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Top 10 Most Spoken Languages in the Business World

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A Countdown on the Most Spoken Languages in Business

Learning a second or third language is a great way to open the door to more job and business opportunities. Business is conducted throughout the world in every single language and between every culture. 

 

Being bilingual as a call center representative, helping close the lucrative sales deal in a foreign language, or even relocating a family to a new country, the benefits of speaking more than one language are endless. Not to mention the number of doors that open in any particular career field for multilingual candidates. 

 

However, some languages can serve you better than others. Let’s explore the top 10 languages spoken in the business world. These top ten business languages feature markets with high growth, language demands for business, diverse industries, and many future opportunities:

1) English – The True Global Language

It might not be surprising to learn that English is the most prominent language in business, science, and academics. English is spoken widely in 94 countries by over 1.1 billion people as a native and supplementary language. Being fluent in English opens up massive opportunities for people all around the globe.

 

In fact, English is the most commonly used language on the Internet. It accounts for 25.9% of languages used on websites. And it is a diverse language that takes the form of American English, United Kingdom English, and Commonwealth English. Together, they make for the most critical language to be fluent in.

2) Mandarin (Chinese) – The Language of Purchasing Power

China’s heated economic expansion and vast population make Mandarin a top business language. Mandarin is the official language of the People’s Republic of China and is spoken globally by over 1.2 billion people. The economic leaps that China has undergone means that nearly every country in the world deals with it. That means a huge opportunity for those looking to learn the world’s most widely spoken business language.

3) Arabic – The Dynamic Language of Growth

Arabic is spoken widely across the Middle East, Africa, and the rest of the world. Arabic is also one of the world’s fastest growing languages in addition to being one of the Internet’s fastest growing languages. EMEA’s diversifying economies mean more opportunity for foreign investment. Learning Arabic can open up opportunities in varied industries like infrastructure, architecture, and even fashion design.

4) Spanish – The Language of Greater Opportunity

Spanish is the world’s second most spoken native language and the second most spoken language in the United States. Spanish speakers range from Spain itself to North and South America. However, the amount of Internet content in Spanish is estimated to be only 4%. This presents a massive opportunity for companies looking to expand into the Latin American, Caribbean, and Spanish markets.

5) Russian – Where Old and New Money Mix

The capital of Russia, Moscow, has more billionaires living in it than any other city in the world. Russia is a nation with vast deposits of oil, minerals, metals, and an educated populace. It also is a large economy that does extensive business with European and Asian countries. Russian-speaking countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and their developing economies means that Russian is great to learn for business.

6) German – Science, Industry, and Finance

Germany is a stable and prosperous economic and industrial powerhouse of Europe. It is also one of the three procedural languages of the European Commission. Learning German as a business language opens up businesses to the United Nations’ science, industry, and financial leader. Learning German also helps for doing business in German-speaking countries, like Belgium, Austria, Holland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Denmark.

7) French – Bridging Europe and Africa’s Futures

French is the official language of more than 29 countries. Growing and resource-rich nations in Africa, such as Cote d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all feature French-speaking populations. France is also the United Kingdom’s largest trading partner. The future of European and African trade and economic partnerships will rely on French as a language that links the two continents.

8) Portuguese – The New Frontier of Science and Medicine

Brazil’s and Portugal’s economies drive the importance of learning Portuguese as a business language. Portuguese is becoming a major source of scientific and medical research thanks to Brazil’s investments in the biotech and energy industries. The growing Brazilian economy means a larger-than-ever demand for Portuguese speakers. Increased interest from European, Asian, and American companies means new frontiers for fluent speakers.

9) Japanese – Combining Research, Development, and Tech

Japan’s reputation for technological advancement and e-commerce is rightly earned. Its diverse economy and high GDP are coupled with a highly educated populace. The combination of massive corporations and medium-sized technology firms means that Japan is a global leader in cutting-edge research, development, and investment. Learning Japanese is an important first step in understanding how to thrive in its lucrative market.

10) Hindi – The Burgeoning Internet Giant

India is a large and diverse country united by its official language of Hindi. Hindi is the world’s 10th most spoken language and is also widely spoken throughout South Asia. This massive region is undergoing an investment effort to build up its Internet and technology infrastructure. Learning Hindi will open people up to doing business in one of the world’s future consumer superpowers.

Additional Business Languages for Consideration

While the world speaks well over 6,000 different languages, the above-mentioned languages are some of the most prevalent in business and major economies today. What languages a professional chooses to learn may be influenced beyond simple numbers, such as the size of a given economy. These decisions may be influenced by geography or the desire to enter a smaller market. Some additional business languages to consider include Dutch, Italian, Korean, Polish, and Swedish.

GMS Is Here to Create a Better Business Future for your Organization

Global Mobility Solutions feels that there are no downsides to learning any of the top 10 most spoken languages in the business world. The best way to start your journey is to ensure you are working with a partner that is dedicated to teaching your professionals to become fluent in a new language. GMS has a proven, award-winning network that is geared towards helping your relocating employees and their families learn new languages and settle into their new country.


