8100
Utilities96.493.6100
Transporation74.871.2100

100 = US National Average
Source: Sperling’s BestPlaces.net

What Do 2020 Migration Patterns in the United States Mean for Employers?

For employers in the top 5 states, an influx of new residents and business may lead to business expansion and greater economic performance. As a result, demand for new employees may rise as local markets respond to increasing business activity.

What Should Employers do?

Employers should review their corporate initiatives and future growth plans. Requirements for job openings should be reviewed to ensure they attract the most qualified applicants. They should also determine if future growth will increase the need for new employees or facilities.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop highly effective relocation programs to attract and retain qualified employees. Our team can help your company leverage 2020 migration patterns in the United States for talent acquisition and management.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS sets the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Contact our experts now to discuss your company’s interest in leveraging 2020 migration patterns, or call us at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

Categories
Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Relocation Best Practices Relocation Challenges

Top 5 Challenges Facing Companies with 1 to 25 Annual Relocations in the Post-COVID Era

delivery man lifting cardboard boxes from the back of his truck
Photo of a delivery man lifting cardboard boxes from the back of his truck.

Companies with 1 to 25 annual relocations face a number of challenges for their relocation requirements. Many full-scale Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) provide a limited range of services for companies that annually move less than 25 employees. As a result, companies may face higher costs and lower levels of service for their relocation programs.

By comparison, GMS has extensive experience in working with clients that move less than 25 employees each year, making GMS the relocation industry expert. Choosing a relocation partner that specializes in working with companies that have lower volume programs will ensure successful relocations and the best possible employee experiences.

What are the Top 5 Challenges for Companies with 1 to 25 Annual Relocations?

The top 5 challenges facing companies with 1 to 25 annual relocations span the entire relocation process. Many of these challenges arise because some RMCs focus solely on companies that have large numbers of employee relocations.

Challenge #1 Lack of Performance Guarantees and No Quality Performance Metrics

Service level guarantees ensure clients receive the service they expect for their relocations. Some RMCs do not provide these guarantees to clients that move less than 25 employees

GMS SOLUTION: GMS provides a range of service metrics across all services, for all clients.

Challenge #2 High Fee Structures

Some RMCs charge companies that move less than 25 employees much higher fees to make up for lower margins and lower profits than they receive on their larger clients. Companies with 1 to 25 annual relocations are also less likely to need additional services. This results in lower revenues on additional services.

GMS SOLUTION: GMS offers a “One Fee Promise” for clients, ensuring fair and equal treatment.

Challenge #3 1 to 25 Annual Relocations Receive No Choice in Supplier Vendors

Many RMCs require their clients to use the RMC’s own network of suppliers under the guise of “economies of scale.” What this really does is drive more revenue and profit to the RMC, while the client ends up with no choice.

GMS SOLUTION: GMS features a Freedom of Choice™ model for all clients. GMS is not affiliated with any service provide, so clients have choices based on performance and savings.

Challenge #4 Limited Services

Some RMCs limit services to companies with 1 to 25 annual relocations. As a result, these clients must pay fees to other service providers to obtain valuable and necessary mobility services such as pre-decision/pre-hire, expense management, and travel coordination.

GMS SOLUTION: All GMS clients receive the same high level of service quality.

Challenge #5 Limited Funding Solutions

Most companies with 1 to 25 annual relocations must pay all (or most) of their relocation costs upfront. Then employees submit expenses for reimbursement. This process can take several weeks.

GMS SOLUTION: GMS lets clients determine the funding solution best fits their needs, including zero-interest options. Also, GMS provides a customizable invoicing schedule.

What Should Companies with 1 to 25 Annual Relocations do?

Companies with 1 to 25 annual relocations should choose to work with an RMC that has experience with clients who move less than 25 employees. GMS has ideal solutions that meet the common challenges these companies face.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of companies with 1 to 25 annual relocations understand why they should work with a relocation industry expert. We can help your company understand how benefit from all of the GMS solutions for your relocation program.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also 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.

Powered by GMS’ 2020 Mobility Benchmark, the innovative GMS Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool provides instant relocation policy reviews. It also helps users gain insight into how their company’s relocation program compares to their industry peers.

