Category: Choosing a Relocation Company

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Corporate Relocation Incentives Driving Economic Development

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Downtown Denver, Colorado, USA Drone Skyline Aerial Panorama.

In the past year, the global mobility industry has seen noticeable increases in state and local governments offering enticing relocation incentives to draw economic development and add to growing employment numbers. But how are these incentives helping companies recruit new talent to relocate? And how do transferees and companies take advantage of these incentives? 

Working with a corporate relocation services company can help make sure that you are getting the most out of the available relocation incentives. There are various incentives for those looking to perform group moves or office moves from state to state. Understanding these plans and policies is the first step in taking advantage of them. 

Here we have broken down some of the relocation incentives in 3 quickly growing states. All of these states are seeing an increase in population due to incentives and business-friendly environments, and these numbers should continue to grow as work from home precautions begin to end for in-office positioned employees.

Attracting Companies and Talent

Many states have heavily invested in development strategies that are solely focused on attracting companies within specific industries into relocating their operations to their state. Commonly targeted organizations reside in high revenue/high wage industries, such as technology, R&D, and manufacturing companies. State relocation incentives are often rich with benefits, making it difficult for companies to ignore. Let’s use Colorado, Arizona, and Texas as gleaming examples. Each of these states has focused on developing partnerships focused on attracting and relocating companies to their particular states and municipalities, in hopes of bringing in more revenue and tax dollars to the state.

Key Colorado relocation incentives:

  • Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits – A performance-based state income tax credit equal to 50% of the FICA paid by a business, based on the net new growth from jobs created
  • Strategic Fund Incentives – A cash payout based on wage levels of the net new jobs created
  • Location Neutral Employment – An incentive that combines Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits and a Strategic Fund Incentive 
  • Training Grants – Reimbursement of job training designed to increase transferable skills to enhance long term employment opportunities
  • Industry Accelerated Grants – A collection of grants that promote growth and sustainability

Key Arizona relocation incentives:

  • Quality Job Credits – Up to $9,000 in tax credits over 3 years for each new qualifying job
  • Training Grants – Up to 75% reimbursement of job training per employee and up to $8,000 for each new employee in a rural area
  • Facility Tax Credits – 10% of capital investment, up to $20,000 per qualified job created in manufacturing or R&D
  • Research & Development – An income tax credit for R&D (24% for first $2.5M, plus 15% in excess of $2.5M) 

Key Texas relocation incentives:

  • Enterprise Project – If project investment is equal to or greater than $5 million or more,  then refund amount is up to $2,500 per job up to a maximum of 500 jobs created/retained
  • Double Jumbo Enterprise Project – If the project investment amount is equal to or greater than $150 million and less than $250 million, then the refund amount is $5,000 per job up to a maximum of 500 jobs created
  • Triple Jumbo Enterprise Project – If the project investment amount is equal to or greater than $250 million then the refund amount is $7,500 per job up to a minimum of 500 jobs created. The maximum refund available is $3.75 million

Weighing the Benefits

While most of these incentives are not lucrative enough to make a company want to move on the spot, they do serve as added bonuses to those companies that are actively looking to make a move within the next year or two. The next question becomes how do you know you’re making the best relocation decision for your company and employees? Working with a certified corporate relocation services company will help to ensure that state economic incentives and your relocation strategy provide your organization with the advantages it needs to thrive and grow. . But what has to be considered when drafting up relocation policies and operation decisions? 

Establishing new operations or relocating existing ones is not an easy decision. Companies must weigh the cost/benefit of moving operations, in addition to the impact on employees. At GMS, we make every effort to support companies with the necessary analysis for informed decision-making. This may include salary and cost of living comparisons, housing evaluations and site studies, educational comparisons, pre-decision services, and more!

Why GMS Is the Answer

If you’re looking to take advantage of incentives for these states, or just collecting information in general for relocating employees, it is always a good idea to sign on with a proven and experienced relocation company. You’ll want to use a company that specializes in group moves and office moves. 

