Category: Domestic Relocation Tips

Ensuring a Safe Household Goods Move During COVID-19

Post author By Jules Matz | AHWD, ABR, CNE, CRP, GRI
Post date April 21, 2020

The young Family is enjoying their new Home

If you need to schedule a household goods (HHG) move during COVID-19, you are not alone. Millions of people move every year, and the month of May is often the start of the busy moving season. In fact, May is “National Moving Month,” and the month of June is usually the busiest month for people who want to move. People who have sold their home, purchased a new one, or are moving into a new apartment during this time may not know how the current pandemic will impact their plans.

The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) has issued guidance for consumers to ensure safety for all involved in the moving process. Moving companies such as North American Moving Services have issued specific COVID-19 Business Continuity Plans to help everyone to remain safe during this global pandemic.

AMSA Guidance for Consumers who Move During COVID-19

For consumers who will move during COVID-19, the following guidance provides clear direction. It also includes easy steps to take to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the entire process.

Communication is important for everyone
- If anyone in your home is isolating or under quarantine, call immediately to reschedule

Leverage virtual services to comply with social distancing measures
- Online, video, and virtual estimating are easy to use

Avoid the natural tendency to shake hands when you greet the moving team
- Smile, greet warmly, and then give proper social distancing

Provide direct access to sinks, water, soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and trash bins
- Moving teams should have additional supplies if needed

Always use fresh supplies of packing materials
- Rolls of tape, packing papers, shipping and storage boxes, and any other supplies

What Does This Mean for Your Move During COVID-19?

Many GMS clients have employees, new hires, and transferees in various stages of their HHG move during COVID-19. These services are often considered essential, and people may have no other choice but to proceed with their scheduled move.

We Can Get Through This!

GMS knows this is a difficult time for everyone. However, we can and we will all get through this together. We need to focus on doing the right thing every time. Following AMSA guidance to ensure a safe HHG move during COVID-19 will provide peace of mind for the moving team and those who are moving.

What Should Employers do for Employees who Move During COVID-19?

Employers should share as much information with their employees, new hires, and transferees about how they can arrange a safe move during COVID-19 as possible. The AMSA guidance for arranging a safe move should be shared, along with any other information that may be helpful such as how they can create a video survey for their household goods prior to the move.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to share helpful information with employees, new hires, and transferees on their HHG moving process. Our team can help your company understand how to incorporate the AMSA guidance on arranging a safe HHG move during COVID-19 into your relocation program.

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

Contact our experts online to learn more about how your company can communicate the AMSA guidance on arranging a safe HHG move during COVID-19, 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.

Tags Domestic Relocation, Household Goods Movement, Household Goods Movement Management, Move During COVID, Move During COVID-19, moving with children, Pet Move, relocation, relocation best practices, relocation management, Relocation Van Line Management

Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Relocation Best Practices Relocation Management Talent Management Talent Mobility

Healthcare Corporate Housing Solutions: Covering All the Bases

Post author By Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS
Post date April 14, 2020

A group of doctors with face masks looking at camera, corona virus concept.

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, there is a dramatic rise in the need for healthcare corporate housing solutions. Many GMS clients in the healthcare industry suddenly find an increasing demand for a truly mobile workforce. These clients need to deploy their professional staff quickly and efficiently to several different locations.

Since GMS has many clients that already use corporate housing solutions, our team can implement a program almost instantaneously. This allows our client’s front line healthcare workers to focus on their immediate task and gives them peace of mind for their housing solution in a new destination.

What Do Healthcare Corporate Housing Solutions Include?

Direct Experience and Metrics That Matter

Clients seeking healthcare corporate housing solutions should expect a coordinated approach to its housing needs. Solutions should include a very high-touch level of service quality to reflect the needs of the client’s employees. Providers should have direct industry experience with proven long-term results. Metrics such as a 100% client satisfaction rating are indicative of an industry-leading program. As such, this reflects unparalleled dedication to service and quality by the provider.

Healthcare Corporate Housing Solutions: What are the Standard Services?

GMS leverages the strength of a multiple bid process to seek out housing choices among quality providers that meet clients’ budgetary restrictions and policy parameters. As a result, clients can save significantly on temporary living costs. Standard services include:

Domestic and Global Coordination
Auto Rental and Return Trip Management
Over 2 million properties worldwide
Fully Furnished Properties, with Utilities and Amenities
95% or Better Match Guarantee
Online Tours of Properties
Electronic Lease Paperwork
Roommate Matching (if needed)
Direct Billing Arrangements Available
Available Signature Services such as Housekeeping, Grocery Delivery, Houseware Packages, and Special VIP Services

GMS also coordinates, reserves, and arranges the direct billing of fully furnished apartments, unfurnished apartments, and extended stay units.

Healthcare Corporate Housing Solutions: How Does the Process Work?

The general process for arranging temporary housing has three specific stages: Request, Reserve, and Completion. Each of these three stages follow a robust and client-focused set of steps designed to ensure client and transferee satisfaction.

