Category: Global Mobility

Categories
Corporate Relocation Corporate relocation tips Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Trends

Supply Chains Looking to Normalize

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

Many supply chains are finally looking to normalize two years after the pandemic

Two years back, the world observed the pandemic gradually obstructing one of the most used pathways of worldwide commerce: container ships filled to capacity and stationed near the Southern California shoreline.

The bottleneck started with five ships on October 15, 2020, but more than 40 ships joined the queue in February as Americans hurried to stock up ahead of the COVID lockdowns. The queue dropped to nine ships in June 2021, but more than 60 ships joined the line this time last year, and it peaked at 109 ships in January. There are many signs that supply chain pressure is decreasing.

Supply chain management has been turbulent over the last two years. However, the outlook for 2023 is improving. The Logistics Managers’ Index reports that by September, a return to regular operations is forecasted by the following year.

While there have been substantial improvements in international transportation capacity, industry experts caution that the recovery’s speed may take some optimism from people but that things are going in the right direction. In the United States, for example, raw materials and components may still need to be secured by some companies.

Ocean Freight Shipments See a Decrease in Demand

Consumers are significantly reducing their ocean shipping activity. Machinery, housing, industrial and apparel items are all affected by the decrease in demand. The surplus of goods and lack of knowledge about consumer needs contribute to the decline in ocean freight shipments, further heightened by the early stockpiling of items this summer.

Oxford Economics reported U.S. supply strain peaked in February but has been better since September. Spending less by consumers in developed economies is beneficial, as it reduces supply chain pressures. Industry experts anticipate further improvement in supply chains in late 2022 and 2023.

It won’t be all roses and sunshine in 2023; with the continued risk of labor unrest at rail and port sites, predicted delays at European harbors, and unexpected timing issues, some hold-ups will occur throughout the year. Changes caused by Mother Nature’s fury are likely to result in more canceled sailings.

Ocean carriers are utilizing tactical “blank sailings” to align their ship’s space with orders, aiming to minimize costs and stop future cost declines. This is akin to airlines canceling under-booked flights. Data from Drewry shows carriers removing entire service loops to better match their capacity with demand.

Normalized Supply Chain Will Help the Relocation Industry, Stay in the Know

Reduced container ship traffic will result in household items arriving on time and with fewer delays. A sustained drop in ocean freight requests could also lead to more reasonable customer pricing.

Though hope remains, businesses shouldn’t count on returning to pre-COVID times soon. The shipping sector is still anticipating a consumer expenditure surge that will bring shipments and voyages back to 2019 amounts.

To keep up with all relocation industry news, check out our Knowledge Base, where we post weekly blogs and press releases. You can also review some of our Case Studies or watch one of our past Webinars.

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

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

Categories
Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Tips

International Relocation Assignment: Hassle or Major Career Benefit?

Group of business people at the office, two of them shaking hands for successful deal, colleagues around applauding
Group of business people at the office, two of them shaking hands for successful deal, colleagues around applauding

Is Accepting a relocation assignment from your job suitable for your career or more trouble than it's worth?

Working in an organization with multiple locations throughout the country or internationally can be a great way to get a well-rounded career. But often, these companies with offices in various parts of the world will ask their rising star employees to relocate for a new position or to help propel a different branch. These international relocation assignments might be permanent or can be short-term. 


The question becomes whether relocating for a job is worth it or just a major hassle. In most cases, the short answer is that it is worth accepting the relocation assignment for numerous reasons. It can open the door to different positions within the company and give you experience that can look great on any resume. But like anything else, there are some challenges when relocating for a job.

What to Consider Before Accepting a Relocation Assignment

When your job gives you an offer letter for a new position that requires relocating, it is always a good idea to ask about pay, job title, job duties, etc. But it is also worth asking upfront what kind of relocation package the company will provide for you if any. If the company does not offer relocation benefits or reimbursement, moving for a new position might be challenging and not worth it.

 

Companies that provide comprehensive relocation packages do so to make accepting the assignment a no-brainer decision. Most relocation assistance programs include help with the following:

Shipment of Household Goods

Packing and transporting your belongings to your new destination is a massive part of the moving process. If the company is willing to provide a moving company to assist with this, it will make the relocation process much easier for you. It should be noted, though, that it is common for companies to reimburse for moving costs. While this isn’t the end of the world, and might not be a deal breaker, what this does mean is you will be on your own for packing and shipping your household goods. Then the company will pay you back for all, or most, of the expenses of hiring the moving company.

Corporate Housing

Also known as short-term housing options, this benefit is much more important for a short-term relocation assignment but can also come into play for a permanent position move. Corporate housing is a place to live while you’re on assignment for 14-90 days. It is more important for short-term work assignments because no one wants to buy a home or pay to rent an apartment for as long as needed. If the company has a corporate housing setup, it will usually be an apartment or condo to live in while you work at the new destination. 

 

As mentioned, corporate housing options can also come into play for permanent relocation assignments. Often, the transferee can utilize corporate housing for a short period while they decide where to buy a home in their new destination.

Family Support and Cultural Training

If you are looking into taking a permanent position in a new destination, ask your company how they can help with family support or cultural training. This is especially vital if you are taking on a global assignment. Ask if there are programs such as career services for spouses or special school programs for children. And of course, if it is an international relocation, ask about language training.