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is here to help you with all of your relocation services needs. Our team of experts holds over 20 relocation certifications and can assist with any kind of corporate move, no matter the scale. We also won’t blindside you with hidden or non-disclosed fees. All of our pricing is upfront and honest. Not to mention, we will tailor your policies and procedures to make sure your employees are maximizing any available state incentives, along with ensuring all of their relocation needs are being met. Our team can help you move to or from not just Arizona, Colorado, or Texas, but globally as well. 

Reach out to GMS today online if you’re ready to start getting info about working with a certified relocation services company. Or to speak to a team member directly, call 1-800-617-1904. 

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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 Choosing a Relocation Company Corporate Relocation Relocation Best Practices Relocation Challenges United States Economy

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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Affinity Programs and Relocation: How Your Company Can Benefit

Many companies can benefit by adding affinity programs to their relocation policy. Relocation offers ample opportunities for transferees and new hires to use services. As a result, a robust relocation policy with well-structured affinity programs may provide a revenue stream to help offset administrative costs. Also transferees and new hires may benefit from special programs and discounts offered through these programs.

What are Affinity Programs?

Affinity programs are a structured partnership between businesses that promotes use of a service or purchase of an item. The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives notes that these programs must provide value and specific price advantages for members in order to be successful.

A typical affinity program may follow the following steps:

  1. Employer enters into an agreement with a business partner
  2. Employer then offers the services to their employees
  3. Employees gain a benefit from using the services (such as discounts on products and services)
  4. Profits attributed to the employee’s use of the service are shared between the employer and the business partner

Employees gain value when they receive exclusive discounts and services in return for their participation. They also gain expert, hands-on guidance of experienced support staff from the business partner. Staff members are ready to help guide affinity program recipients through the process of selecting, ordering, and tracking the various services they desire.

Employers gain from affinity programs in several areas:

  • Revenue stream from profit share
  • Increased employee satisfaction
  • Enhanced goodwill through offering valued services
  • Association with a trusted business partner
  • Seen as an employer of choice among job seekers

What are Typical Affinity Programs in Relocation?

Typical affinity programs in relocation might include profit sharing based on transferee and new hire use of services offered by a Relocation Management Company (RMC). Services that may be eligible might include household goods moves, home selling/buying, mortgages, housing, or travel. These programs can be structured in many ways to meet employer’s needs as well as provide clear and defined value for employees.

Example: Traditional Temporary Housing

For example, transferees may be offered the option of using traditional temporary housing while they search for a home in their new location. If the transferee chooses to use this option, the employer will gain in the form of a profit share.

Importantly, the employer will also gain from having the transferee use housing that meets specific requirements for maintenance, cleanliness, amenities, and security. Transferees are more likely to have a positive experience when they use traditional temporary housing, as opposed to other housing options. This in turn will increase employee satisfaction with their relocation experience.

Many other housing options might initially seem attractive and offer a lower cost, but they may not meet cleanliness standards, and may carry hidden costs and unexpected issues for the transferee.

What Should Employers do About Affinity Programs?

Employers interested in learning more about affinity programs in relocation should work with a Relocation Management Company that has knowledge and expertise with these programs. An experienced RMC can help employers design their relocation policy to provide value for employees while returning many benefits to employers.

GMS offers clients its exclusive MyRelocation® Affinity Program. Through this program, eligible clients are able to gain many valuable benefits for their companies and their employees, where available.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of domestic relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop value-added benefits as part of their relocation policies. Our team can help your company determine how to define affinity programs that provide positive returns and valuable benefits for employees.

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 learn more about how to define affinity programs in your company’s relocation policy, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Choosing a Relocation Company Relocation Technology

What Should a Company Consider When Choosing Relocation Technology?

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Choosing relocation technology requires careful consideration. The solution to making the right choice is to know what questions to ask. Companies should ask their Relocation Management Company (RMC) a number of questions to ensure they receive an industry-leading technology.

What are the 5 Major Questions Companies Should Ask?