Our language partners deliver private in-person lessons and online language lessons direct to our clients. These talented language instructors and translators provide customized lessons for your fluency level and needs. These language learning services are combined with flexible scheduling and an easy-to-use online learning content management system. To learn more, reach out to GMS today and we will help guide you in the right direction to speaking a new language.

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.

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Discover Your Potential Relocation Cost Savings

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Relocation Cost Savings

To have the most successful and efficient workforce mobility program, mobility specialists and HR professionals should regularly evaluate their company’s relocation costs, benefits, and policies in order to uncover cost savings or areas in your relocation policies that may need improvement. Many companies manage their relocation needs in-house while others use relocation management companies to mobilize their workforce. Relocation policies should be reviewed with regularity to assure the company is spending wisely and saving money where possible. 

 

GMS makes this process simple with our industry-leading MyRelocation® technology. In addition to its client and employee-facing portals, MyRelocation® offers a suite of tools designed with your needs in mind. 

 

GMS is happy to announce our new Relocation Cost Savings Calculator. This easy-to-use tool provides companies with insight as to how much they could be saving when it comes to their current relocation program. If it has been a while since your company’s policies have been reviewed, or you are just starting to look into mobility services, this calculator can help determine your organization’s potential cost savings. 

 

It is not uncommon for companies to go years without changing or updating their relocation policies. While common, this practice can add up to serious costs over time as the direct costs related to relocation benefits react to various factors. Transportation prices change, home prices fluctuate, temporary housing costs increase, and the cost of living is constantly changing. To assure that your company is saving the most money while giving your employees the best relocation experience possible, it is important to check in on how you can be saving.

Calculating your Relocation Cost Savings

The innovative GMS Relocation Cost Savings Calculator looks at a range of common relocation program areas for cost-saving opportunities. With a user-selectable option for companies who handle mobility in-house or with an outsourced relocation management company. Key mobility policy elements that the calculator can highlight include: 

  • Program Fees
  • Real Estate Services
  • Household Goods Transportation and Storage
  • Temporary Housing Programs
  • International Relocation Services
  • Program Funding

The Cost Savings Calculator is quick and easy to use, and once various data points are input, the relocation calculator will compute your potential savings in a downloadable PDF to allow you to easily compare your current relocation costs against your potential savings. After that, a GMS Mobility Pro will reach out personally to help validate your potential relocation costs savings estimate, provide no-pressure guidance, and answer any questions you may have.

Validate Your Savings Using Our Relocation Cost Calculator

Are you ready to discover how and where your mobility program may benefit from a reduction in relocation costs? Simply complete the form below and a GMS Mobility Pro will provide you with a link to work through the tool. It is easy to use and only takes a couple of minutes if you have the right information handy. 


The GMS Relocation Cost Savings Calculator is free to use and comes with no obligation and no pressure to use. Get started now to discover how much your organization could be saving today.

Ready to Calculate YOur Program Savings? Request Access Now!

Are you ready to calculate your potential relocation program savings? Request access to our easy-to-use Relocation Cost Savings Calculator. Your Mobility Pro will grant your access request within 1 business day.

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Business Services Corporate Relocation

Corporate Housing Trends for 2021

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2021 Corporate Housing

GMS is here to make sure you keep up with all the latest trends in the corporate housing industry for 2021. As corporate housing needs are on the rise, is the inventory there to keep up? Here is a breakdown of some statistics around corporate housing trends for 2021:

North America

Estimated 30% overall reduction in the number of available corporate apartments due to:

  • Operators ending leases with apartment communities as demand dropped
    • Some operators broke their leases and handed keys back
    • Other operators could not pay rent, resulting in a default on their leases
    • May lead to strained relations between the higher-end apartment building owners where corporate housing providers place most rentals 
    • May stop some operators from acquiring additional inventory as demand increases

Globally

Most serviced apartment buildings remain in business. Being property-based and not leased has helped the inventory of corporate apartments to remain stable.

Major corporate housing companies exited the business in 2020, and other venture capital-backed brands also exited, further tightening supply. Several smaller and regional corporate housing operators are on the fence and may exit the business.

The outlook of trends in corporate housing for 2021 is for a rebound in business. While Q1 remained depressed, the volume should rise substantially in North America and globally during Q2 and Q3 as various markets continue to work towards reopening.

What Does This Mean Moving Forward?

With extremely tight and competitive real estate markets throughout the country, many companies are looking at corporate housing as an interim solution. Many states’ housing markets are projected to see continuous competition in the home purchase market through 2021. This is where corporate housing will play a big role in allowing companies to relocate employees to short-term rentals until the markets start to level out and transferees have a shot at purchasing a full-time home in their new destination. 

It is also worth noting that experts expect to see a 5-8% price rise in corporate housing costs from 2021-2025. Most temporary housing companies utilize a per-day pricing model or a bundled pricing model based on the number of employees.

Contact GMS Today

GMS’s certified team is always up to date on all the latest trends in corporate housing. Reach out today and we’ll ensure all of your relocation needs are met. We can help you relocate employees from anywhere in the world. Reach out to us online to get in touch.

What's Trending in Workforce Mobility for 2021?