Learn how GMS’ experience is best suited for your company’s 1 to 25 annual relocations. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

Categories
Immigration Rules Visas and International Travel

USCIS to Select H-1B Visa Registrations by Highest Prevailing Wage Level

Letterhead of U.S. immigration visa forms for H1B lottery

Effective March 9, 2021, a new rule will change the selection process for H-1B visa registrations. This rule change will result in challenges to employers’ ability to hire foreign talent. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule allows the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to select H-1B visa registrations by the highest prevailing wage level. Ultimately, visa registrations will be chosen for processing based on the highest wage an employer offers.

The H-1B Visa Registrations Rule Regarding Prevailing Wage Levels

According to the DHS, the new rule is in place to incentivize employers in a number of areas. Notably, the rule states that prioritizing by wage level for each cap will incentivize employers to:

  1. Offer higher wages to H-1B employees
  2. Petition for positions that require higher skills
  3. Attract foreign talent that have higher skills

The new rule should help USCIS ensure H-1B cap allocations go to the most highly qualified workers.

Also, the new rule provides a strong disincentive for employers to avoid “abuse” of the system to fill positions that:

  1. Pay workers at low rates
  2. Require less skills to perform

What Does This Mean for Employers?

Employers should expect to face continuing uncertainty and confusion regarding H-1B visa registrations. Litigation against this new rule is likely to occur. However, several factors are combining to make the FY 2022 H-1B visa lottery process particularly challenging:

  1. Timing of the new rule
  2. Expected litigation
  3. Higher wage costs relating to the new rule
  4. End of the current administration
  5. Start of the new administration
  6. Continued impacts relating to the COVID-19 pandemic

What Should Employers do About H-1B Visa Registrations?

Employers should plan to submit documentation that meet the new rule’s requirements. Even if the new rule faces litigation, it is uncertain whether that litigation will be finalized in time to materially impact the FY 2022 H-1B visa registrations process.

Employers should work with a qualified and knowledgeable Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs will have experience navigating the visa and immigration processes. As a result, RMCs can help employers through the process with successful results.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients successfully submit H-1B visa registrations. Our team can help your company understand how to prepare, register, and submit registrations in the FY 2022 H-1B visa lottery for the greatest chance of successful results.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also 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.

Powered by GMS’ 2020 Mobility Benchmark, the innovative GMS Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool provides instant relocation policy reviews. It also helps users gain insight into how their company’s relocation program compares to their industry peers.

Contact our experts online to learn more about the H-1B visa registrations rule regarding prevailing wage levels now. Give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Visa Program Consultation

Properly managing a visa and immigration program involves meticulous coordination, precise communication, and worldwide interaction with government agencies, corporate personnel, and relocating employees.

At GMS, we provide you with peace of mind in knowing your mobility program is fully compliant and being managed by the best in the industry.

Request a no-pressure, courtesy consultation from a GMS Mobility Pro. We’ll be in touch within 1 business day.

Categories
Relocation Policy Review Relocation Programs

Did you know? Relocation Program Outsourcing Provides Several Benefits—Help Your Company!

three co-workers made up of two men and a woman dressed formally, average age of 29 years, are on the stairs of the company where they work with documents, charts, and laptops; all three wear masks to avoid getting the covid virus 19

If your company currently manages its relocation program in-house, you are missing out on several benefits that relocation program outsourcing provides. Your relocation program provides significant value in several areas. Effectively managed relocation programs help companies achieve corporate objectives and reach the highest levels of success in talent acquisition and retention!

More importantly, your new hires and transferees are looking for a number of benefits and services to support their relocation process. Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) have extensive knowledge and experience. As a result, RMCs help companies understand what is important to candidates and their family members going through a relocation—and RMCs have the solutions they want!

 The Benefits that Relocation Program Outsourcing Provides

Relocation program outsourcing provides both direct and indirect benefits. When you work with a qualified and knowledgeable RMC, your company will save costs, gain expertise, and reduce administrative burdens.

1. Expertise

RMCs have extensive experience in the relocation industry and will provide policy recommendations that generate cost savings in several areas including:

    1. Fees versus in-house operational costs
    2. Home sale costs and the Buyer Value Option
    3. Household goods shipments

Did you know? Local HR teams and employees do not have experience with relocation programs, home sales, household goods shipments, spouse and partner support, and other relocation services. This means new hires and transferees are at risk for relocation failure!