GMS Believes Accepting a Relocation Assignment Is a Great Career Move

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has been helping companies relocate their employees for over 30 years, so we have seen firsthand how fast an employee’s career can grow when accepting a relocation assignment. But the employee will only succeed if supported with the right relocation benefits. On average, we have consistently urged companies to review and update their relocation packages every 12 to 16 months. 

 

When reviewing your employee relocation benefits, set up a free consultation with one of our relocation experts. We are one of the best international moving companies in the world. Our team will listen to your wants and needs, then help you create relocation benefits that will ensure a smooth relocation process for your employees, hoping they will succeed for your company.  

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

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

Categories
Career Services Corporate Relocation Domestic Relocation Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges

Top Coping Tips for Culture Shock During Employee Relocation

young couple holding puppy in front of their new house
Portrait of excited young African American couple posing with domestic pet outside new family house, happy black husband and wife with cute dog laugh glad to buy first home together. Ownership concept

Use these tips when adjusting to a new destination for work

Moving to a new city or a country, no matter the reason for your move, is never without a challenge. However, one of the toughest challenges to adjust to is the “culture shock” that comes with moving from one cultural environment to another. In a business environment, culture shock after relocation can negatively impact employee motivation. Due to stress, people who experience culture shock may leave their current roles or withdraw from their coworkers. That’s why we’re listing some of our top coping tips and some of the best methods of preventing culture shock.

Defining The "Culture Shock"

Before we get started on methods for dealing with culture shock after employee relocation, we first have to cover the basics. “Culture shock” is a feeling of anxiousness and alienation when a person is exposed to a foreign environment and culture. It’s one of the most significant relocation challenges people face when moving to a new country. While there are definite signs and stages of culture shock, people often experience it differently.

The most common stages of culture shock are the following:

  1.   The Honeymoon Period – This stage usually lasts for a few weeks or months after a move. It’s when a person finds the new environment interesting and exciting.
  2.   The Frustration Stage – The difficulties of the new environment start to become apparent at this point, and their effects can be felt. The most common symptom is a decline in confidence one feels in themselves.
  3.   The Adjustment Stage – The person slowly grows to adapt to their new surroundings.
  4.   The Acceptance Stage – Finally, the person can enjoy their new life in the new country.

Different people will go through these many stages in their way, or they can get trapped in one stage forever. Culture shock becomes a severe issue when a person is trapped in the frustration phase.

How To Prevent and Cope With the Culture Shock?

Although you can’t completely prevent culture shock after employee relocation, many believe you can cope with it and minimize it by doing some of the following things:

Research and Prepare

Researching thoroughly before entering a new culture might ease the transition process for your employees. To minimize culture shock, a person moving to a new culture should read up on the customs as much as possible. This is important because some cultures have different rules and a sense of humor. Additionally, you or your employee should try to learn a few simple phrases in the country’s official language – nothing too flashy, just a simple greeting and a few most common phrases. The company sometimes includes language learning and culture seminars in its relocation package. 

Finally, before moving, your employee should read about the city they’ll be moving to and try to memorize their commute, for example.

Organize a Visit

Another thing that can help minimize culture shock after employee relocation is organizing a visit to the destination country ahead of the actual move. If you or your employee are moving overseas for a new job, you shouldn’t just leap into it. The best way is to take it slow so you can know what to expect after you move. It would be best if you used an opportunity to experience the new surroundings and the culture first-hand. This first visit could be anywhere between three days and a month long. If your employee starts showing frustration and culture shock symptoms after a short time, they might not be the right fit.

Have a Support System

One of the best ways of coping with culture shock is to have a support system in place to help with your feelings of isolation and frustration. Similarly, you can help your employees by creating an environment that welcomes and accepts newcomers and creates a community for them. Moreover, you can help them stay in touch or even bring their family members to a new country. In some cases, even moving their pet with them is a great help when dealing with culture shock.

Find a Healthy Outlet

Every person should have a way of dealing with destructive emotions. However, not all those healthy outlets are available all the time. For example, a person who enjoys running as a way to deal with stress can’t do that in the freezing weather in their new country. Or, a person who enjoys long walks might not like it when it’s 100 degrees outside. If you’re moving to a new country, you should find a way to deal with your emotions healthily. Journaling is always a good example. It’s excellent for relieving stress and coping with feelings that may come from culture shock.

Meet New People

Whether it’s meeting and hanging out with coworkers or other local people, forming new connections is an excellent way of coping with the culture shock after employee relocation. At first, it could seem pretty scary, but if you get right in, you’ll meet various people who can help you adjust to the cultural differences. Maybe you’ll even make a friend or partner for life.

If you’re too scared to go out alone, that’s understandable. But know that you must make the first move and leave your apartment to get to know anyone. If you’re unsure about approaching people at a bar or restaurant, you can always join a social club or a sports team as a way to meet people.

Help Cut Down on Stress by Working with the Best

The relocation process can be a trying time for employees and their families. But one of the best ways to fight culture shock is to work with a reliable international relocation management company (RMC) that will assist you every step. 

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) takes pride in helping employees move. Our award-winning customer service team is happy to coach employees every step of the way as they relocate to their new destinations. Since 1987, our relocation coaches have led the industry in the service provided and technology created, with one goal in mind. That goal is to provide employees with the best relocation experience possible. 