When it comes to choosing relocation technology companies should ask five major questions. While all of the questions are important, perhaps first and foremost is:

Question #1: Is the relocation technology secure, safe, and fully compliant?

RMCs should have systems that are compliant, as well as operable even during periods of disruption. Consider performing a security assessment of the RMC. Ask for the RMC’s business continuity plan. Answers that should be forthcoming would assure companies that:

  1. Relocating employee’s personal information is fully secure and protected
  2. Privacy setup is compliant with all regulatory requirements
  3. Necessary organization service controls are in place

Question #2: How will choosing relocation technology like this solution help our relocating employees?

Since employees will interact with the technology, it should be seen as helpful. A robust technology solution will provide employees with a positive experience. Answers to look for would include:

  1. The technology is fully accessible across any type of devices, including tablets and smartphones
  2. It can be used by relocating employees as well as candidates for positions
  3. All aspects of relocation should be covered including:
    • Expense submission and tracking—real-time and online
    • Travel arrangements
    • Tools to help transferees learn new languages and cultures
    • Access to details of all relocation benefits
    • Easy to use calculators to create buy versus rent comparisons
    • Alerts that can be sent by text or email
    • Virtual destination information and guides

Question #3: How will choosing relocation technology help our company’s relocation program?

Answers should provide assurance of a robust single-platform technology solution. The relocation technology should provide all departments that have an interest in relocation with helpful tools to understand, administer, and report on the program. Human resources, talent acquisition, accounting, and other administrative stakeholders should be able to increase their efficiency with:

  1. Online tools and resources such as reports for planning and management
  2. Analytics and tools for pre-hire and decision processes
  3. Easy to customize dashboards for data displays
  4. Budgeting and cost estimating capabilities
  5. Comprehensive performance analytics including metrics and service level agreements
  6. Easy to customize online relocation initiation and approval processes
  7. Service and financial reporting suites on demand and fully customizable

Question #4: When choosing relocation technology like this, do we know if it is customizable and scalable?

Answers should confirm that you can customize the technology to meet your company’s needs. Views should be easy to change to provide a viewer with the information they need, when they need it. Reports should be easy to create and easy to change so that any user’s needs can be fully met. The technology should be able to accommodate any number of relocating employees, from 10 to 500 or more, as your company grows in size and global footprint.

Question #5: How will this relocation technology integrate with other corporate systems?

Answers should confirm that the technology will integrate with your existing payroll, human resource administration, and other critical operating systems. This will ensure the technology will provide an enhancement to your company’s workflows and processes.

What Should Companies do when Choosing Relocation Technology?

Companies should work with a qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) that can provide access to a robust relocation technology. MyRelocation™ from Global Mobility Solutions is a single-platform, online relocation management suite that provides our clients and their transferees an array of decision-making, tracking, and expense management tools.

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.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how they can gain the benefits of using a leading relocation technology for managing relocation processes. Our team can help your company learn how to choose relocation technology that is safe, secure, and compliant. This will ensure privacy and protection of employee information. We can also demonstrate our easy to use tools that provide quick and simple solutions for information and expense tracking and reporting.

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

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s needs for choosing relocation technology, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request a relocation technology demo

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Choosing a Relocation Company Corporate Relocation Corporate relocation tips Relocation Best Practices Relocation Management Relocation Policy Review Talent Mobility

The Future of Corporate Headquarters

Many companies face challenges when considering where to locate their corporate headquarters. Major global companies such as Amazon, Apple, General Electric, and Google have recently announced expansion or relocation efforts that will take them to their next-generation workforce.

Recent expansion and relocation efforts for corporate headquarters have focused on major metropolitan areas.

Corporate Headquarters of Major Companies

Amazon

Amazon plans to create a second corporate headquarters location in Arlington County, Virginia’s Crystal City neighborhood. The location is across from Washington, D.C. The company said it will receive $573 million combined from Virginia and Arlington in performance-based direct incentives. These incentives include Amazon creating several thousand jobs at the new location. Notably, although Amazon had originally also chosen a second location in Long Island City, Queens, New York for another headquarters, mounting opposition led the company to pull out of its plans. This speaks to the importance of building local support among all stakeholders for any new corporate headquarters development.