2. Cost Management

Robust expense tracking and management software such as GMS’ MyRelocation® Technology effectively identifies and tracks relocation costs. As a result, companies can determine the true budgetary impact of relocation, thanks to relocation program outsourcing. Also, they can easily determine how their relocation program is performing to goals and key corporate performance indicators.

Did you know? The vast majority of companies that manage their relocation programs in-house (over 70%) are not aware of the true extent of the program’s internal operating costs!

3. Relocation Program Outsourcing Reduces Exceptions

Experts in the relocation industry are intimately familiar with exceptions and will know how best to handle issues that may arise. RMCs focus on minimizing expenses and reducing disruptions while improving transferees’ experiences.

Did you know? Beyond direct cost issues, policy exceptions may cause:

  1. Compliance risks
  2. Adverse impacts on your relocation policy
  3. Increased taxes
  4. Additional administrative time and effort
  5. Increases to the true budgetary cost

4. Centralization

Relocation program outsourcing ensures a centralized approach to relocation program administration. Centralization offers a significant number of benefits and cost reduction opportunities. Also, transferees are assured of a consistent application of superior relocation services.

Did you know? In our Case Study on Decentralization, we found that decentralization of a relocation program leads to higher operating costs, inconsistent reporting, and varying polices across an organization. Don’t let this continue to be your company’s story!

5. Assignment Success

Talent acquisition program managers recognize strong and effective relocation policies are critically important to the success of new hires and transferees. RMCs have depth of experience and know how to find solutions for unique relocation needs.

Did you know? Companies that manage in-house relocation programs experience a high degree of assignment failure!

What Should Employers do About Relocation Program Outsourcing?

Employers should examine the benefits and cost reduction opportunities that relocation program outsourcing provides. By outsourcing their relocation program, employers can pursue corporate objectives and important initiatives while gaining all the benefits outsourcing provides.

Employers should work with a qualified Relocation Management Company that has significant knowledge and a wealth of experience in the relocation industry.

Conclusion

Our corporate relocation experts will help your company understand how to leverage relocation program outsourcing. Your company will gain the maximum benefits and services in the most cost-effective manner possible.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS sets the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Contact our experts online now to learn how your company can gain with relocation program outsourcing, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

Categories
Corporate Relocation

Data Shows California Residents Move to Other Western States

California residents move to other Western states at a higher rate than other states. According to recently published State-to-State Migration Flows, the number of moves is in some cases dramatic. During the pandemic in 2020, many Californians benefitted from “work from home” and “work from anywhere” policies.  As a result, employees in California could work in almost any location as companies quickly adapted to the realities of the pandemic on their workforce.

Data from the United States Postal Service for address changes compiled by Bankrate during January through September 2020 shows several trends:

  1. States with highest number of moves include Texas, New York, Washington DC, North Carolina, and California
  2. Top destinations are suburbs and “exurbs” of larger cities
  3. Many people stayed in the same metropolitan area
  4. 4% of moves are out-of-county (including out-of-state)

Reasons for moving include avoiding public interaction in larger cities, buying larger homes for home offices and more space, and seeking lower-cost suburbs and smaller cities.

Top 10 States for Americans Moving State-to-State for Structural Reasons

Americans are moving state-to-state to the following top 10 US states:

  1. Wyoming
  2. North Dakota
  3. Alaska
  4. Idaho
  5. Nevada
  6. Colorado
  7. Delaware
  8. Montana
  9. New Hampshire
  10. Hawaii

Americans prefer to move to Western states over states in other areas such as the Midwest, South, or Northeast. Seven of the top states are considered Western states.