Request

Client submits a request for temporary housing to GMS
GMS contacts the transferee to confirm the details and initiate the housing search
Client approves housing search results (optional)
GMS provides search results to transferee for selection

Reserve

GMS reserves the transferee’s housing selection
Lease documents and arrival instructions are sent to transferee (via DocuSign)
GMS Relocation Coach contacts transferee to confirm selection is to their satisfaction

Completion

Housing costs are directly billed to client on a monthly basis
GMS Relocation Coach contacts transferee monthly to confirm satisfaction and comfort
GMS Relocation Coach checks with client 30 days prior to housing term expiration to manage vacate or renewal
Transferee vacates housing property at expiration

What Does This Mean for Healthcare Corporate Housing Solutions?

Employers seeking healthcare corporate housing solutions should work with a Relocation Management Company (RMC) that has the knowledge and experience to provide a full range of housing options across the entire housing process. RMCs should provide additional helpful programs such as Pre-Decision/Pre-Hire Services with needs-based counseling and mobility assessments, as well as Premier Travel Coordination throughout the entire relocation process.

Resources for transferees should include proprietary relocation technology, area tours, orientations, and virtual destination spotlights. All services should be provided either in-person or virtually, to suit the transferee’s need. By working together, we can all get through these rapidly changing times and help our healthcare workers to focus on what they do best—treating and helping patients to recover from COVID-19.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with temporary housing solutions to meet their specific needs. Our mobility consulting team can help your company learn about the range of healthcare corporate housing solutions that provide the best options for the employer as well as its employees.

Learn more about healthcare corporate housing solutions 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.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Tags Domestic Relocation, Domestic Relocation Trends, Domestic Short Term Assignments, employee relocation, Healthcare Corporate Housing Solutions, Healthcare Industry, jobs, relocation best practices, Talent Management, Temporary Housing, US Economy, Workforce Mobility, workforce mobility management

Career Services Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Job Market Job Seekers Talent Management Talent Mobility

Working From Home: Tips for Success

Post author By Nancy Kritzer | CRP
Post date March 26, 2020

Is the new norm for your career working from home? If you answer yes to this question, you are not alone. Millions of employees around the world are now changing their workplaces. The previous norm may have been to be working at a corporate office, in a cubicle, or even at a coffee shop. Now, many employees are working in a room made up as an office in their own home or apartment. Such a dramatic shift entails many logistic challenges. If you can successfully pass all of those hurdles, how can you ensure that working from home will allow you to be as successful as before?

GMS Experts Share Their Success Tips

As a corporate relocation services provider, GMS has extensive experience with the challenges of our clients’ transferees who often work in remote locations. In the United States, clients have transferees assigned in places such as Dickinson, North Dakota and Jarrell, Texas. Globally, clients have transferees assigned in places such as Acuña, Mexico, and Trondheim, Norway. Whether working in a small town, mid-sized city, or a megalopolis such as New York City, employees working from home often face the same issues.

GMS has several employees with experience working from home. These employees know what it takes to be successful at work in their own home environment. Several of them had been asked by clients how they made working from home a winning proposition. Recently, four of these employees got together to share their top tips for success.

GMS Experts: Tenure Working From Home

Ana Barros: Senior Global Account Manager, 8 years

Tricia Davis: Senior Relocation Coach, 13 years

Sam Hoey: Senior Vice President, Business Development, 15 years

Danielle Sanzobrino: Senior Vice President, Account Management, 13 years

Working From Home: Top Success Tips

1. Establish your hours and stick to it!

2. Set your alarm, shower, and get dressed in the morning. You can still wear your fuzzy slippers – no dress shoes required.

3. Find a room to work where you can shut the door. Do not set your office up in your bedroom or you may find yourself with narcolepsy. If your office location is not 100% quiet, use headphones.

4. Turn off distractions such as television and notifications on social media. Consider listening to quiet music in the background. Any Kenny G lovers out there?

5. Consider making a lunch the night before so you can easily and quickly warm it up the next day. This is much healthier than binging on your Hot Cheetos because you have run out of time between calls.

Take Care of Yourself

6. Go for a walk at lunch, get some fresh air, and clear your head. Strike a yoga pose. Downward-Facing Dog anyone?

7. You may have the mindset of “They need to know that I’m working from home.” Take breaks and eat your lunch somewhere other than your office. To avoid “the work from home 15” (gaining 15 pounds), set out daily snacks and stick to them. Note: this is much easier said than done.

8. Set timers and outlook reminders to help you stay on track. Make lists at the beginning and end of each day and check them off as complete. Seeing all these checkmarks can be very rewarding!

Woman with dark hair wearing a yellow sweater looking at computer working from home — STOP Sign helps prevent interruptions when you’re working in your home office

9. When in doubt, call your coworker before you send an email. One email can turn into 400 emails but often a quick call can solve it all. Feel free to post this on your wall!