Apple

Apple is planning to expand its presence in Austin, Texas with a $1 Billion new corporate headquarters campus. Apple’s future plans will eventually make it the largest employer in Austin. The new campus will accommodate 5,000 employees to start, and feature capacity for up to 15,000 employees.

General Electric

General Electric relocated its corporate headquarters to Boston, Massachusetts in 2016 and instantly became the state’s largest public company. Company officials noted that the Boston metropolitan area’s concentration of top universities and startup technology firms was the main attraction for their relocation. The move is seen as a way for the industrial conglomerate to rebrand itself as a forward-looking technology company. Although GE continues to face challenging markets and a changing economic future, the fundamental reason for the company’s move is shown in their intent to remain in Boston.

Google

Google plans to spend $1 Billion to expand the company’s New York City Hudson Square facility. The campus will be the main corporate location for its New York-based global business organization. The company will double its New York City workforce.

Corporate Headquarters Require Workforce with Significant Skills and Education

Companies looking to expand or relocate their corporate headquarters require employees with skills and education. Typical functions at these locations may focus on executive and managerial roles, product engineering and development, talent acquisition and talent management, sales and marketing, corporate communications, legal concerns, and finance. Many of the positions within these functions require degrees from institutions of higher education. Employees must be proficient with technology across multiple platforms. They must also display a broad range of soft skills including verbal and written communication, coaching, and leadership. Any company looking at a new location should work to keep current employees with desired skills and education during the relocation.

What Should Employers Seeking to Expand or Relocate Their Corporate Headquarters do?

Companies that are looking to expand or relocate their corporate headquarters should work with a Relocation Management Company (RMC) that has expert knowledge and extensive experience in corporate relocation services. Corporate relocation programs provide companies and employees all of the resources and tools they need to ensure a smooth and successful relocation process.

Choose an RMC that provides ongoing employee support services, supplier management, relocation benefits, and expense management. Employers should provide many resources for their relocating employees and their families. As a result, they will feel confident in accepting their new assignments and enthusiastic about the company’s corporate headquarters relocation.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has the knowledge and expertise to help your company manage its corporate headquarters relocation budget. We will also offer your employees the best relocation experience during a corporate headquarters expansion or relocation. This will increase your company’s ability to retain current employees as well as attract new hires at your new location.

Contact our team of experts to discuss how we can help your company’s corporate headquarters relocation budget stay within company guidelines, or call us directly at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Choosing a Relocation Company Relocation Best Practices Relocation Management Relocation Policy Review Relocation Programs

Does Your Relocation Management Company Have a Business Continuity Plan?

Does Your Relocation Management Company Have a Business Continuity Plan?

Your company may have a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place. This will ensure your organization can continue operating during an unplanned event. Many companies go to great lengths to ensure essential business functions continue regardless of what kind of disruption may occur.

Do you know if your Relocation Management Company (RMC) has a similar document to ensure they can provide essential services? RMCs should have a BCP so they can assure their clients that relocation services will continue during any possible situation that could cause disruptions.

What Situations Might Cause a Disruption for Your RMC?

It is impossible to list every possible disruption that your RMC may encounter. However, a few specific situations illustrate the importance of ensuring your RMC can continue operations according to their Business Continuity Plan.

Weather

Relocations often are subject to adverse weather conditions. Household goods shipments as well as travel plans may face delays due to severe storms such as hurricanes, blizzards, and ice storms. Severe weather can cause destruction of transportation networks and storage facilities. In 2017, the United States endured 16 destructive weather and climate events that each caused over a billion dollars of damage, including floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

Human Error

Any business is subject to human error. However well-intentioned, simple mistakes could cause significant issues for transferees, new hires, and your company. Your RMC should have sufficiently secure processes and systems in their Business Continuity Plan to prevent human error from causing huge and costly issues for your business.