Our experts not only help with moves but can help create relocation packages that suit both your company and employees alike. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how GMS can assist with relocation services.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

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

Categories
Employee Development Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips

These 4 Cities Are Now Expat Worker Hot Spots

two young adults reviewing world map
A Caucasian woman and Indian man are indoors. They are in a garage. They are creating a new startup business. They are wearing casual clothing. They are smiling. They are sitting at a table and discussing the blueprint for their new product.

Large numbers of foreign workers are relocating to these four cities

Since Covid-19 protocols heightened in 2020, numerous industries moved countless jobs into full-time remote settings. As a result, many companies found that productivity stayed leveled and grew for many employees across the board. So much so that now a good portion of positions are hired under full-time remote work policies. 

Now that employees are no longer expected to drive into an office daily, it changes their outlook on where to live. Digital nomads are relocating worldwide, taking advantage of being able to live anywhere by adventuring to new cities and countries they’ve always wanted to live in. Cities that have seen an enormous influx of remote workers relocate are now dubbed Zoom Towns. 

Zoom Towns are becoming more popular because expatriate employees (expats) looking for a new destination to live in find the traditional big cities that used to be known as technology leaders, such as Hong Kong and San Francisco, are crowded and expensive to live in. With the cost of living soaring in many major markets, expats looking for international relocation options are turning to less known growing Zoom Towns. 

Here are four cities that are seeing significant increases in international relocation for employees looking for a new setting: 

Kuala Lumpur

The Malaysian capital is becoming a hot spot for expat workers looking to relocate mainly because of its large English-speaking workforces and communities. On top of that, international transplants are finding Kuala Lumpur relatively affordable. In a 2021 worldwide survey of 12,000 expat workers, Internations ranked Kuala Lumpur No. 1 for affordable housing options. 

Malaysia’s steady financial climate combined with the buzz of big city living can be a draw to many remote workers looking to move internationally. But if the big city feel isn’t a draw, the sightseeing outside the city of Kuala Lumpur has some of the most exotic landscapes to see only a day trip away. 

Lisbon

One of the oldest European cities, Lisbon has a lot to offer in a mixture of culture, warm weather, and nightlife entertainment. This Portuguese city started seeing an increase in expat workers moving there after it became the host of Web Summit. This annual convention combines tech’s most prominent companies with leading speakers and top media outlets. It’s easy to do the math here; many of the people who attend Digital Summit fall in love with what Lisbon has to offer remote work positions. So, once they come and experience the city, it is top of mind when deciding where to live next. 

Lisbon is an excellent choice because the medicine and education systems are well developed, while crime is low. Not to mention, the cost of living is lower than most other major European cities.

Mexico City

Mexico City is the largest city on this list, with nearly 22 million people currently living there. It might not seem like a go-to expat haven, but the city has rapidly been gaining both remote workers and in-office workers because it is the startup center of entrepreneurs in Latin America. The cost of living in Mexico compared to the US, Canadian, and most of Europe is much lower. Housing, food, and entertainment are all affordable year-round, making it an excellent place for young expat workers or newlyweds looking to start a family. Mexico City may be an old city, but it has a lot to offer for nightlife entertainment as it has one of the most vibrant restaurant cultures in the world.

Bengaluru (Bangalore)

One of the world’s fastest-growing tech hubs is Bengaluru, India. This growing Zoom Town is home to numerous startups and software firms. Major companies such as Sequoia Capital and Goldman Sachs have fueled the Bengaluru economy with money, making it a stable financial environment. With international relocation numbers, the city has numerous international schools, bars, and restaurants serving everything from craft beers to pork ribs.

GMS Can Assist Remote Workers Relocate

Now that countless workforce positions are completely remote-based, most companies won’t offer remote employees relocation benefits. This means for expats to head to their new destination, it’s all on their own when it comes to covering costs. But Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has come up with a way to help remote employees receive the prices and services they would through relocation benefits without having to cost their company a penny. 

Our new Employee Choice Program is designed to assist remote employees with access to vendor pricing from our network that they would generally have to get through their employer. Our program is here to assure that employees who cannot utilize a relocation package can still get fair pricing while still getting the top-level relocation service that GMS offers to all clients. 

If you are interested in getting more information about our Employee Choice Program, please reach out today to schedule a quick call with one of our relocation experts. The GMS team is dedicated to providing excellent service and answering any questions you may have. 

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

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

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

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

Categories
Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Relocation Best Practices

Best Education Options for Expat Families

kindergarten teacher welcoming new international student
Rear view of a friendly female kindergarten student on his first day of school.

Taking a look at schooling options for international transplants

When an employee accepts an international assignment or position, they have to think about how their family will adapt to the new destination. One of the most stressful situations for a family moving overseas is the thought of school for the kids. Moving is hard enough on children, then add on learning a foreign language, and they are probably scared about making friends, fitting in, etc. 

First and foremost, relocating families should do everything to get their children proper language training classes. It would be worth checking the relocation package as language classes can often be included. While looking into the relocation benefits, it is common for companies to provide family and spousal support programs. There could be good programs in the program to help family members adjust. After the move, the kids can start school. 

Expat families heading to a foreign country will have plenty of questions regarding everyday life. However, one of the main questions that should be brought into the conversation should be, “what are the best education options for my children in our new country?” 

Every family has different expectations and opinions on their children’s education needs. But it should be noted that there are a few options for education overseas. Of course, each option will have pros and cons, but doing what is best for each child is essential. 