This article is an excerpt from our 2021 Workforce Mobility Forecast. Download a complete copy today, or watch a recording of our latest Thought Leadership Series webinar on the trends that are shaping the industry.
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Post-Pandemic Business Planning: The Importance of Pre-Decision Services

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What will your employer’s post-pandemic business planning require? The United States has seen two months of unexpected employment increases, far beyond expectations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment situation over the past two months reflects:

May 2020 Employment Situation

Nonfarm Payroll Employment Increasing by 2.5 million

Unemployment Rate declining to 13.3%

June 2020 Employment Situation

Nonfarm Payroll Employment Increasing by 4.8 million

Unemployment Rate declining to 11.1%

A Returning Workforce Requires Thoughtful Post-Pandemic Business Planning

Many employers are currently making plans for their returning workforce. They may need to develop new workspace configurations in order to limit COVID-19 issues. They may also need to hire new employees, develop a robust talent acquisition program, or arrange for short term domestic assignments.

Post-pandemic business planning must take into account a variety of issues and factors that many employers have not ever thought of, let alone have expertise in. Operating a business in the aftermath of COVID-19 requires significant measures of research, analysis, and thoughtful approaches to solutions.

Pre-Decision Services Help Employers Understand the Issues of Importance

Employers focusing on talent acquisition as part of their post-pandemic business planning should work with a Relocation Management Company with knowledge and experience in pre-decision services. As the original pioneer of the benefits of pre-decision services, Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) can help employers understand the issues of importance to new hires and transferees. GMS offers a wide range of pre-decision services including candidate assessments that help clients assess the circumstances of prospects who are likely to succeed.

Candidate Assessments Provide Valuable Information for Post-Pandemic Business Planning

Candidate assessments provide valuable information for employers as to the expectations of new hires and transferees. New workspace configurations and requirements should be clearly communicated during the pre-decision phase. Questions and feedback from candidates and transferees will provide a valuable source of input and guidance for an employer’s post-pandemic business planning with respect to COVID-19 planning and hazard reduction efforts. With respect to post-pandemic business planning, pre-decision services provide several benefits for clients by:

  1. Clearly identifying a candidate’s issues, concerns, and questions
  2. Completely eliminating any risk of non-acceptance
  3. Minimizing policy exceptions
  4. Increasing the accuracy of budgets
  5. Providing cost savings for the client
  6. Increasing job acceptance ratios
  7. Streamlining the candidate’s orientation to the new location

How Can GMS Help Your Company’s Post-Pandemic Business Planning?

GMS has the knowledge and experience to help your company understand how to identify issues and learn about useful resources. GMS’s team of domestic relocation experts can help your company learn how to use information gathered during pre-decision services to enhance post-pandemic business planning.

As a result, we can help your company develop robust plans during its post-pandemic phase of operations. This will help maintain your competitive position in the marketplace for highly skilled and qualified talent.

What Should Employers do?

Employers looking to enhance their post-pandemic business planning should work with an experienced and knowledgeable Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs are ideal sources for information on corporate relocations, workspace setups, pre-decision services, and many issues specific to each employer’s needs surrounding new hires, transferees, and talent acquisition.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped many of our clients determine how to identify specific needs of new hires and transferees through pre-decision services. Our team can help your company determine how to leverage information gathered from new hires and transferees. As a result, this will help your company enhance its business planning process.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators. This leadership 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.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions. Our relocation industry and technology experts are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to learn more about how your company can leverage pre-decision services to enhance its post-pandemic business planning, 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.

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Business Services Talent Mobility

Short-Term Domestic Business Travelers: Do Clients Need to Consider Other State Tax Requirements?

Short-term domestic business travelers often have a need to travel outside their home tax jurisdiction. For example, there may be a business conference, corporate training, team gathering, or a customer meeting in another state.

Do clients really need to think about the tax requirements in other states?

GMS spoke with Erika Beddow, Business Development Manager at Global Mobility Tax, LLP (GMT).  Erika has 20 years’ experience in public accounting and in the Global Mobility industry. Erika agreed to share her expert guidance on this issue.

For Short-Term Domestic Business Travelers, Do Clients Need to Consider Other State Tax Requirements?

Quick Answer: Yes

When asked if clients need to think about taxes in other states for their short-term domestic business travelers, Erika quickly answered “Yes.” She notes that because each state taxes differently, short-term domestic business travelers should be reviewed to determine at what point tax is triggered in each state based on the travelers’ itinerary.

Business travelers are individuals who travel at the request of their employer to either visit clients, customers, work on projects, or who attend meetings or conferences. Unlike expatriates or assignees, these employees are typically not tracked by Human Resources or covered under an assignment policy.

Business travelers receive compensation from the home employer, such as per diems, expense reimbursements, accommodations, meals, and other incidentals. They will not cease residency in their home states and family members typically do not travel with them.

Erika notes that GMT assists clients in determining the potential reporting and tax requirements in each locality. The firm also assists clients with assessing the risks of non-compliance.

What are the Compliance Issues Related to Short-Term Domestic Business Travelers?