Cyber-Attack

A cyber-attack is when one or more computers launch an attack against another computer, several computers, or an entire computer network. The goal may be to disrupt service. Alternatively, the goal may be to gain information. Your RMC will likely have access to some of your company and transferee’s data. As a result, their BCP should include plans regarding the impact of cyber-attacks.

What Should Your RMC Include in Their Business Continuity Plan?

Every BCP should include basic information that tells the RMC what the plan includes, and how to implement the plan. Major points to look for:

  1. Contact information for the organization and employees who will implement the BCP
  2. Revision and change management for the BCP
  3. Business Continuity Plan purpose and scope of the plan
  4. Specific instances that indicate when users should activate the BCP
  5. Emergency organizations including contacts and responsibilities
  6. Information on insurance and other policies
  7. Procedures with detail so users have guidelines for how they should proceed
  8. Clear diagrams to show how the business will proceed
  9. Helpful checklists to remind Business Continuity Plan users what they should do
  10. Plan for reviewing, testing, and revising the BCP on a regular basis

What Should Your Company Do?

Your company should contact your RMC and ask for their Business Continuity Plan. Be sure the plan covers all of the major points noted herein. The plan should have details regarding continuity in the face of unplanned events regarding weather, human error, cyber-attacks, and other issues including supplier work stoppages, security concerns, and natural disasters.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand the importance of ensuring their RMC has a detailed Business Continuity Plan. We can help your company understand what should be included in a BCP. With this knowledge, you and your transferees can have confidence that relocation services will not face disruption.

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.

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 or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Choosing a Relocation Company Corporate Relocation Domestic Relocation Global Relocation Relocation Policy Review Relocation Programs

Advantages of an Expedited Bidding Process

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More companies are using an expedited bidding process when it comes to outsourcing their relocation program to a Relocation Management Company (RMC). This fundamental shift in a company’s approach to outsourcing relocation has many benefits, including significant cost and time savings. As the pace of business continues to increase, expedited bidding has proven to be a boon for companies that are looking to enhance the management of their relocation program.

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts benchmarked 48 companies that have utilized this process to determine the reasons why this approach has risen in prominence in today’s relocation market. Our team has identified five distinct reasons for the increased utilization of expedited bidding.

Five Reasons Why Companies Prefer an Expedited Bidding Process:

1. Companies Buy Solutions, Not Parts

Purchasing relocation management is a much different process than sourcing parts or equipment. Companies understand that ensuring the right fit for the right reasons is the most important factor when sourcing employee-facing services.

2. Complimentary Mobility Consulting

Policy reviews, program design and recommendations, and policy development and revisions can easily be part of this process. This also allows companies to evaluate an RMC’s experience, knowledge of the relocation process, and the quality of their consulting work.

3. Faster Relocation Program Implementation With an Expedited Bidding Process

Over 90% of companies that utilize an expedited process are able to complete their implementation within 22 days. The speed of this approach allows companies to achieve immediate efficiencies in their programs.

4. Avoiding Formal Requests

Utilizing an expedited bidding process helps companies avoid the administrative burdens and resource-intensive approach typical of the more formal Requests for Information and Requests for Proposals.

5. Immediate Cost Savings

Competition inherent in this process often results in cost savings. Improved fee structures and reduced direct costs result in up-front savings for the client. Savings allow clients to increase their focus on strategic business initiatives while the RMC manages their relocation program.

What Should Employers do to Utilize an Expedited Bidding Process?

Employers should utilize an expedited bidding process as they consider outsourcing their relocation management. A Relocation Management Company with extensive knowledge of the global relocation market and the experience of moving hundreds of thousands of employees will provide the best resources for expedited bidding processes. An experienced RMC can also easily guide companies through the process and achieve highly successful results.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their relocation programs. We can help your company understand how to gain the most benefits from utilizing an expedited bidding process. Learn how to choose the best Relocation Management Company from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Choosing a Relocation Company Corporate relocation tips Domestic Relocation Global Relocation

How to Position Your Request for Proposal so Suppliers Have Correct Information

Your task is to position your Request for Proposal for Relocation Services so suppliers have all of the correct information they need to provide you with full and useful responses. With all of the many aspects of relocation programs, where should you begin?