Large Number of California Residents Move to Other States

Looking at only the Western states in the list, it is easy to see that California residents move in larger numbers than other states’ residents:

Western StateGain from California Residents Move to StateTotal Moves from Other States% of California Residents Move to State
Wyoming3,21130,24710.62%
Alaska2,54734,0317.48%
Idaho17,72278,73022.51%
Nevada47,322132,95035.59%
Colorado29,350240,60012.20%
Montana5,29840,86212.97%
Hawaii10,95449,70822.04%

California Residents Move to Nevada for Several Structural Reasons

Proximity to The Golden State might give Nevada an edge in capturing Californians. Prior to the pandemic, The Silver State was noted as having a robust and growing economy with plentiful job opportunities, no state income tax, no business income tax, affordable housing, lower cost of living, and a desirable climate.

A “California Exodus” appears to be another driving force. Ex-Californians represent nearly 20% of Nevada’s population. Reasons cited for the exodus include high taxes, unaffordable home prices, excessive regulations, unfriendly business climate, and high cost of living. In 2019, over 650,000 Californians moved to another state, leaving the state with a negative net population change.

Trend Continues Post-Pandemic: California Residents Move for Structural Reasons

California residents move to other states for many structural reasons. It is likely this trend will continue. The state is considering a wide range of tax increases including:

  • Personal income tax increase on earnings over $1 million
  • Raise the state’s corporate income tax rate
  • Close tax loopholes

The California Tax Foundation’s Tax and Fee Report notes lawmakers have been seeking to increase the state’s fees and taxes by nearly $83 billion dollars. Some of the taxes under consideration include:

  • Value-added tax on goods and services similar to those in Europe
  • Employer tax increase
  • Wealth tax that would continue for years after someone leaves California

What Should Employers do as California Residents Move to Other States?

Employers in the top 10 states for Americans moving state-to-state stand to gain with an increase in the local skilled labor force. They should also expect a rise in the need for new employees, as incoming residents help generate a positive economic impact.

Employers in California should review their hiring needs, corporate facility requirements, and relocation programs. Employers should determine if a group move to a Western state would be beneficial for the company as well as its employees.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand the importance of examining multiple factors that affect business success, talent acquisition, and employee retention. Our team can help your company learn why California residents move to other states and how this trend will impact your company’s corporate initiatives.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also 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.

Powered by GMS’ 2020 Mobility Benchmark, the innovative GMS Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool provides instant relocation policy reviews. It also helps users gain insight into how their company’s relocation program compares to their industry peers.

Learn more about why California residents move to other states and how a group move might be in your company’s best interest. Contact our experts online or call us at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

Categories
Corporate Relocation Domestic Relocation Tips Global Relocation Relocation Policy Review Relocation Programs

Relocation Policy Benchmarking Delivers Results

As your company enters 2021, you should use relocation policy benchmarking to deliver much-needed results right from the start. The mobility industry strongly recommends that employers conduct a comparative policy review at an interval of 12 to 18 months. Waiting any longer to do this valuable exercise puts your company at great risk of losing significant ground to your industry competitors.

Do you think the relocation industry has not changed much in 12 months? Think again! The COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting all aspects of relocation. Whatever the issues are, a thorough relocation policy benchmarking will show you the solutions your company should implement.

Top 5 Results that Relocation Policy Benchmarking Delivers:

1. Increase Knowledge Across Your Organization

You must work with several internal stakeholders to implement successful relocations. All of these stakeholders should learn what is changing in the relocation industry. Cost issues, legal issues, and travel issues are still arising from the pandemic.

2. Examine Your Company’s Competitive Position Through Relocation Policy Benchmarking

How are your industry competitors using their relocation policies to attract and retain new hires and transferees? Relocation policy benchmarking provides clear information on how your industry peers leverage their relocation policies to succeed at talent acquisition and retention.

3. Adopt a Global Approach to Align Corporate Mobility Objectives

GMS has helped several companies avoid the pitfalls of decentralization. When companies take a decentralized approach to mobility, they end up with different policies and different experiences from location to location. Relocation policy benchmarking helps identify all of these differences. Recommendations to adopt the best solutions across the organization result in operational efficiencies, costs savings, and greater transferee satisfaction.

NOTE! View our Case Study on Decentralization. You will learn how we helped a large multinational client understand the benefits of a centralized approach for their relocation policies.

4. Innovative Solutions Solve Problems and Increase Efficiency

As fast as the world has changed over the past year, technology has changed at an even faster lightning speed. For example, conducting a relocation policy year end reconciliation can now be done in minutes with the touch of a few buttons. Relocation APIs such as those offered through GMS’ MyRelocation® Technology make managing your company’s relocation program a quick and easy process.