Erika shared that each state has their own tax laws and these laws typically differ from state to state. With today’s technology, many state tax auditors can focus on companies with a mobile workforce more easily and enforce their jurisdiction’s tax laws.

Why is this important? According to Erika, the jurisdiction where the services are performed is the jurisdiction that has the first right to tax the income earned in their jurisdiction.

Some issues that may arise when employees are working in other states outside their resident state:

  1. Employers are required, in most states, to allocate the income related to the employee’s travel and report and withhold tax accordingly.
  2. Employers will need to analyze if the employee’s travel to any state has triggered any corporate tax issues (i.e. Nexus).
  3. The employee could have income tax obligations in the other states where they worked.

How do Companies Fall out of Compliance with Short-Term Domestic Business Travelers?

Many companies may be already be doing this, but a significant number are not. A company could be non-compliant if they are not reporting the income in the other state and the appropriate tax is not withheld. In turn, the employee could be non-compliant by not filing and paying taxes in the other state.

What are the Risks Associated with Non-Compliance?

Erika believes many states are actively looking for ways to increase their revenues. One way of doing this is by trying to collect from nonresident short-term domestic business travelers. If a state auditor becomes aware of business travelers, the auditor can initiate a payroll audit to ensure the company has withheld and reported the proper income tax. Non-compliance with statutory reporting and tax requirements can result in tax assessments to the company and employee, including fines and penalties. These additional costs are usually unexpected and can cause business interruptions, reputational risk for the business, and employee dissatisfaction.

Companies should keep track of their employees who continue to work outside of their resident state. It is also becoming increasingly important that companies monitor and track their employee’s business travel to ensure they are compliant with all tax and reporting requirements.

How does GMT Help Clients Identify Their Specific Risks?

GMT is ready to assist clients that have mobility programs in becoming or staying compliant. GMT can help them identify and quantify the risks of payroll non-compliance. Clients should put an action plan into place to address these issues.

Action Plan for Short-Term Domestic Business Travelers

Erika recommends clients develop a Business Traveler Tax Policy to provide program managers and employees with clear guidance and procedures. The experts at GMT can assist companies in developing a policy that will help them mitigate risks, determine payroll and reporting requirements for each state, and determine what level of assistance, if any, they should provide to the employee. Erika notes that a tax policy should include:

  • Clear definitions of who is covered
  • Accurate regulations for tracking travel and workdays in each location
  • Established process to initiate and analyze tax and reporting obligations
  • Tax gross-up process and policy
  • Specific tax services the employer will provide to the employee

The Business Traveler Tax Policy can stand on its own or be part of the company’s relocation policy. A tax policy will ensure that both the company and employee understand their obligations ensuring a positive employee experience.

Employers should note that the employee working in other states may have additional tax liabilities in these other states and this will require them to file tax returns accordingly. Income tax rates vary from state to state, and this can cause an increased tax burden to the employee. Erika notes that the employer will need to determine if they need to apply additional tax gross-ups or tax assistance for these employees.

What Types of Reports are Available, in What Format, to Support the Action Plan?

Erika shared that there are many different types of reports are available for tracking purposes, and these reports may be manual or automated. However, GMT suggests using an automated process. There are many ways to automate travel tracking either internally or externally. One recommendation is to use either an internal program or a travel calendar app. By reviewing the short-term domestic business travelers, clients can plan accordingly to mitigate potential risk and exposure in other states for both the employers and employee.

Automated processes offer many benefits, including:

  • Increased Accuracy
  • Timeliness
  • Elimination of Unnecessary Processes

The team at GMT has helped clients with these issues for over 17 years. GMT provides expert tax support, education, and awareness to clients and their employees in order to ensure corporate compliance and employee satisfaction. GMT has a quick guide in PDF form for employers to help them understand some of the tax issues surrounding short-term domestic business travelers.

Erika says she is always ready to meet to help employers learn more about being compliant and building internal processes to support their mobile workforce.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of domestic relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients learn about important issues such as tax compliance for their organization. Our mobility consulting team can help your company understand how to identify and mitigate the issues surrounding tax compliance for short-term domestic business travelers with the assistance of the experts at Global Mobility Tax, LLP.

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.

Learn more about tax compliance issues for short-term domestic business travelers. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Mental Health and Talent Management During COVID-19

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Many GMS clients are looking at their talent management programs to address issues relating to how COVID-19 impacts employees’ mental health. Anxiety and stress resulting from the global pandemic may have a significant impact on an organization’s ability to attain its objectives. Talent management encompasses many important aspects as to how a company functions, including:

  • Identifying the organization’s specific needs for talent
  • Finding candidates with the right qualifications
  • Providing opportunities for employees to develop skills on the job
  • Offering training and education to increase the employees’ expertise
  • Keeping employees engaged and motivated to reach company objectives

Each country, state, and city may have its own specific requirements as to how residents should comply to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transportation could be impacted, as well as schools and other public services. All of these requirements can add significantly to how an employee feels about their safety and security. These requirements might also impact whether employees can get to their place of work, or increase requests for alternative work arrangements to deal with child care needs. Companies should look into a variety of mental health resources that can help employees who could be experiencing issues relating to COVID-19.