Option 1: Online Schooling from Home Country

Today’s technology offers numerous options for students to complete and submit assignments from anywhere. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many families have turned to virtual learning as their primary education situation. However, there are pros to allowing children to do online school while living aboard. 

First off, kids won’t have to be pushed into the deep end when learning a new language. If they are doing online school from their native country, they can do their assignments in their language while learning their new language at their own pace. This may help children feel more comfortable. It’s also possible that kids can keep in touch with classmates and teachers they like, helping ease the stress of a long-distance move. 

The major con with this option is that it might take longer for kids to make friends and find activities to do in the new destination. In addition, online classes will require kids to be on the computer for most of the day, which means they might not have as much interaction with children their age. An excellent alternative to the cons of this option could be to enroll kids in local sports programs and other after-school activities. 

It’s worth mentioning that homeschooling is always an option. The pros and cons are similar to online school, but with more added pressure and work for the parent(s) in charge of the kids’ schooling. 

Option 2: Public School

If the children of the expat family already have a foundation in the new language, then the public school could be a great choice. In theory, attending a local school would make it easier for the kids to meet new friends and learn about fun, local activities. In addition, it would be a reasonable assumption that most local schools also have their language training classes to help the expat children understand more of the new language. 

The apparent con with this option comes up if the relocating children minimally speak the local language. This can make it difficult for the new students to keep up in class and make friends. Not to mention adds an enormous amount of stress and public anxiety being in a school where it’s hard to understand teachers and other students.

Option 3: Enroll in a Private International School

It’s safe to say that the online school route is probably the most used by expat families for education options. But before the Covid-19 pandemic made online classes a new commonality, many international relocators used private schools for their children. In many cases, expat families would seek out private schools that offer classes in their native language. 

This option provides relocating students with familiarity as they can still interact in their own language. The good thing about this option is that in many of these schools, they do teach the curriculum in the destination’s language so that children still learn their new language at a great pace. It’s an obvious point out, but this option is probably going to be the most expensive.

How GMS Can Help Expat Families with Children

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is the industry leader in relocation services. Our experienced team has been helping expat families with international relocation since 1987. Some of the pre-decision services we provide include Virtual Destination Spotlights. These spotlights are customized packets about the new location including general information, expatriate housing, schooling, and education info, cultural awareness, visa and immigration information, and more.

GMS offers another destination service in the coaching stage: detailed school reports. These reports show detailed information on educational options at the transferee’s new destination, including a “report card” on the school’s rating/performance. Here at GMS, we understand that an international move can be a trying task for the whole family which is why we do our best to make the relocation process as seamless as possible. 

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

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

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

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

Categories
Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Relocation Programs

Advantages of Using an RMC for International Relocation

young couple unpacking moving boxes in new apartment
Couple talking about the decoration of the new home sitting on a staircase.

Learn the Advantages of working with an international relocation management company

Interviewing and hiring international job candidates can be the best way to open up your company’s talent pool. When jobs are only offered to local or domestic candidates, it can be hard to assure that the most qualified employee is filling the seat. But when your company can field applications from all over the world, it can give countless more options for getting the person with the best skill set for the position. 

There is also the case of global assignments; companies with multiple international entities, multinational projects, or in expansion mode often need to fill specialized roles with knowledge and skills that may not be readily available locally. So, the company may need to send them to another location for a set period. Additionally, foreign assignments provide employee development and career pathing.

So, what’s the best route of action to take for international relocation services? The first recommendation would be to work with a relocation management company (RMC) to hash out the global relocation benefits that your company is willing to offer new employees. Working with a qualified and experienced RMC covers your bases for bringing on a new employee from another country. It’s not just a domestic move where the company can pay movers on the employee’s behalf. There are tax rules, immigration compliances, and other factors to be covered. 

When conducting global mobility practices, teaming up with an RMC is the best way to go. Here are some vital relocation services that an RMC can provide:

1) International Relocation Policies

Each international relocation assignment is different. Each employee will have other wants and needs. So, there is no one-fits-all relocation package. That does not mean making up a process as you go for each new hire. It’s essential to have policies set in place to ensure some order when the new employee signs.


The process starts with an unbiased needs assessment where the RMC conducts the initial call to determine the employee’s and family’s needs. From there,  a policy review is conducted, and proper expectations for the assignment are set for international transfer. Suppose there is no assignment or transfer policy in place. In that case, it is highly recommended to work with an RMC to develop an international assignment letter, which serves as a written agreement on salary and benefits for the transfer process.

A qualified RMC will be able to assist in setting up some common relocation policies to include benefits and services aligned with your policy objectives and budgetary and compliance requirements. For example, key services within a typical assignment or transfer policy may consist of:

  • Corporate housing options
  • Home-sale/home-buying assistance programs 
  • A vetted list of moving companies
  • Spousal and family support initiatives 
  • Visa and immigration
  • Travel coordination booking
  • International expense and compensation
  • Language and cultural training

2) International Relocation Costs

One of the most significant advantages of working with an RMC is cost control. It’s no secret that getting an employee from point A to point B can be expensive, even more so for an international move. When you work with an RMC, they can help keep costs in line because they provide a list of experienced vendors. Any great relocation service provider will have this list of vendors vetted and verified for top service. But the best way to save on relocation costs is to work with an RMC that accepts multiple bids in the pre-decision stage. If an RMC gets multiple bids from vendors on moving services, they can help assure that your company can provide relocation benefits without breaking the bank.