5. Save Costs with Relocation Policy Benchmarking

One of the biggest cost drivers for relocation policies are exceptions. By examining the best practices in your industry, your company can enhance your relocation policy to reduce these costly exceptions. Relocation policy benchmarking will identify cost issues and help your company institute solutions to keep costs and budgets in line.

What Should Employers Do?

Employers should initiate a relocation policy benchmarking with a qualified and knowledgeable Relocation Management Company (RMC). The project should include a full assessment of the company’s current relocation policy. It should also include a full review of corporate objectives and a complement of strategic recommendations.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand why they should initiate a relocation policy benchmarking. We can help your company understand how to create a relocation policy that reflects industry best practices, saves costs, and increases efficiency.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also 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.

Powered by GMS’ 2020 Mobility Benchmark, the innovative GMS Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool provides instant relocation policy reviews. It also helps users gain insight into how their company’s relocation program compares to their industry peers.

Schedule your relocation policy benchmarking now. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

What's happening in your industry? Request a Courtesy Benchmark report

At GMS, we make it a priority to know how talent mobility is changing in each major industry. What are the best practices? How are other companies changing their programs to retain a competitive edge? Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day to help answer your questions and benchmark your industry.

Categories
Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends

Northwest Arkansas Moving Incentive Aims to Attract Talent

The Northwest Arkansas moving incentive is in place to attract top talent to the region. The Northwest Arkansas Council is investing over $1 million during a six month timeframe through their Life Works Here initiative. This initiative shows the types of desirable lifestyles and career opportunities available to residents of this region.

What is the Life Works Here Initiative?

The Life Works Here initiative is the Northwest Arkansas Council’s program to leverage the COVID-19 pandemic to benefit the region. Many companies with work from anywhere policies allow workers to relocate and work remotely. As more employees consider relocating away from high cost cities to lower cost cities, the Council believes the region has much to offer.

The initiative is funded by philanthropic support from the Walton Family Foundation. Remote workers will receive up to $10,000 to relocate to the region, along with some additional perks. The goal is to attract remote worker talent who have jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). However, that is a not a formal requirement for the Northwest Arkansas moving incentive.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for the Life Works Here Initiative?

Eligibility requirements for the Life Works Here initiative include:

  • Ability to relocate to Northwest Arkansas within 6 months of acceptance
  • Full-time remote employment or self-employed outside of Northwest Arkansas
  • Currently live outside of Northwest Arkansas
  • At least 24 years old
  • Eligible to work and live in the US

Career Opportunities Supported by the Northwest Arkansas Moving Incentive

Northwest Arkansas is home to the headquarters of three Fortune 500 companies:

J.B. Hunt: Lowell, Arkansas

Tyson Foods: Springdale, Arkansas

Walmart: Bentonville, Arkansas

In addition to these three major companies, there are thousands of smaller companies in the region that serve as suppliers.

Northwest Arkansas Moving Incentive Promotes Region’s Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Northwest Arkansas is one of the lowest in the nation. By comparison, the cost of living in a major west coast city such as San Francisco is 169.3% higher than the US average.

For cities in Northwest Arkansas, the cost of living is much lower than San Francisco.

CityCost of Living
Lowell, Aransas12.1% lower than US average
Springdale, Arkansas14.0% lower than US average
Bentonville, Arkansas4.8% lower than US average

Source: Sperling’s Best Places: bestplace.net

With the cost of living lower than the US average, the region also has personal income per capita at 14% higher than the national average. The region also has over seven times the number of employees who work in management positions or at a corporate headquarters compared to the rest of the nation.

Smaller Regions Have More to Offer beyond the Incentives

The Northwest Arkansas moving incentive is one of many programs throughout the US designed to attract talent to regions far from major metropolitan centers. With more companies offering work from anywhere policies and more employees making the move, smaller regions stand to benefit. Many smaller regions in the US have burgeoning cultural centers and highly desirable outdoor lifestyles similar to Northwest Arkansas.

What Should Companies do about the Northwest Arkansas Moving Incentive?