To get the best responses, position your Request for Proposal with the information the suppliers need to understand your company and its current processes. You want to be clear in each question you ask the supplier, so you need to provide them with information about who you are and what you are seeking in a relocation services provider. Answers will vary based on the information you provide.

At a minimum, you should provide these four main points of information in order to receive robust responses to your Request for Proposal:

Four Main Points

1. Company Overview, Scope of Program, and Facility Locations

Provide information about your company, including size, number of employees, facility locations, organizational structure, and any associated companies and divisions. The scope of your relocation program is critically important for suppliers to know. Is it going to be a global program that covers all facilities worldwide? Or is the program specific to one geographical region, or only one division of your company? Position your Request for Proposal to provide as much detail as possible about what kind of relocation program your company is seeking. Additionally, be sure to include information about what range of services your company is interested in using.

2. Relocation Volume, Percentage of Homeowners and Renters, Average Home Sale Values

Position your Request for Proposal to include the number of relocations. This information is important for suppliers to know, to ensure appropriate staffing levels and structure for your company’s account service. It is also important information for the supplier to know so they can present the best pricing possible. The percentage of relocating employees who are homeowners versus renters helps the supplier understand the range of services your company’s program should use. The supplier will also be able to provide suggestions on how best to design the relocation program’s features and benefits. For your relocating employees who are homeowners, you should provide the average home sale values over the last few calendar years. This will help the supplier plan for the resources necessary to give these homeowners the best range of services. As a result, they will be able to correctly budget for home sale programs.

3. Position Your Request for Proposal so it Clearly Defines Global Program Needs

Many companies think of relocation programs in basic terms of moving their employee and family members from one location to another. Depending on the locations involved, the employee and their family might need a wide range of services to ensure a successful relocation. Global relocation needs could include any or all of the following services:

  • Assistance with Visas, Work Permits, Immigration
  • Language Training
  • Cultural Training
  • Travel Assistance
  • Property Management
  • Short Term Housing
  • Home Finding Assistance
  • Settling in Services (Driver’s Licenses, Child Care, Utility Arrangements, Interim Health Insurance)
  • Vehicle Lease or Purchase
  • Spouse and Partner Employment Assistance
  • School Searches
  • Pet Arrangements and Relocation
  • Repatriation Services

4. High Level Policy Review, Lump Sums

Provide information about your company’s current relocation policy and program at a high level. Note any tiers within the current policy that are used to provide different levels of service. The number of lump sums is important to include. Many RMCs have structured programs that employees can utilize with their lump sum dollars.

For example, Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) assists relocating employees with maximizing their allocated lump sum relocation dollars through our vast network of partners. Employees can select the options that they need from our a la carte menu of services, providing those services are within the parameters of your company’s specific policy. The dedicated relocation coach provides advice and counsel along the way. Additionally, the coach will explain how to best utilize their lump sum relocation dollars.

GMS’ relocation experts might also recommend an alternative to your company’s lump sums in the form of a managed cap program. The GMS managed cap program gives the employee a specific amount of funds to spend along with the benefit of the support services offered by GMS. GMS provides expertise in policy counseling to the employee on the best allocation of their funds when choosing from an array of relocation services. In addition, they receive guidance on the taxation of particular components. The managed cap program has contributed to fewer budget overages and higher satisfaction levels than the lump-sum option. This results in a maximum benefit for both the company and the employee.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their requests for proposals. We can help your company understand how to position your request for proposal so that it has all of the information suppliers need for them to present the best solutions for your company’s relocation program. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Business Services Choosing a Relocation Company Relocation Management

Does Your Relocation Management Company Provide a Customized, Right-Fit Program?

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Companies achieve the most success with a customized, right-fit program for relocation that is specifically designed to meet their unique requirements. Employees and their families expect a broad range of services to help them during their relocation process. How can you be sure your company is competitive with your relocation program and able to attract and retain the best talent?