Agile Talent Management Programs Might Have Some Mental Health Resources

Agile talent management programs can help companies respond rapidly to new challenges. Many companies already have online learning resources that employees can easily access. Also, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) often provide a wide variety of helpful resources for employees dealing with issues that may directly impact their mental health.

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources May Not Be Readily Available

However, dealing with the impact of COVID-19 is not likely to be one of the topics in any company’s library of readily available learning resources. The most recent global pandemic that bears some similarity to the current COVID-19 situation is the 1918 influenza pandemic, occurring over 100 years ago.

Also, isolation resulting from COVID-19 restrictions may lead to increased alcohol and other substance consumption. Those at risk of substance abuse may not have the ability to easily find healthy coping skills. As reported by Nielsen, alcoholic beverage sales rose by 55% during the third week of March. Unhealthy alcohol consumption can lead to a wide number of additional medical and mental health issues.

Resources for COVID-19 Mental Health

Anxiety and stress are major factors that can negatively impact employees’ mental health. As such, companies should provide access to helpful resources that specifically target COVID-19 issues.

GMS spoke with Dr. Eric Goodman, a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating fears/phobias, persistent worrying, panic attacks, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and social anxiety. Dr. Goodman’s Coastal Center for Anxiety Treatment practice is located in San Luis Obispo, California. He is author of the upcoming book “Your Anxiety Beast and You: A Compassionate Guide for Living in an Increasingly Anxious World,” to be published in May 2020 from Exisle Publishing.

Dr. Goodman has published several articles to help people understand the source of anxiety around the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as how best to manage this anxiety.

What are the Sources of Anxiety around COVID-19?

According to Dr. Goodman, our anxiety has evolved over time to help us survive in worlds that were harsh and unforgiving, with straightforward dangers. Our ancestors knew to run from harm, and their anxiety helped them overcome prehistoric challenges.

In a sense, our anxiety around COVID-19 also consists of known threats to our safety: the coronavirus that may sicken us and our loved ones. Additionally, the forced isolation prevents us from having compassionate connections with others. We feel alone, under threat, and constantly bombarded by a daily news cycle filled with difficulties and sadness. Our mental health takes a beating.

Even if we take reasonable safety measures and abide by all of the precautions, we still face much uncertainty, and with this uncertainty is a risk of danger. Our anxiety wants the COVID-19 risk to be completely gone. Although the statistics favor our survival, we still feel anxiety, and over time may feel that our anxiety itself is a threat to us. All of this results in a higher degree of suffering. Employees may become so overwhelmed by their anxiety that they may not be able to focus on their jobs and corporate objectives.

How Should we Manage the Anxiety Around COVID-19?

There are several ways we can manage the anxiety around COVID-19. Dr. Goodman suggests three specific things we can do to mitigate this anxiety and help improve our mental health:

  1. Become mindful of our how bodies react to anxiety so we can let go of this struggle

Dr. Goodman suggests exercises such as doing a mindful body scan can be helpful to understand how our bodies react to anxiety.

  1. Soothe our nervous system to create a peaceful home for our anxiety

By getting enough sleep, avoiding substances that increase anxiety, and other healthy practices, Dr. Goodman believes our nervous system will become a peaceful place. This in turn will help calm our anxiety.

  1. Teach our anxiety so that it learns something that is safe to do, not just avoid danger

Often our anxiety can pursue actions that border on superstition or phobia. Rather than follow guidelines such as washing our hands for 20 seconds correctly, our anxiety extends the time or the frequency of handwashing. According to Dr. Goodman, we can teach our anxiety what is reasonably safe.

Additional Resources for COVID-19 Mental Health

Mental Health America (MHA)

MHA is the nation’s leading community-based non-profit organization that focuses solely on those living with mental illness. MHA has compiled a number of resources that directly address issues relating to COVID-19.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

ADAA has a number of resources including blog posts and videos with helpful tips for dealing with anxiety around COVID-19.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC has created a resource page dedicated specifically to stress and coping with COVID-19. The CDC further instructs those dealing with preexisting mental health conditions to continue their treatment. Also, the CDC notes they can find additional information at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) “Disaster Preparedness” page.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA provides guidance and resources to assist individuals, providers, communities, and states across the nation in dealing with the effects of COVID-19, including emergency grants and disaster planning.

Rehab 4 Addiction (R4A)

Rehab 4 Addiction, based in the UK, provides speedy admissions into residential rehabs across the United Kingdom and internationally. The team has recently published Coronavirus: Guidance for Better Mental Health, an educational guide to help increase understanding and awareness of all aspects of coping with the stress of the lockdown and bereavement. Their hope is that this resource can be one of many stepping stones for those struggling and their loved ones to better understand their situation and lead them to find a supportive and safe environment.

Ark Behavioral Health (ArkBH)

Ark Behavioral Health is accredited by the Joint Commission, the “Gold Standard” for behavioral health facilities. The goal at Ark is to use a whole-patient approach built on a foundation of integrity, transparency, and compassion. Each facility is centered around individualized patient care with an emphasis on long-term recovery to empower those with sense of purpose and joy. They strive to have their website be an educational resource by providing up-to-date, accurate, and evidence-based information related to substance abuse, mental health, and more. This is done in order to increase understanding and awareness of addiction without shame.

