North American Van Lines’ recent survey shows why Americans stay in their hometown. Over 2,000 respondents were asked if they moved in relation to their hometown. Of those that have moved but remained in the same city or area, several reasons impacted their decision including:
- Ability to stay close to family members
- Cost of living is lower than other locations
- Knowledge of and preference for local area
- Environment, weather, and climate are more favorable
- Near to place of work
Primary Reason Americans Stay
Those who responded to the North American Van Lines survey that stay in or close to their hometown represent:
- Men: 68%
- Women: 75%
The primary reason that Americans stay in their hometown is to remain close to their family members. This reason is remarkably consistent across genders. 48% of men and 51% of women reported staying close to family members as their primary reason for doing so.
Results Show the Importance of Family Support in Relocation
For the survey respondents who have moved out of state away from their hometown, 70% reported work as the primary reason for their move. Since Americans stay in their hometown to remain close to family, those that choose to relocate for their job often inquire about support for their partner, spouse, and family members. Important points for family members, partners, and spouses to consider in a relocation may include:
- Care for elderly parents and relatives
- Child care arrangements
- Community resources and networks
- Educational opportunities
- Healthcare options and resources
- Home finding resources
- Job market and career assistance for spouses and partners (very important consideration as to why Americans stay in their hometown)
- Transportation options including driver’s licenses
- Utility setup and connections
Case Study Shows Importance of Spouse and Partner Career Support
GMS’ Case Study on Educational Institution Relocation Programs shows the importance of local job and career assistance for partners and spouses. Our client learned that new hires were departing within a year due to the lack of local job support for partners and spouses. By redesigning their relocation policy and adding career services for partners and spouses, our client was able to significantly increase their new hire retention rates.
What Should Employers do About the Primary Reason Americans Stay in their Hometown?
Employers should review their relocation program to ensure it follows industry-leading best practices with regard to family matters as well as partner and spouse career support. Companies should work with a qualified and experienced RMC that can help them design a relocation policy that promotes successful relocations. Partner and spouse career considerations should be included in the transferee’s relocation experience. Family support is also critical to reduce any disruption from the move. Having full family support provides peace of mind for the transferee, their partner or spouse, and their family members.
Conclusion
GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation policies and programs that address the reasons why Americans stay in their hometown. Our team can help your company design a robust relocation program. As a result, the program will provide the best relocation experience for your company’s transferees and their family members.
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.
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.
Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation program and the need to address the reasons why Americans stay in their hometown, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.
Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS
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.