3) Immigration Compliance

A critical service for any international assignment or transfer is Visa and Immigration. Effectively managing and maneuvering through compliance laws can save your company time and money. Most RMCs will have a team that can handle all of the immigration services needed for your new employee and their family. 

Working with a top-ranked RMC can help you make sure you’re covered when it comes to: 

  • Passport application assistance
  • Document procurement and conditioning services
  • Post-arrival filing services
  • Work permit applications
  • Business visa applications
  • Entry clearances
  • Derivative family permits
  • Extensions of any of the documents mentioned above

4) Tax Compliance

Effective tax planning requires an understanding of international tax laws and how these laws apply to the employee’s new destination. This is why working with an RMC for global tax compliance needs gives your company the advantage of having experienced experts on hand. In addition, relocation tax professionals dedicated exclusively to the tax issues impacted by global mobility will know precisely how to handle the new employee’s tax needs. 

5) Household Goods Shipping

Moving an employee’s household goods to another country is not an easy task. When it comes to household goods shipping, teaming up with an RMC can make everyone’s life easier. There is a lot to handle when it comes to moving personal belongings. But an RMC can assist in handling all the details from start to finish. Including, as mentioned before, gathering multiple quotes to find the most cost-efficient company to hire for moving services. Most RMCs will also have relocation technology that may even help track where the employee’s household goods are in the process.

GMS Specializes in International Relocation Services

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is happy to assist your company with its global mobility policies. There are numerous advantages to partnering with GMS as your RMC. For over thirty years, we have been helping companies build successful employee mobility programs. We are here to provide international relocation services that meet the challenges of today with solutions for tomorrow. 

As the global mobility industry leader, GMS takes the time to understand your business’s needs, then customize comprehensive relocation packages based on your business needs. From pre-decision to destination arrival and beyond, GMS is here to address your needs with world-class services and industry-leading technology. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our relocation experts, or check out our cost savings calculators to see how GMS can save money while adding significant quality.

Ready to Calculate YOur Program Savings? Request Access Now!

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

Categories
Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends

What Is Global Mobility?

young businesswoman typing on laptop
Cropped shot of an attractive young businesswoman working in a modern office with her colleagues in the background

A Definition of Global Mobility and Why It’s Important

Global Mobility refers to a company’s ability to make its workforce mobile. You will also hear it commonly referred to as talent mobility and can even be better categorized as relocation assignments. 

Nowadays, countless companies are trying to expand globally due to leveraging technology to reach new audiences. However, if businesses want to succeed in expanding internationally, they will have to manage their talent pool. The best way to do that is to have global mobility policies set in place. 

There are various assignment types for companies setting up for global mobility, from permanent country moves to short-term international assignments. The ability to mobilize your workforce and provide relocation services for new employees widens talent pools to further depths. That assures your company is obtaining top talent.

Common Services Included in Global Mobility Policies

Any company looking to work with international relocation specialists to set up talent mobility policies should know that each company’s talent mobility needs are different. And should be handled as so. There is no short-cut method for handling global assignments; each needs to be tailored specifically. 

Each global mobility provider will have a different range of services. But here is an overview of the standard services most relocation management companies (RMC) provide: 

Pre-Decision Services:

– Needs Assessment/Pre-Decision Counseling

– Security Briefings

– Cost Projections and Tax Calculations

– Cost of Living Analysis

– Goods & Services Tables

– School Reports

– Virtual and Video Destination

– Mobility Assessments

– Pre-Hire/Decision Travel Booking

– Area Tour & Orientation

– Candidate Expenses

– Assignment Letter Development

– HR/Recruiter Debrief

 Pre-Departure Services:

– Program Counseling & Management

– Global Expense & Compensation Management

– Visa & Immigration Services

– Home Disposition Assistance

– Auto Shipment & Disposition Assistance

– Tax Equalization & Consultation

– Medical Coordination

– Assignment Travel Booking

– Area Tour & Orientation

– Global Home Finding

– Schooling Assistance

– Spouse/Partner Career Assistance

– Cultural Training

 Destination Services:

– Settling In

– Auto Lease/Purchase

– Language Training

– Air, Sea, & Surface Shipment

– Storage Management

– Global Banking

– Driver’s Education

– Temporary Living

– Career Assistance

– Education Assistance & Placement

 Ongoing/Repatriation Support:

– Ongoing Tax Consultation & Filings

– Security Monitoring and Alerts

– Global Travel Tracking

– Tenancy Management Services

– Emergency Services

– VAT Recovery

– Repatriation Program Counseling & Management

– Repayment Collections

Why Are Global Mobility Strategies Important?

Talent mobility is highly beneficial for international growth-focused organizations. However, before moving staff members overseas, it’s essential to consider various mobilizing factors, such as immigration requirements. A strategy set in place with a qualified global mobility service provider ensures that each employee’s international deployment process is seamless.

It should also be noted that the global marketplace is constantly changing for each industry. Therefore, you should work with your human resources team and global mobility consultants to review and update your strategy annually to reflect the current international mobility offerings of your competitors.

Once a global mobility strategy is created and implemented, global deployment is more cost-efficient, consistent, and compliant. All this leads to the best possible relocation process for your employees.