The Recovery Village (TRV)

The Recovery Village seeks to assist those in recovery and decrease the spread of COVID-19, and has launched a Teletherapy Program. Those in need now have access to one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and various online services virtually with a licensed professional, improving their chances of a successful recovery. TRV has also published many support resources to assist those in recovery during the pandemic.

The Palm Beach Institute (TPBI)

The Palm Beach Institute is an an organization dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming addiction. The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for people with substance use disorders and in recovery. They have published a guide to understanding addiction relapse during COVID-19 and tips for remaining sober.

Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center (SCSRC)

Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center provides resources for common issues people are dealing with, tips for reducing stress and anxiety, and how to get help for managing mental health during COVID-19.

Recovering Champions (RC)

Recovery Champions is accredited by the Joint Commission, the “Gold Standard” for behavioral health facilities. The goal at RC is to help individuals get personalized addiction treatment through evidence-based practices, trauma counseling, and treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders. They believe that Individualized treatment leads to long-term recovery. 

Choosing Therapy (CT)

Choosing Theraphy provides an online mental health resource, and has published a comprehensive guide to EAP explaining what it is, how and when to use it for mental health, types of mental health care provided, and more.

What Should Employers do?

Employers should share helpful mental health resources that can help employees who may be experiencing issues relating to COVID-19. As a result, employees will be able to reduce the impact of anxiety and stress. They will also be able to focus on their jobs and corporate objectives. Employers should examine their talent management and employee assistance programs to determine if resources are in place that address COVID-19 mental health issues.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to develop talent management programs to address employee needs. Our team can help your company understand how to find and utilize valuable mental health resources that can help employees who may be experiencing issues relating to COVID-19.

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.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s need for information about mental health resources for employees dealing with anxiety and stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.

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Business Services Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends

Travel Guidance: Staying Ahead of the Curve

A multi-generation African-American family sitting together on a park bench on a sunny autumn day. A 10 year old boy is hanging out with his father and his great grandfather.

In the midst of urgent travel guidance from the United States, federal agencies, and other nations, employers should practice due diligence in assisting their employees on assignment. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory: Do Not Travel. Even within the United States, additional travel restrictions are arising. For example, the state of Texas has implemented travel restrictions on those who want to enter the state. Several other locations may be considering local restrictions. Many US cities have “shelter-in-place” mandates aiming to protect citizens most at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employees on Assignment During Travel Guidance

Worldwide ERC® reports that over 13,500 US citizens have requested assistance from the State Department to return to the United States. Such assistance is becoming extremely challenging as airlines reduce their number of flights, and other nations close their borders to travel. Major regions such as the European Union are developing plans to restrict non-essential travel from other countries.

For employers that have employees on assignment in other nations, support and communication are critical. It is possible that some employees may need to remain in place for an extended period of time. Employers should be sure to inform employees on all aspects of their situation. They should also provide as much support as possible, so the employees and their family members can have peace of mind.

Relocation Management Company Resources for Global Assignees

Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to provide assistance for global assignees. GMS recently shared information with its clients to cover many of the issues surrounding travel guidance and how to provide support for global assignees.

Important Points for Employers to Consider for Global Assignees Include:

  • Extending temporary housing for those employees on global assignment who need extra time to determine how to repatriate to their country of origin
  • Extending relocation benefits to allow for more than one year
  • Many clients have initiated a global assignment but are asking their employees to work at the home location for the time being. Clients need to be thoughtful about how this may impact visa and taxation issues. GMS recommends clients consult their tax and immigration provider for support
  • Approving additional tenancy management, home maintenance, and grocery delivery when necessary
  • Since almost all business travel has been restricted, restrict all home leave trips for global assignments as well
  • Due to travel guidance restrictions, offer virtual services such as destination support and settling in services, immigration assessments, and visa country spotlights

What Does This Mean?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel guidance is constantly changing. Employers may have global assignees impacted in several ways by various restrictions, border closures, and reduced means of transport. As a result, employers should work to ensure continual and up-to-date communications with employees on global assignment. They should also consider revising several aspects of their relocation and travel policies to ensure employees receive as much support as possible as they try to navigate changing travel guidance, restrictions, and closures.

What Should Employers Do About Travel Guidance?

Employers with global assignees impacted by travel guidance, restrictions on movement, and other issues impacting their mobility should speak with an experienced and knowledgeable RMC. RMCs with established local presences and vast networks of top providers offer valuable insight into how best to communicate issues and resolve difficult situations. They can also provide the necessary resources and support for employees and their family members. Experienced RMCs will be able to offer technology and resources directly, locally, and even virtually as each individual situation requires.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to respond to changing travel guidance, border closures, and other issues and restrictions affecting global workforce mobility. Our team can help your company understand how to assist global assignees with virtually any relocation issue. As a result, this will help them and their family members have peace of mind, and be able to focus on their assignments.

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.