Etiquette Tips for Working From Home

10. Be thoughtful about email etiquette. Do not “reply to all” unless necessary. If you have something to communicate on a particular client, email the entire operations team. Don’t rely on just the team lead to forward along your communication.

11. Stay connected. Call at least one coworker every day to keep in touch. Anyone else singing the “Reach Out and Touch Someone” jingle from the 1987 AT&T Commercial?

12. If you’re attending a webex, login/dial in at least 5-10 minutes prior to ensure you work through potential technical difficulties.

13. Attend all meetings and speak up. You still need to share your opinion and be heard. If you are dialed into a meeting and can’t hear very well, let the in-person attendees know so they can adjust their phone. When you are not speaking, put your phone on mute. I heard a lady once yell, “Do you want mayo on your sandwich, ma?” Don’t do that if you are working from home.

14. Take a sick day when necessary. Email your manager when you need to go to the doctor over lunch.

15. Set boundaries with your kids and spouse/significant other on your work hours. Make them aware that if the door is shut you cannot be interrupted. Try posting a STOP Sign, or something else to notify them.

Meet Macy, Sam Hoey’s Dog

16. If you have a dog, she may bark and that’s ok. But try to minimize the dog interruptions. When you see the UPS delivery driver pull up to your home, you should run to the closet and shut the door so your barking dog does not interrupt a phone call.

17. Dust off your crockpot, air fryer, and instapot. Marinade the meat at lunch or in the morning so making dinner is quick and easy!

18. Tell your family that nighttime and weekends are reserved for family fun time to do laundry and cleaning. Can you think of a better way to bond? Group effort people!

19. End the day working from home with a scheduled routine. Take your dog for a walk, go on a bike ride, enjoy an ice cold beverage, start making dinner, or play with your Guinea pig. Anything that makes you smile and helps you re-engage with your home life.

What Should Employers do About Working From Home?

Employers should provide a wide range of support for employees who are newly working from home. Training on new communication methods is important. Offering expert assistance in setting up home office systems can help employees who do not have technological skills in this area. Providing tips for success that other employees working from home can share will give employees peace of mind.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients navigate issues that impact employees working at remote locations. As a result, our team can help your company share tips for success at working from home with your employees. Companies should take a proactive approach to helping employees during transitions between corporate office and home office locations.

Contact our experts online to discuss how your company can share tips for successful working from home, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Tags Domestic Relocation, Domestic Relocation Trends, jobs, Talent Management, US Economy, Workforce Mobility, workforce mobility management, Working From Home

Buy a Home Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Tips Home Purchase Relocation Management

What is a Home Relocation Appraisal?

Post author By Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS
Post date March 19, 2020

Real estate agent showing a young couple a home for sale. — Medium shot of a real estate agent showing and explaining property to a couple

Transferees participating in a home sale as part of their relocation package often submit to a Home Relocation Appraisal process. Since “Appraisal” is part of this term, transferees may think this will be an indicator of their home’s market value. However, this is not the case. A Relocation Appraisal is completely separate from a Home Mortgage Appraisal. From the purpose to the format, the differences are dramatic.

A review of the specific points of this report will clarify its purpose, intent, and use within a transferee’s moving process.

8 Specific Points of a Home Relocation Appraisal

1. What is the Intended Use?

The use of this report is to help facilitate the transferee’s move to another location. The results go to the client, not the transferee. Clients may review the information to help understand how long the home may be on the market before selling.

2. Who Conducts the Home Relocation Appraisal?

Trained and licensed real estate appraisal professionals who follow the ERC’s specific set of definitions and guidelines complete the Appraisal. The professional works for the client, and will use the Worldwide ERC^® Summary Appraisal Form (updated 2010) to complete the Appraisal.

3. What are Critical Considerations?

In this report, design and appeal of the house are critical considerations. Since the Appraisal has a short time frame that relates specifically to the transferee’s relocation, these two factors will have a major impact on the relocation process.

4. What will the Report Provide?

This type of Appraisal provides an estimate of the home’s anticipated sales price. There is no correlation to any other figure or value; the Appraisal looks solely at the anticipated sales price.

5. What is the Timeframe?

Home Relocation Appraisals have a short-term focus. The decision making timeframe only covers up to 120 days. This accounts for the planning, review, and implementation of the transferee’s relocation process.

6. When Should Marketing for the Home Begin?

Marketing for the house occurs after the date of this report. As a result, the marketing plan for the home has no bearing on this Appraisal.

7. How does Marketing the House Relate to a Home Relocation Appraisal?

The marketing time for this report is not to exceed 120 days. This timeframe only reflects the period covering the transferee’s relocation process.

8. How Does a Retrospective Analysis Relate to a Home Relocation Appraisal?

A retrospective analysis for a Home Relocation Appraisal is an overall review of factors that could impact the Appraisal’s results, such as any risks that could affect the sale price of the home. This information is used for forecasting purposes. This is important for clients so they can understand aspects of the report that may have future budgetary impacts.

What Should Employers Expect?