Here are five questions you should ask your Relocation Management Company (RMC) to ensure you receive a customized, right-fit program:

Why You Should Choose Global Mobility Solutions for your right-fit program

Does Your Program Align With Our Needs?

Your RMC should thoroughly review and understand your company’s mobility needs, objectives, move patterns, locations, and any other specific requirements. Ask your RMC how the program they provide will address each of these areas. Ask them how it will be in full alignment with your company’s worldwide mobility needs.

Does Your Program Provide Dedicated Account Management and Mobility Consulting?

You should have dedicated account management for your company so you can be sure your needs are met quickly and efficiently. Ask your RMC if they provide mobility consulting so Human Resources, Procurement, and Recruiting team members can have access to expert advice and guidance.

Is There a Single Point of Coordination?

Ask your RMC if they provide a single point of coordination for your employees and their families. Relocating employees should have a dedicated advocate who understands their specific needs. A single point of coordination allows for ease of communication and provides assistance for employees throughout their relocation process.

Does Your Program Provide Access to a World-Class Partner Network?

Your company should have access to a world-class partner network of providers. Employees and their families should receive the best service during their relocation process as it promotes successful relocations. Ask your RMC how they can assure your company receives the highest levels of quality at the lowest cost on a worldwide basis.

What Global Technology Does Your Program Provide?

Your employees and their families should have access to user-friendly tools and features so their relocation process is smooth and easy. Ask your RMC what technology they provide on a global basis. Your employees should always have access to the tools and resources they need, when and where they need it.

Conclusion

The most successful corporate relocation programs are customized, providing a right-fit that aligns with company objectives and employee’s expectations. Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) provides its clients with a Freedom of Choice™ model that sets the industry standard of excellence. For example, we have no affiliation with any service provider. As a result, we make supplier selections by using performance ratings and guaranteed savings. We provide a customized program that is a “Right-Fit” to our client’s needs and requirements.

Our Team of corporate relocation experts can provide a customized, right-fit program for your company. Contact our team of relocation experts to request a presentation, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Top 5 Reasons for Expedited Bidding

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What is Expedited Bidding?

The Expedited Bidding Process (EBP) is not an abbreviated approach. It is a request for proposal (RFP) that, like a traditional RFP, demands complete and detailed answers from relocation management companies (RMC). However, through expedited bidding, a company’s purchasing department only sends RFPs to a small, select group of key RMCs.

The trend in utilizing an EBP for the outsourcing of relocation management is at an all-time high. Global Mobility Solutions consulting team’s recent study shows that EBP utilization is up more than 200% over the last year. Why are so many companies turning to expedited bidding when looking for a mobility management solution?

Buying Solutions, Not Widgets
Purchasing relocation management is not like sourcing for parts. Ensuring the right fit for the right reasons is key when purchasing employee-facing services.

Courtesy Mobility Consulting
Policy reviews, recommendations, program design, and policy development can be part of the process. This allows for an evaluation of the RMC experience, knowledge, and quality of consulting work.

Immediate Cost Savings
Competition often equates to implicit cost savings through no fee implementation, less administrative burden and time investment, improved fee structures, and reduced direct costs.

Quicker Program Implementation
90% of EBP implementations are completed within 22 days, allowing for immediate efficiencies and realized savings.

Full RFP Avoidance
Eliminates the administrative burden for the purchasing department and reduces the need for extensive resources when compared to a formal Request for Proposal method.

Modern Mobility Made Easy™

What this means for you and your relocating employees

The Global Mobility Solutions benchmarking study shows that companies utilizing an expedited bidding process achieve savings up to 61% over typical RFP costs. Expedited bidding is one of many ways that Global Mobility Solutions recommends to make choosing an RMC fast, easy, and cost-effective. Before you send your next RFP, Download the 28 Critical Questions to ask an RMC. For more information on EBPs, and to learn more about Global Mobility Solutions’ corporate relocation programs, contact us online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 today.

Download the 28 Critical Questions to ask an RMC when submitting an RFP

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