Contact our experts online to learn more about how our company can help your global assignees during times of continually changing travel guidance and other restrictions, 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
Business Services Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Relocation Challenges Visas and International Travel

Business Faux Pas: Top 5 Tips to Cultivate Good Global Relationships

Old Ways Wont Open New Doors sign

Global Mobility Solutions’ clients know that business faux pas can inhibit the development of a mutually beneficial relationship. Some customs that are completely acceptable in one country may not be acceptable in other countries. As a result, even the smallest gesture might not give a positive reflection. There are many ways to avoid these scenarios. Companies should provide resources and training for employees to help them learn how to cultivate good global relationships.

Top Emerging International Markets for Global Relocation

Many companies actively seek the top emerging international markets for investment. Companies focused on growth have a number of paths to choose as they look into global expansion. These choices may include some of the following:

  1. Business travel
  2. Short term assignments
  3. Work with a local partner
  4. Utilize services of International Professional Employer Organizations (PEO)
  5. Establish a local presence

Companies that are planning to use one or more of these paths should follow specific tips to avoid business faux pas. Careful research and investigation will help ensure good global relationships.

Top 5 Tips to Avoid Business Faux Pas

1. Research information about the location

GMS provides a number of valuable information resources for our clients. Global and Domestic Spotlights highlight information about culture, education, cost of living, climate, and many other points. Each of the spotlights provides information that can be used to learn more about important points for business contacts.

MyRelocation® Video Spotlights provide visual insights into a destination. Viewers can easily identify points of interest. They can also see the type of location, whether large city, suburban town, or small city located in the countryside. As a result, each of these locations will help the viewer understand how best to approach contacts in those areas.

In-depth research on a specific location can provide important points. For example, the city of Los Angeles recently enacted new regulations that may impact clients in various ways, and could certainly lead to business faux pas. This kind of research can also be provided with customized requests focused on specific locations and topics.

2. Get to know your contact

Many companies and their employees have robust pages on Linkedin. This social networking platform has risen in importance as a place where business people communicate with each other on relevant topics. Groups may be formed that are specific to interests such as Quality Auditing or Content Marketing. A contact’s participation in a group may provide helpful information on topics of importance to them.

Professional Organizations may have information about members. For example, the Arizona Department of Real Estate includes information on all licensees and brokers. Visitors to the website can search within the Department’s Public Database on topics related to licensing, education, development services, and compliance.

3. Ask questions to avoid business faux pas

Within your company or other professional contacts, do you know others who have visited the location? If yes, they may provide good information about the location, customs, and people. The more these contacts share with you, the better your chances are for creating a positive experience and avoiding business faux pas.

Do you or others in your circles know specific contacts at the location? Perhaps a supplier may have a facility located there. It may be helpful to reach out to these contacts and ask questions about their lives and experiences. Inquire as to what these contacts enjoy doing in their spare time, and what tips they can share about the local culture.

As you plan your travel, the places you stay may be able to provide valuable input for your visit. Contact local housing providers and ask if they have information about the location they can share. If you will be staying at a hotel, often the concierge is a source of valuable local information.

4. Review the business

Diligent research on businesses and contacts should include reviewing any publications such as the company’s annual reports, press releases, websites, and social media pages. Much of the contact that is shared can provide good insight into what is important for the company. It may also provide a number of talking points that can help open doors and leave an impression that you care about the company and their issues, needs, and goals.

Many business journals publish articles about companies. While not all of these articles are authorized, they may still provide helpful information. Some business journals to review include the Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, and The Economic Times. Keep in mind that referencing an unauthorized article about a company to your local contact would indeed be a business faux pas.

5. Attend cultural training to learn how to avoid business faux pas

A virtual trainer for culture allows employees to access training anytime, anywhere. Cultural training modules include several topics in helpful settings, such as:

  • Personal training via webcam in one-on-one sessions
  • Trainers help employees learn how to view cultural differences to promote synergy
  • Guidance to operate in business settings includes practical and actionable points
  • Skill-sets found in other cultures are leveraged to help the employee learn more
  • Values such as mutual respect and understanding are shared and reinforced

Cultural training can be critically important as businesses pursue growth in countries that may be quite different from their own. For example, China’s culture includes a unique concept called “good guanxi.“ In China, the primary focus in business is relationships, not tasks. As a result, companies seeking to do business in China should learn the best ways to build business networks with good guanxi. This will go a long way toward avoiding any business faux pas.

What Should Companies do About Business Faux Pas?

Companies should work with a qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) that has extensive experience in helping companies understand global issues. The RMC will help them understand how to research information about locations and companies. Additionally, the RMC will help the company learn how best to prepare for global expansion, whether through direct staffing efforts with global assignments or with the use of an International PEO.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients learn how to avoid business faux pas, with a goal of cultivating good global relationships. Our team can help your company understand how to research locations, people, and companies. We can also help your company learn how to leverage cultural training modules for employees to promote successful global business development.

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.

Learn more about how your company can avoid business faux pas and cultivate good global relationships. 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
Business Services Global Relocation Talent Mobility

Skills Gap in the United States can be Mitigated with Relocation, International PEO

Many sources recognize a skills gap in the United States. A growing economy generates job opportunities and needs candidates to fill those jobs. When job opportunities expand beyond the local population’s ability to fill those jobs, employers must examine other options. A skills gap affects several industries and locations in the United States.