Employers should expect that transferees who participate in a this type of sale program for their house may not understand the purpose of this Appraisal. Employers should understand that they are the client for this report. As such, they will receive the Appraisal from the professional. Employers should understand and communicate with the transferee that this report is not a Home Mortgage Appraisal.

What Should Employers do?

Employers should communicate guidance for their transferees who may have questions regarding their Home Relocation Appraisal. Employers should work with their Relocation Management Company to understand the Home Relocation Appraisal and how it relates to their company’s relocation and home sale program.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their Home Relocation Appraisals. We can help your company understand how a Home Relocation Appraisal relates to your company’s home sale program.

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

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

Learn more about Home Relocation Appraisals 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.

Tags Buy a Condominium, Domestic Relocation, Home Relocation Appraisal, Home Sales, relocation management, relocation programs, Winter Home Sales, Winter Home Sellers

Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Relocation Best Practices

Video Destination Spotlights Show Transferees Their New Location

Post author By Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS
Post date March 5, 2020

father showing daughter their new home on an ipad — Young father and his cute small daughter having fun with digital tablet on couch.

Video Destination Spotlights from Global Mobility Solutions’ MyRelocation^® Technology Platform are an ideal solution. These spotlights show candidates and transferees all of the positive aspects of their new location. Visually demonstrating an area’s attractions, activities, and highlights helps showcase the best aspects of a city. Video Destination Spotlights also help give employees and their family members peace of mind as they consider relocating to a new city.

What Do Video Destination Spotlights Include?

There are many features that visually highlight the best aspects of a location. GMS Video Destination Spotlights include several major topics that are at the top of the list for new hires and transferees.

Major Topics in Video Destination Spotlights

1. Education and Schools

Employees, family members, and children of school age can learn about various public and private school options. Distinguished universities and colleges in the location are noted, as are cultural institutions with educational programs such as art institutes.

2. Transportation

Transportation alternatives including plane travel, light rail/commuter lines, ferries, and local highways help employees learn about the various ways they can travel to and from work as well as the local area. International airports that are nearby the location provide a sense of comfort for employees and family members who are relocating over a wide distance.

3. Housing and Cost of Living

Knowledge of the cost of living in the new location is one of the most important consideration for employees and transferees. Learning about the range of housing options helps employees make informed choices for their new home’s location. Families relocating to a dense urban area may prefer to find new housing near large city parks and recreational facilities. Video Destination Spotlights are an ideal format to show local amenities to families.

4. Geography, Climate, and Weather

For some transferees and new hires, the ability to be near mountain areas with great skiing is a significant draw for a new position. Alternatively, proximity to the ocean and warm weather can be a deciding factor. Weather in a new location may have a strong impact on an employee’s decision to accept a relocation assignment. Therefore, it is important to include this information.

The geography of a location might be one of the most important points in a decision to relocate. Video Destination Spotlights instantly show the local geography, letting employees see features such as mountains, hills, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Some employees may prefer to be situated among rolling prairies found in the Midwest. However, other employees may prefer to be surrounded by old-growth forests and rocky coastlines found in New England.

5. Sports, Attractions, and Lifestyle Easy to Show in Video Destination Spotlights

Outdoor enthusiasts may prioritize their decision on a relocation based on the range and breadth of sports opportunities. Major outdoor destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, or Big Bend National Park may become a deciding factor for those who want to explore these natural attractions. Parks and trails draw hikers, bikers, walkers, runners, and are highly desirable community amenities.

Major sports teams such as the New York Yankees or the Dallas Cowboys often draw sports fans from throughout their respective metropolitan areas. Cultural Institutions such as the J. Paul Getty Museum or the Art Institute of Chicago are major destinations for tourists as well as local residents. Video Destination Spotlights focus on and highlight these and other lifestyle amenities within the community.

6. Dining and Shopping

Sampling local cuisine can be an exciting adventure. All Video Destination Spotlights include highlights of local restaurants, favorite dishes, and regional flavors. Southern California cuisine reflects the diverse cultural influences of many nations. New Orleans cuisine, by comparison, is known for Cajun and Creole foods such as Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Étouffée, and Po’ Boy Sandwiches.

Relocating employees also want to know about the local major shopping venues. Being able to easily find their favorite stores and locate the services they need helps employees feel “at home” in their new location.

Conclusion

Providing a wealth of resources for employees with relocation assignments helps companies remain competitive in their industry. Our clients note how helpful our global and domestic Video Destination Spotlights are for their employees. GMS continues to extend the many valuable resources we provide to our clients into new technologies and easy to use formats.

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.

To see one of our Video Destination Spotlights, or to learn how our team of relocation program experts can help your company provide industry-leading resources to your prospective employees and transferees, contact us online or call us at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Tags Pre-decision, Pre-Decision Programs, Video Destination Spotlights, Video Resources, Workforce Mobility

Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends

Business Traveler Health Precautions: Best Practice Recommendations

Post author By Nancy Kritzer | CRP
Post date March 3, 2020

With so many concerns about health issues in the news, organizations should share business traveler health precautions with their employees. Employees who travel for work on a regular basis should have health information that pertains to their specific destinations. Those with health insurance coverage should confirm the processes to follow should a need arise while traveling to international locations.