Companies should work with a Relocation Management Company (RMC) that has knowledge and experience in managing relocation. Qualified RMCs will help companies understand the issues relating to work from anywhere policies. They will also provide useful resources to guide policy decisions and understand industry best practices relating to remote workers.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to design a relocation policy that follows industry best practices that also promotes talent acquisition and retention. Our team can help your company determine how to address the Northwest Arkansas moving incentive as it impacts corporate initiatives.

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

Powered by GMS’ 2020 Mobility Benchmark, the innovative GMS Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool provides instant relocation policy reviews. It also helps users gain insight into how their company’s relocation program compares to their industry peers.

Contact our experts online to learn more about how the Northwest Arkansas moving incentive might impact your company and its workers, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

Categories
Relocation Technology

Industry-Leading Relocation Technology: How it Helps Your Company’s Relocation Program

One of the best things you can do for your company’s relocation program is to choose an industry-leading relocation technology. GMS’ award-winning MyRelocation® Technology offers advanced integration, extensive reporting features, and superior performance. These features make your relocation program management easy and seamless. Instead of focusing on figuring out complex problems such as year-end relocation expense reconciliation and reporting for each destination, your company can focus on reaching important corporate initiatives.

Industry-Leading Relocation Technology Provides Solutions

Many companies are unaware just how much the right technology can do for their relocation program. Far beyond the ability to track data, industry-leading relocation technology provides actionable information. As a result, the technology can help companies better manage the entire relocation process, from talent acquisition to global assignment and repatriation.

Top 7 Ways Industry-Leading Relocation Technology Helps Your Company’s Relocation Program

1. Budgeting and cost estimating are fully integrated into the technology. All aspects of the relocation program are identified and accounted for, providing the highest degree of accuracy for budgeting purposes. The technology provides answers and helps you determine the best method to budget for any relocation issue.

2. Planning and program management are easy tasks with a full range of online tools and resources provided by an industry-leading relocation technology. You can easily determine the impact of a new relocation initiation throughout the range of your program.

Advanced Financial Reporting Dashboard

3. An advanced financial reporting dashboard will allow you to create over 200 custom reports on demand. Service and financial reporting are available on demand and are fully customizable to meet your company’s specifications.

4. Online relocation initiation is simple, quick, and easy to perform. It is also customizable to meet company requirements and to reflect all approval processes. Employees will appreciate the ease and the speed of the technology, eliminating the need for paper copies of signed approval forms.

5. Talent acquisition programs benefit from industry-leading relocation technology and its focus on pre-hire and pre-decision A number of useful tools and analytics help talent acquisition managers to find and hire the right employees.

6. Data dashboards are easily customized to display whatever is most important for the specific user. Each department that interacts with the relocation program can view the data they need to see, upfront and at their fingertips.

Performance Measurements

7. A full range of comprehensive performance measurements through MyRelocation® Analytics is a hallmark of industry-leading relocation technology. Critical metrics are easily shown, and service level agreements are easily accessible for quick reference.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop their relocation programs and leverage industry-leading relocation technology.  We can help your company determine why you should choose to implement GMS’ MyRelocation® Technology. As a result, your company will gain all of the performance this robust solution provides.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also 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.

Powered by GMS’ 2020 Mobility Benchmark, the innovative GMS Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool provides instant relocation policy reviews. It also helps users gain insight into how their company’s relocation program compares to their industry peers.

Contact our experts online to discuss how your company can learn more about industry-leading relocation technology like GMS’ MyRelocation® Technology, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

 

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Our cloud-based MyRelocation® relocation technology is designed to help you streamline your company’s relocation management. Schedule a demo with a Mobility Pro for a no-pressure look at how our technology can help you.

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About

Contact Us

About Us

GMS Client Login

Privacy Policy

Other Services

Our Technology

Global Relocation

Group Moves

U.S. & Canadian Relocation

Address

Global Mobility Solutions
15333 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale AZ, 85260

1.800.617.1904
Available 24/7/365

About

Contact Us

About Us

GMS Client Login

Privacy Policy

Address

Global Mobility Solutions
15333 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale AZ, 85260

1.800.617.1904
Available 24/7/365

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