What can a company do when it is unable to find candidates with the requisite skills? There are several avenues a company can explore when seeking to fill job opportunities. Many companies are able to continue growing by expanding their talent recruitment program’s capabilities. Creative solutions to hiring challenges can help a company achieve success.

What is the Skills Gap in the United States?

Examining the skills gap in the United States shows that technology is driving a need for workers to have knowledge of computers in order to perform what used to be basic job functions. Basic job functions such as following a written set of instructions to mix materials now require computer knowledge to perform the same task. As a result, automation may increase speed and accuracy. However, it also requires a higher degree of knowledge to operate computers and machinery. This is one aspect of the skills gap. Politicians, educators, and employers increasingly focus on STEM programs to address this part of the skills gap. STEM curriculum educates students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a cohesive approach based on actual applications.

Another aspect of the skills gap relates to human interaction and social skills. While much of society increasingly focuses on STEM programs, technology such as powerful Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more likely to automate at least some of these areas. Employers increasingly want written communication, oral communication, team-building, and leadership skills. These soft skills are unlikely to be easily overtaken by AI. As a result, they offer the promise of job stability for employees over a longer period of time.

How Can Employers Mitigate the United States Skills Gap?

There are several ways employers can recruit top talent in a tight job market, and mitigate the impact of a skills gap in the United States:

  1. Leverage social media to expose job opportunities to prospects on these platforms. Passively posting positions or actively presenting via digital ads when seekers enter specific terms into a search engine are all shown to have a positive effect.
  2. Global relocation can be used to fill open positions. The healthcare industry has been facing a critical talent shortage for several years. As a result, healthcare employers focus on several unique solutions such as providing exceptional candidate experiences and creating a superior employer brand. Employers can highlight their company’s relocation program benefits in their recruiting materials to attract talent for global relocation.
  3. International Professional Employer Organization (PEO) lets employers grow their business quickly in international markets. Through this employer of record solution, the International PEO acts as an extension of a company’s Human Resources Department, with a focus on immediate international employment solutions. This lets a company meet demanding business objectives quickly and efficiently.

What Should Employers do?

Employers facing a skills gap impacting their hiring plans should review their talent recruitment programs to ensure creative solutions are in place. A knowledgeable Relocation Management Company can provide valuable assistance to employers looking for robust and effective solutions to hiring challenges.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop hiring and recruiting programs to mitigate the impact of a skills gap. Our team can help your company by using industry best practices to design your relocation program. This will increase your company’s ability to attract and retain new employees and mitigate the effects of a skills gap.

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.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation program needs, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

Categories
Business Services Employee Development Talent Management

International Employment Through PEO Lets Your Business Grow Quickly

Group of happy young people of different nationalities working together

How can your business grow its international employment base quickly? Through the service of an International PEO that hires employees in foreign countries on your behalf. Through this Employer of Record solution, the International PEO acts as an extension of your company’s Human Resources Department, with a focus on immediate international employment solutions so your company can meet demanding business objectives quickly and efficiently.

What Does an International PEO Do?

An International PEO is a Professional Employer Organization. For your company, the provider will manage all of following for your international employment needs:

  • Onboarding
  • Payroll
  • Tax Withholdings
  • Remittances to Local Authorities
  • Health and Social Security Programs
  • Health Insurance
  • Employee Benefits
  • Pension Arrangements
  • Separations and Terminations

What are the Benefits of Working with an International PEO?

There are seven distinct benefits companies gain for their international employment needs by working with an International PEO:

  1. Quick Market Entry – often in as little as 48 hours.
  2. Flexibility – the main reason companies use PEO for international employment needs, with no long-term contracts.
  3. Cost Savings – up to 60% less costs compared to creating a foreign entity.
  4. In-country Expertise – helps your company navigate local laws, cultures, and compliance requirements.
  5. Risk Mitigation – for liability and employment-based risks in foreign countries protects your company, employees, and intellectual property (IP).
  6. Streamlined Process – global expansion goes from a multi-step process to a one-step solution.
  7. Employee Satisfaction – international employment includes ongoing HR support for employee needs, medical and supplemental benefits.

When Should Your Company Work with an International PEO?

Many companies choose International PEO as the optimal solution for the following scenarios:

  1. Mergers and acquisitions that require onboarding employees located all over the world overnight.
  2. Expatriate employment that sends team members into foreign markets without the overhead of a foreign entity.
  3. Testing a new market to determine whether investing in a presence in a country will be viable and successful.
  4. A new hire in a foreign country who is not able to obtain their H-1B Visa, but can continue as an employee through the PEO.

International PEO is the best option for companies who are looking to enter new markets:

  • In full compliance with local requirements on international employment.
  • Lowest monetary cost saves funds for use on other corporate objectives.
  • Least amount of time investment so company can identify and pursue opportunities.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to grow their company’s international employment. Our team can help your company understand how to work with an International PEO to gain all of the benefits this solution provides for international employment.

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.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s international employment needs, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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