Current Issues That Require Business Traveler Health Precautions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a Current Outbreak List with travel notices for international travelers. CDC also maintains a Travelers’ Health Site with a complete list of notices, watches, and warnings that is easy to use and searchable by destination. The Travel Health Notices site is also searchable, and has an extensive amount of information that can be used for business travel health precautions. CDC may note information as:

Watch Level 1 (Practice usual precautions)
Alert Level 2 (Practice enhanced precautions)
Warning Level 3 (Avoid all non-essential travel)

CDC is often on the forefront of infectious disease outbreaks, and over the past two years has responded to over 750 health threats. As a result, CDC is an extremely valuable resource for information that can be used to define business traveler health precautions.

Coronaviruses and COVID-19 in China, Japan, Hong Kong

News media may highlight only a few medical and health issues at one point in time. For example, the recent coronavirus disease, officially named COVID-19, appears to be a new health phenomenon. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that coronaviruses (CoV) are part of a large group of viruses. These types of viruses can cause illnesses such as:

Common colds (sneezing, coughing, fever)
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV)

WHO notes several standard recommendations against spreading CoV infections, including:

Avoiding contact with others who are coughing and sneezing
Covering mouths when coughing
Covering noses and mouths when sneezing
Frequent washing of hands
Thorough preparation and cooking of foods such as eggs and meats

Organizations should share WHO’s standard recommendations against spreading CoV infection as a best practice for business traveler health precautions.

Specific COVID-19 Recommendations

While these standard recommendations will help prevent the spread of CoV infections, WHO has several specific recommendations regarding COVID-19 that should be part of all business traveler health precautions, including:

Upon coughing or sneezing yourself:

Cover nose and mouth to prevent spread of germs and viruses
Discard used tissues immediately into a closed bin
Clean hands with alcohol-based sanitizer or wash hands with soap and water

When around other people:

Keep distance of 3 feet (1 meter) from others
Take notice of those who are sneezing, coughing, or have a fever
Avoid breathing in virus from people who spread droplets when sneezing and coughing

For your personal hygiene:

Avoid touching mucous parts of your body such as nose, mouth, and eyes
Touching these areas may transmit virus from contaminated hands into your body

If you have symptoms (fever, cough, and difficulty breathing) but did not visit China:

Practice basic respiratory hygiene
Practice basic hand hygiene
Remain home until recovery

If you have symptoms (fever, cough, and difficulty breathing) and did visit China yourself, or have been in close proximity to someone who has been to China:

Seek medical care
Tell your doctor and other health care providers your travel history or that of the person you have been in close proximity to

What Should Employers do About Business Traveler Health Precautions?

Employers should share valuable resources with all employees who travel for business reasons. They should also review corporate plans that might need to change due to illness outbreaks. Companies with facilities located in areas impacted by outbreaks should investigate information and prepare for contingencies.

Best practice is to provide a wealth of information and guidance for employees that travel for business purposes. Employers should communicate business traveler health precautions and provide information on processes to follow should health issues arise.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to plan for business travel and related contingencies. We can help your company understand how to develop business traveler health precautions as part of best practice recommendations in your company’s relocation and business travel programs.

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 practice recommendations for business traveler health precautions 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.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Tags Business Traveler Health Precautions, Domestic Relocation, Domestic Relocation Trends, Global Mobility Best Practices, global relocation, Global Relocation Tips, relocation, relocation best practices, Transferee Moving Challenges, Travel, Travel Tools, workforce mobility management

Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Job Market Job Seekers Labor Force Talent Management Talent Mobility

Silver Tsunami: How Aging Workforce May Impact Relocation

Post author By Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS
Post date February 27, 2020

Many companies in the United States are facing the effects of a silver tsunami in their workforce. In essence, this term refers to a company’s workforce increasing in age. As a result, older workers are becoming a larger and growing segment of employees. Companies often their leverage relocation program to meet corporate objectives. Therefore, they should examine the possible impact of a silver tsunami as it relates to their workforce.

How the Silver Tsunami may Impact Relocation

Transferees may utilize several elements of a company’s relocation program. Companies experiencing an increase in the age of their workforce could find many of their relocating employees need more or less benefits, depending on their specific circumstances. As the silver tsunami begins to change its workforce, companies should initiate a review of their relocation program to ensure it addresses those elements important to older workers. Many workers want to work after they retire from their main career.

There are three major areas that companies should consider as they review their relocation program:

1. Bridge Employment Opportunities Help Mitigate Silver Tsunami

“Bridge employment” refers to paid employment opportunities for older workers. These workers may be transitioning out of their current career, but are not yet leaving the labor force. As a result, bridge employment may help companies leverage the silver tsunami. Companies should consider designing relocation opportunities for older workers so they can share skills and knowledge in other locations as part of the company’s overall bridge employment strategy. The healthcare industry has seen success through leveraging relocation benefits to attract and retain talented and highly skilled employees.