GMS Provides Excellent Global Mobility Service

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS), an international relocation management company, is the industry leader in global mobility consulting. Since 1987, our relocation experts have assisted companies and put talent mobility strategies in place for their businesses and employees to succeed in new countries. 

When you set up a free consultation with us, we will listen to all of your needs, wants, and goals. Then help you construct comprehensive global mobility service packages that will help your business thrive. Contact us today with any questions regarding international relocation or domestic relocation.  

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

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

Categories
Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Visas and International Travel

Zoom Town Options for International Relocation

City metro area at night
Singapore skyline at night.

Check Out These Countries That Offer Relocation Incentives

Countless companies are continuing to allow their teams to work remotely. These changes have primarily been due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shift in corporate culture. Working remotely from home has become a new normal for numerous industries. It has gotten to the point where “home” can be somewhere new almost every year. Employees are relocating to where they are most comfortable for their personal life as they no longer need to report to a physical office on a daily basis. Because of this, many cities and provinces are seeing an influx of new workers (and new taxpayers) as their populations grow.

What Are Zoom Towns?

A Zoom Town can be loosely defined as a town or province seeing an increase in population due to remote employees opting to move in. The phrase was coined from the broadly popular corporate movement to allow people to work remotely during the pandemic and the meteoric rise of “Zoom” as the virtual meeting platform of choice. 

 

Due to this phenomenon, various local and regional governments around the globe are getting creative in their competition for new wage earners. It has gotten to the point where these destinations are offering relocation incentives to remote workers considering a move within their borders. Many of these towns are looking to revitalize and compete by growing their population and gaining more working professionals. 

 

Now that people are accustomed to working remotely, many are looking into international relocation. There are Zoom Towns in other countries, some offering lucrative relocation incentives. If you’re looking to relocate internationally within the next year, here are some of the fastest-growing Zoom Towns abroad:

Switzerland

The village of Alibnen in the mountains of Switzerland is offering a rich relocation incentive. The town will shell out USD 25,200 to newcomers. On top of that, the Swiss government will give USD 10,000 per child that relocates with the family. Of course, there is some fine print for this great incentive. First off, applicants have to be under the age of 45. The property purchased in Alibnen has to be a permanent home, not a secondary residence. Also, the property has to hold a minimum value of 200,000 francs (about USD 201,600).

Italy

When many people think about Italy, they think about gorgeous landscapes and delicious food. This is why it is a popular destination for remote workers researching international relocation destinations. If you are considering Italy, it is worth looking at the town of Candela. This small town is offering grants of €800 euros per person and up to €2,000 for couples with children. Applicants of the grant can also take advantage of tax breaks. The only major requirement for this program is that the relocating workers have to live in Candela full-time, rent a house, and have a job with a minimum yearly salary of €7,500.

Greece

Another example of a creative incentive program is the Greek island of Antikythera. The program is closed as of the time of this article, but the island of Antikythera was trying hard to boost and revitalize it’s population number of 50 residents by offering relocation incentives. Those willing to relocate there could apply to receive housing, land, and an allowance of 500 euros a month for the three years from the Greek Orthodox Church, approximately USD 20,000 in incentives. 

 

Fortunately, Antikythera’s incentives worked! The island has seen an influx of young families and is now home to a climate research center.

Croatia

Legrad is a small town in northern Croatia that is looking to increase its population of just over 2,000 residents. In doing so, anyone looking to relocate to Legrad can bid on a house starting at just $0.16 (1 kuna). While an entire home for only 16 cents sounds great, there is a drawback. There are a limited number of homes in the town that can be purchased at the incentive price. However, there is good news – the mayor of Legrad pledged up to $3,979 (25,000 kuna) towards any refurbishments that newcomers would like to make to their houses. 

GMS Can Help with International Relocation

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is the industry leader in the corporate mobility market. Since 1987 we have been helping companies relocate their employees both domestically and internationally. Our relocation-specialized team stays up-to-date on all the government-provided relocation incentives offered in various cities, states/provinces, and countries. 


Our team also can help with any visa and immigration questions you may have when it comes to moving an employee to a new destination. You can contact us today with any questions or book a free consultation with one of our experienced consultants who can provide you with a courtesy review of your current relocation program and provide feedback on how to maintain a competitive talent mobility program.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

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

Categories
Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Employee Development Global Mobility

4 Products in Low Supply: Impact on Relocating Employees

Two men, one with beard and wearing a red shirt, other wearing a blue short, former California residents move a sofa into their new home in Nevada

Pricing on these products could affect relocation

It can be more complicated than just hiring a moving company to ship their household goods when relocating an employee. Many factors need to be taken into consideration when getting a transferee to their new destination. One of the significant factors to think about is the cost of living difference between their current home and the new destination. When certain products or materials are harder to get or are experiencing pricing increases, it can place additional pressure on the employee and jeopardize the relocation. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been supply chain issues and shipping delays around the world. Some products are back-ordered for months at a time, ultimately increasing prices on many products, further complicated by lack of manufacturing productivity. This can affect those moving for a new job through increased prices on common cost of living items such as food and fuel, potentially increasing employees’ wage requirements. While companies can’t always raise salary expectations right away, keeping the cost of living changes in mind when sending the employee an offer letter is recommended. 