Opportunities in bridge employment should nurture meaningful work so older workers feel their contributions are making a difference. Older workers report satisfaction in their job and meaning in their activities as the main reasons they remain in the workforce.

2. Flexible Work Arrangements

Companies that offer older workers some flexibility with their work schedules and setup are more successful with talent acquisition and employee retention. Companies examining the structure of work to respond to changes brought by the silver tsunami should be sure to insert flexibility. Many workers identify specific aspects of flexible work as integral to their most desired job, including:

Home-based work initiatives
Part-time positions
Scheduling flexibility
Travel opportunities

3. Constructive Relationships

Many employment opportunities provide workers with a chance to interact, support, and engage with their co-workers. Older workers identify constructive work relationships as their top preference for a good quality job.

Companies should examine their workplaces to ensure they meet the conditions necessary to foster constructive work relationships. These conditions include:

Creating manager and employee relationships that are strong and built on achieving goals
Defining clear and understandable roles and relationships
Designing the company’s structure for clear accountability and authority
Focusing on social skills to enhance interpersonal relationships
Offering work systems and procedures that are effective and productive
Setting employee expectations and accountability

What Should Employers do About the Silver Tsunami?

Employers should review hiring plans and work structures to leverage the positive effects of the silver tsunami on their workforce. They should also benchmark their relocation policy to ensure it reflects industry-leading best practices. Companies should understand their industry’s competitive relocation landscape so they can design a policy that will attract highly skilled talent. Transferees that are willing to relocate for a bridge employment opportunity should have a range of relocation benefits. Also, these benefits should be designed to meet their expectations.

Industry Benchmarking Studies Help Employers Compare Their Relocation Program

GMS has recently published several Industry Benchmarking Studies to help employers learn whether their company’s relocation program is designed following industry-specific best practices. There are many benefits to a corporate relocation policy benchmarking. For example, employers can learn how benefits provided for older workers in their relocation program will help them leverage the silver tsunami as it leads to workplace changes.

Industry best practice is to schedule a relocation program and policy review every 12 to 18 months to ensure your company maintains its competitive position. This review will also help your company learn about how the relocation industry is evolving to meet changing employee demands due to the silver tsunami.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to leverage changing workplace dynamics to meet corporate objectives. Our team can help your company design a relocation policy with industry-leading best practices. As a result, your company will attract and retain talented and highly skilled employees that are part of the silver tsunami.

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

Contact our experts online to discuss how the silver tsunami may impact your company’s corporate objectives, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Tags Domestic Relocation, Domestic Relocation Trends, employee relocation, jobs, Silver Tsunami, Talent Management, Workforce Mobility, workforce mobility management, Working Age Population, World Economies

Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Visas and International Travel

New York Legislation May Impact Various Aspects of Relocation

Post author By Global Mobility Solutions
Post date February 25, 2020

US Customs and Border Protection form to fill out

New York legislation termed the “Green Light Law” took effect on December 14, 2019. This law blocks US federal immigration and border control authorities from accessing the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) database. As a result, federal law enforcement authorities can no longer access data that would help determine if a vehicle owner has a criminal history or outstanding warrants for arrest.

Three Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Lost Access to DMV Records Due to Green Light Law

The New York legislation was intended to let people who do not have legal immigration status apply to receive a New York driver’s license. The section of the law that prevents DMV officials from allowing access to data affects three federal law enforcement agencies, including:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Additional agreements are in place to prevent other agencies that still have access to DMV data from sharing it with federal agencies such as ICE.

Trump Administration Plans to Block Access to Trusted Traveler Programs Due to New York Legislation

The Trump Administration plans to block access to Global Entry and other Trusted Traveler Programs for New York residents. CBP administers participation in these programs. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken the position that the New York legislation limiting the DMV from sharing information with CBP will make it impossible for DHS to properly vet Trusted Traveler Program applicants. Trusted Travel Programs rely on New York state records to verify a participant’s identity and conduct thorough vetting on the participant.

DHS Announces Plans to Suspend Trusted Travel Program Enrollments

On Thursday, February 6, DHS announced it was immediately suspending enrollment in Global Entry and Trusted Traveler Programs for all New York state residents.

CBP expects this suspension to affect up to:

200,000 New York residents seeking to renew Trusted Traveler Program membership
30,000 commercial truck drivers enrolled in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program at four Canada/New York entry ports

The reason for the suspension is that DHS officials believe the New York legislation is a direct threat to public safety because federal officials cannot access the DMV records. Officials use these DMV records for criminal background checks. They also use these records to determine if applicants for Trusted Traveler Programs meet requirements of the programs.

What Impact Does the New York Legislation Have on Relocation?

New York residents who have become accustomed to the streamlined procedures under Global Entry and Trusted Traveler Programs may now face much longer timeframes and delays for entering into the US and departing for international destinations. Commercial truck drivers at entry ports for Canada and New York may also face delays on their routes without the ease of the FAST program.

For New York residents planning to export automobiles or other vehicles such as motorcycles, the process may also face significant delays. Documentation to confirm information about these vehicles may be difficult to obtain and confirm due to the New York legislation restrictions on sharing DMV information with CBP.

What Should Employers do About the New York Legislation?

Employers should review their relocation plans and timelines for any moves into and out of New York. They should also anticipate possible delays related to employees traveling to or arriving from international destinations. They should also inform transferees about the New York legislation, and how it might impact travel arrangements, exporting of automobiles, and other similar issues.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts have helped thousands of our clients with business travelers and international assignees from the state of New York. As a result, we can help your company understand how to plan for the impact of the New York legislation as it relates to your relocation program, business travel, and automobile exports.

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 how to respond to the impact of the New York legislation 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.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Tags domestic mobility, Domestic Relocation, Domestic Relocation Trends, New York, New York Legislation, New York Legislation, Travel, travel, Tri-State Regional Economy, Visa and Immigration Rules, Workforce Mobility, workforce mobility

Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Job Market Job Seekers Labor Force Talent Management Talent Mobility United States Economy

In the 2020 USA Job Market, Which Cities are the Best Places to Find a Job?

Post author By Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS
Post date February 18, 2020

A scene from Downtown Scottsdale at dusk with a canal and reflections in the foreground. Scottsdale is part of the Phoenix Metropolitan area.

The 2020 USA job market is poised to continue its unprecedented growth. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis, the nation’s economic performance continues to perform strongly. The USA’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose in the 4^th Quarter of 2019 by 2.1%. Economists continue to forecast a future economic outlook of steady growth. This continuation of economic growth without negative impacts appears to be a “Goldilocks Economy.” Features of such an economy include:

Growth is not too hot to cause inflation
Growth is not too cold to create a recession
The ideal growth rate of 2-3% is in effect

The 2020 USA Job Market Benefits Cities Poised as Technology and Innovation Centers

2020 will see several job market trends impacting cities. Some of these trends include adoption of advanced technology, increasing global connectivity, and a workforce that continues to rise in average age. Cities that are positioned as technological innovation centers should gain significantly as corporations grow and their employee workforce expands.

Some forecasters predict that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will negatively impact jobs. PricewaterhouseCoopers published a report identifying several professions that may see significant impacts from AI, robotics, and similar technologies, including:

Bank Positions
Factory Jobs
Financial Services
Office Staff

However, all of these advanced technologies in turn create new employment opportunities. Employees who are comfortable with technology and rapid change should anticipate many new challenges and paths for future career growth.

What Characteristics do the Top 10 Cities in the 2020 USA Job Market Share?

The top 10 cities in the 2020 USA job market share several characteristics. Many of these cities exhibit several of the following traits:

Business-friendly policies and incentives
Pleasant climate and moderate weather
Access to a wealth of amenities
Significant job growth
Highly educated and skilled local workforce
Centers for technological innovation
Close to other centers of employment

What are the Top 10 Cities in the 2020 USA Job Market?

According to WalletHub (the first website to offer free credit scores, reports, and additional financial information for consumers), the top 10 Cities in the 2020 USA Job Market are:

Scottsdale, AZ
South Burlington, VT
San Francisco, CA
Austin, TX
Fremont, CA
Chandler, AZ
Boston, MA
Tempe, AZ
Portland, ME
Boise, ID

Several cities from the 2019 ranking fell out of the top 10 ranking. These cities are:

Columbia, MD
Orlando, FL
Colorado Springs, CO
Plano, TX
Washington, DC

Conversely, several cities rose into the top 10 ranking. These cities are:

South Burlington, VT
Austin, TX
Fremont, CA
Tempe, AZ
Boise, ID

Scottsdale, Arizona and the 2020 USA Job Market

Scottsdale is the top city in the 2020 USA job market. This is the 2^nd year in a row that Scottsdale has achieved the top spot in this ranking. In fact, two other Arizona cities are also in the top 10: Chandler is #6 (up from #10 in 2019), and Tempe is #8 (up from #14 in 2019).

WalletHub notes two significant factors that are driving Arizona cities to the top 10 ranking:

Employment Growth
Large Share of Engaged Workers

South Burlington, Vermont and the 2020 USA Job Market

South Burlington, VT rose to the #2 spot in 2020, from its #11 spot in 2019. Part of this rise is attributable to Vermont resident’s own migration patterns. Many Vermonters are relocating from remote locations to this metropolitan area.

Vermont as a whole is a small state, and South Burlington has an estimated population of over 19,000 residents. By comparison, Scottsdale has an estimated population of over 255,000 residents. Maricopa County in Arizona (where Scottsdale is located) added over 80,000 residents in 2018.

The University of Vermont’s location in Burlington helps draw residents to the city. Up to a third of Burlington’s residents are in their 20’s. As a result, this makes the city’s population much younger than the rest of the state. Residents are drawn to Burlington for quick and easy access to a wide range of urban amenities, such as:

Educational Opportunities
Fine Arts
Health Resources
Jobs
Public Transportation
Restaurants

What Does This Mean?