If your company relocates employees, these four product shortages might affect their lives in their new destination:

Food Costs

This one probably hits close to home for a lot of people. With grocery stores also having labor challenges and with problems in food production, grocery prices may stay higher than usual in 2022. COVID-19 and its variants upended operations in food manufacturing plants around the world. As workers called in sick or day-to-day production policies had to be changed to keep workers safe, many fell behind in their order fulfillment and still have not caught up yet. Food product shortages are also due to the trucker driver shortage that the US and Canada are experiencing right now. 

When you look at the difference in food costs from city to city, that alone creates a cost of living increase or decrease. Typically, groceries are more expensive in high-end markets such as San Fransico, CA than in Topeka, KS. The addition of product shortages and shipping problems adds to the total price for someone moving from a mid-sized or small city to a larger one.

Lumber

Lumber prices have soured as of late to the point where homebuilders are increasing prices in an attempt to offset the demand. Many lumber mills were forced to shut down during the pandemic due to safety concerns. Then when the mills reopened, they were already behind in producing enough lumber to fulfill the extreme housing market needs. The real estate trends in calls for lumber were not just new-build homes either. As many workers started working from home and mortgage rates dropped to new lows, there was a rise in home remodeling. 

Many people might not realize that the price of wood also impacts moving supplies such as paper and cardboard. Lumber prices for the shipping industry also impact items such as shipping crates and pallets, which are produced for moving companies. Increases in material prices are naturally passed along to the end-customers who are moving.

Furniture

Always known as the “hidden cost of moving,” buying furniture for a new home is something that most people don’t calculate when making offers on houses. The furniture industry saw a boom when work from home became the new normal for many workers. People were more likely to spend more updating their furniture in order to be comfortable while spending most of their days from home. Because many U.S. furniture parts come from China, the global shipping container shortage has delayed many shipments that have some furniture companies months behind on orders. Once again, because of all the issues with shipping containers, the furniture industry can only ship out so many sets each month.

Semiconductors

Demand for computer chips has naturally lowered supply. Many companies are shifting their workforce remotely, meaning more laptops and computer products are needed for employees working from home. Semiconductor manufacturers are trying to ramp up production, but with sky-high demand, it is hard to see them catching up to the curve before the end of 2022. 

Additionally, semiconductors are used in vast swathes of products these days, including vehicles. Near the onset of the pandemic, rental car companies sold perceived excesses in their fleets. Demand surprisingly skyrocketed, but due to shortages in semiconductors, vehicle manufacturers couldn’t keep up with rental fleet production demand which, in turn, caused shortages of rental vehicles. This has caused significant increases in rental car costs for employees who are relocating and need temporary transportation while traveling.

GMS Keeps You Up to Date with Industry News

At Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) we take pride in being the industry leader for providing global mobility services. Our team assists companies in relocating employees and providing benchmarking studies specific to our clients’ industries. We also keep our customers on top of industry trends in relocation, real estate, transportation, and more. Fill out the form below to receive courtesy information on your particular industry today!

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

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

Categories
Choosing a Relocation Company Corporate Relocation Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Global Mobility Relocation Best Practices Talent Mobility

A Complete Guide to Relocation Services

Metropolitan cityscape at sunset
The City of London, financial district of the Metropole, just after sunset with illuminated buildings and cloudy sky, United Kingdom

Moving Out-of-State for Work? Everything You Need to Know About Relocation Services

There’s little question that today’s job market is becoming more competitive. Many qualified job seekers receive multiple job offers, weighing the pros and cons of each. Employers who can offer the best compensation and benefits typically land the best talent. Typically, many people think of common benefits, such as health coverage, dental insurance, or 401k options. However, a benefit that is often overlooked when extending an offer to out-of-state job seekers is relocation assistance.

 

When sending out offer letters to job candidates, companies should consider including relocation services. Relocation benefits may be the deciding factor for your preferred candidate as moving their family out-of-state is not cheap. With the right relocation package available to them, the employee can feel at ease knowing the company has their best interests in mind. HR departments that help relieve the employee of the burden of moving by including relocation services in the hiring process note increased job acceptance rates and employees that arrive at their destination ready to work. 

 

Oftentimes, companies will work with a relocation management company (RMC) to develop and manage their relocation programs while delivering a wide range of relocation services. From the packing and shipping household goods to the delivery of visa or real estate assistance, there is a lot that goes into family moves. A reliable RMC can help companies have competitive relocation packages ready and will coach the moving employee and their family through the entire process. 

 

Additionally, for companies that provide their employees a lump-sum relocation package (in lieu of a comprehensive relocation policy), having an RMC on your side can be a great benefit. The relocation company can provide value-added assistance to the employee by helping them manage their lump sum budget, source vetted vendors, such as household goods movers, and provide access to technology that will assist the employee with their self-managed relocation.

Advantages of Relocation Services

There are plenty of advantages to leveraging relocation experts when utilizing relocation services in your talent acquisition efforts. The first and foremost benefit is a reduction of stress on your workforce. Moving across town is hard enough to coordinate but managing an out-of-state move while trying to start a new job is even more difficult. Relocation Consultants (Relocation Coaches at GMS) can help with the coordination of the move, allowing the employee to focus on their new job position and the onboarding process.  