Job seekers in the 2020 USA job market should look at several Arizona cities as top places to find a job. Most of the job opportunities in Arizona are in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The leading job sectors in this area include:

Construction
Education and Health Services
Professional and Business Services

Several other cities in the USA are also great places to find a job. Job seekers have a wide variety of locations to consider when looking for a job, from Idaho to Vermont, and from Texas to Massachusetts. Employees looking for jobs should consider looking into the cities that rank high as a best place to find a job.

What Should Employers in the 2020 USA Job Market do?

Employers currently in a city that ranks as a best place to find a job should examine their hiring needs and identify candidates using pre-hire assessments. They should work with a qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) that can provide a full range of pre-decision services.

Employers may consider relocating new hires or transferees to fill positions in these vibrant cities. They should provide transferees and their family members with as many valuable resources as possible to help increase relocation success.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of domestic relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to fill positions in the 2020 USA job market. Our team can help your company understand how to use pre-hire assessments to identify qualified candidates. Also, we can help your company design a relocation program following industry best practices that results in higher relocation success rates and greater transferee and family member satisfaction.

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 need to fill 2020 USA job market positions, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Tags 2020 USA Job Market, Cities Add Jobs, Domestic Relocation, Domestic Relocation Trends, Domestic Short Term Assignments, Job Seekers, jobs, Low Unemployment, Manufacturing Industry Opportunities, Sharing Economy, Talent Management, United States, United States Migration Patterns, US Economy, Workforce Mobility

Buy a Home Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Home Purchase Job Market Job Seekers Labor Force Talent Mobility United States Economy

Choose Topeka Incentives Aim to Draw New Residents to Kansas

Post author By Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS
Post date February 6, 2020

The Kansas state capitol building is located in downtown Topeka on land donated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad company. Construction began in 1866 and was officially completed 37 years later in 1903 at a total cost of just over 3.2 million dollars. The building is over 300 feet tall and is 17 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C.

Choose Topeka is a new incentive program that will draw new residents to Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas. The program begins in 2020 with a public launch and full promotion. The incentives are performance based. As a result, new residents will become eligible after residing in the community for one year.

The program arose from a partnership between GO Topeka and local Topeka businesses. Over the past year, organizers have been working to develop the program and marketing materials to reach a wide audience. GO Topeka focuses on creating economic opportunities and growing the local business climate. The Joint Economic Development Organization has an agreement for services with GO Topeka. Both organizations are working together on the Choose Topeka incentive program.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Choose Topeka?

The Choose Topeka incentive program is to help draw employees to work at local businesses. Therefore, the eligibility requirements center on meeting the needs of local employers and full-time positions:

Participants must be eligible to work in the US
Program requires participants to move to Topeka for a full-time position
Employers must participate in the program for participants to receive matching funds
Participants must purchase or rent a home in Shawnee County within a year of their hire and move to the area

What are the Benefits for Participants in Choose Topeka?

The benefits for participants in Choose Topeka are generous, and apply to both the participant as well as to the employer.

Participant Benefits

Up to $15,000 in funds in Year 1

Renting: $10,000
Home Purchase: $15,000

Source of funds: GO Topeka/Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) and Employer, match at 50%

Employer Benefits

Employer fully funds $10,000 up to $15,000 with employee transfer
After Year 1, GO Topeka/JEDO reimburse up to $5,000 ($10K) or $7,500 ($15K) to employer for employee retention

The Choose Topeka incentives are based on performance. Employees must move to the community and reside for at least one full year before becoming eligible. Only primary residences are eligible for the incentives. The incentives may be used for all expenses related to moving.

What is the Goal of Choose Topeka?

The goal of Choose Topeka is to draw up to 60 new residents and their families to the city. Employers will gain new workers with requisite skills. Also, several industries will receive economic benefits as the new residents move in and purchase locally.

GO Topeka estimates the total local economic impact of the Choose Topeka incentives to be:

Over $2.14 million/Year 1
Up to $11.38 million/By Year 5

What Should Employers do About Choose Topeka?

Companies in Topeka and the surrounding Shawnee County area that have growth initiatives may be able to leverage the Choose Topeka incentives in their talent acquisition and relocation programs. Companies should examine their plans for corporate expansion. They should also consider participating in the Choose Topeka incentive program to gain the matching funds provided by GO Topeka/JEDO.

Many other US locations offer similar moving incentives. As a result, companies should leverage GO Topeka’s 2020 marketing and promotional efforts for the Choose Topeka incentive program into their employee recruitment efforts.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of domestic relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to leverage moving incentives such as those in the new Choose Topeka program to attract and retain talent. Our team can help your company by using industry best practices to design your relocation program. This will increase your company’s ability to hire and retain new employees.

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

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s interest in learning how it can leverage the Choose Topeka moving incentives to attract and retain talent, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.