 

Cost savings is also another advantage that both the company and the employee will enjoy. For the employee, relocation costs can represent a significant financial burden. Largely, companies that offer relocation benefits include expense management as a core portion of their relocation policies, essentially providing financial assistance for a range of approved benefits related to the move. 

 

Additionally, companies themselves can realize savings on the cost of relocation services through the usage of an RMC with a vetted and competitive network of providers. The usage of a multiple-bid process allows the RMC to “shop around” to obtain competing quotes of key services, such as household goods transportation. This results in a more cost-efficient program and increased customer satisfaction. 

 

Time management is another huge advantage. RMCs have helped thousands of people move before with established processes and technology, so they are prepared to make it as time efficient as possible. The RMC will perform the coordination of services, such as booking short-term housing, setting dates with movers, and assisting with the sale of the employee’s home. 

 

This time savings is beneficial to a relocating employee as they may only have a few weeks to get to their new destination. By allowing a quality relocation management company to orchestrate the relocation, you can mitigate the risk of delays, which could potentially push back an employee’s start date.

What Is a Relocation Package?

Relocation packages, also known as relocation policies, are benefits and support that companies offer employees who are transferring to a location for a position. These policies cover a range of supporting benefits spanning a wide range of relocation-related services. These may include visa/immigration assistance, real estate/rental assistance, the shipment of the employee’s household goods, global tax services, culture/language training, temporary housing assistance, spouse/partner career support, miscellaneous expense allowances, and more. 

 

There are a variety of different relocation packages that a company may offer an employee, with differing levels of support that are aligned by the employee’s position, their assignment, or other factors, as determined by the employer. As every company has differing needs and objectives related to their workforce mobility program, the specific structure and benefits offered in their policies will vary from company to company. However, it is common practice across many industries to utilize a multi-tier program, generally separated by employee level.

What Should a Relocation Package Include?

The most common relocation services will include most of the basic relocation needs including:

 

Moving services: The transportation of the employee’s household goods is one of the most needed relocation services. Safely packing, shipping, and storing the employee’s household goods is a critical relocation benefit offering. 

 

Short-term housing: Also known as corporate housing or temporary housing is a benefit that typically includes 30, 60, or 90 days in a furnished apartment while the relocating employee finds a full-time home in their new area.

 

Real estate & rental support: Buying and selling houses can be a confusing process. Most relocation service providers urge companies to include real estate assistance in their packages. Home sale programs allow employees to have options when it comes to selling their current home. Assistance with home finding is also commonly provided, allowing the employee to tour their destination and look at properties that align with their needs. For renters, benefits may include lease break assistance with their current apartment, tours of communities at their destination, and lease negotiation services.

 

Visa and immigration support: For companies that move employees internationally, assistance with the visa and immigration process is important. With the complex range of laws, visa types, and reporting rules, leveraging your RMC’s immigration experience will ensure your company is compliant with international laws.

 

Other benefits: Apart from the above, most companies decide to include the following relocation services: pet moving specialists, automotive transportation, destination services, travel assistance, family support programs for spouses and school-aged children, expense management services, and more.

How Much Do Relocation Services Cost?

The cost of relocation services and packages will depend on the policies that the company is willing to offer for new or promoting employees. It can also depend on the specific needs of the employee who is moving. How many family members is the employee relocating with? What size is their home and what support is needed to move their personal items? Does the company feel the need to cover auto transportation? Does the employee have a home to sell or a lease to break? Is the employee receiving a comprehensive benefits package or a streamlined lump sum?

 

Depending on the answers, the total costs can vary. It is important to have a conversation with your relocation management company regarding program costs, methods of cost control, and when and where to use certain relocation benefits. Robust and detailed reporting should be provided by your RMC to ensure you have complete visibility into your program’s total spend and where that money is being spent.

How to Address Relocation Costs

Relocation packages have a range of what they can and cannot cover. Some of the more common methods used to address relocation expenses include:  

 

Direct Billing: The RMC will source, coordinate, and pay the vendors hired in the relocation process. Invoices are handled and later paid by the employee’s company. This type of expense management can be pricey for the company but ensures the moving employee gets the most bang for their buck. 

 

Expense Reimbursement: This solution is set up to where the employee pays for all relocation expenses upfront, then receives compensation checks from their employer after the move is complete. This type of package can be tricky to handle if the benefit is not written by a professional RMC. 

It is also common to see a blend of direct billing (for large-ticket items, such as HHG transportation costs) and expense reimbursements (for smaller relocation expenses that may be covered by a miscellaneous allowance provided by the company).

 

Lump Sum: A lump sum relocation policy is basically a set amount of money given to the moving employee upfront to handle any moving costs as they see fit. Usually, the most popular type of relocation package due to its ability to provide simple controls over costs and easy budgeting, this method also provides the least amount of support to the employee and exposes them to potential risk.

 

Core-Flex: Some RMCs can offer core-flex relocation packages, where the relocation policies incorporate a core relocation benefit section, along with a menu of optional benefits. For example, a core relocation benefit may be HHG moving assistance. An optional “flex” benefit might include spouse/partner career transition assistance.

GMS Specializes in Relocation Services

Since 1987, Global Mobility Solutions has assisted companies and employees with all their relocation service needs. From creating relocation policies to coaching employees through the process, our experienced and talented team can assist in any way. We are always available to field your questions, contact us today to get all your corporate relocation or international relocation questions answered.

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.

Accessibility by WAH

Looking for something?