Category: Relocation Best Practices

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Job Market Job Seekers Labor Force Relocation Best Practices

Here Are Some Hiring Incentive Ideas to Land Top Talent

Recruiting In a Hot Job Market? Sweeten the Deal

From trucking to healthcare, many industries are having a hard time landing top talent for open jobs. Companies have difficulty filling positions regardless of the talent level in some industries, such as hospitality and foodservice. What is holding back companies from being able to hire the right candidate in a reasonable time? 

While pandemic and economic factors certainly play a factor in these difficulties, GMS recommends that you keep it simple and review what your HR department does from a recruiting and benefits standpoint. What can your company offer that other companies can’t? How do you prove to candidates that working at your company will improve their life professionally and personally? 

Sometimes, companies will offer high salaries for positions but end up with a candidate who is not qualified. Or worse, a candidate who works for the company for six months then moves on to another job that offers more. Obtaining and retaining good employees can be difficult for HR managers and recruiters. That’s why some companies provide enhanced incentives to new employees. 

Here are some ideas on how your company can hire and obtain talented candidates for positions at all levels:

1. Roll Out an Employee Referral Program

A simple idea, but giving your employees incentives to recruit for the company can go a long way. Your employees know better than anyone what type of person needs to fill the open seat. Rewarding your staff by giving bonuses or other financial incentives for bringing in a front-runner job candidate will pay dividends.

In many cases, these referral programs offer existing employees a pre-defined bonus if the employee refers an applicant who meets all criteria, is hired, and then stays with the company for a specified length of time. Ninety days of employment is the typical timeframe applied to these programs. However, with the current competitive hiring market, some companies are paying their employee referral bonuses after only 30 days of the new hire’s start date.

2. Temporarily Reduce Repayment Agreement Terms to One Year

Offering relocation policies to candidates is a great way to open up the talent pool for the open position. When you are able to field any applications from candidates located throughout the country, it gives your company much more opportunity to find the right employee as opposed to just interviewing local candidates. Keeping the job posting local shrinks the number of potential candidates. 

Oftentimes, when offering relocation packages to new hires, employers offer to cover the costs of the relocation if the employee stays with the company for a protracted period of time (generally 2-3 years). This arrangement is called a Repayment Agreement, whereby the employee is contractually obligated to repay a defined amount of the relocation costs that were covered on their behalf in the event they leave the company within the specified time period.

In a tight hiring market, many companies are temporarily reducing the terms of this agreement to as little as one year. This can be perceived as an added incentive for the employee, reducing their risk of paying back their relocation costs in the event they need to move on. However, this represents added risk and exposure to the employer.

3. Increase Allowances to Encourage Candidates to Consider Relocation

Miscellaneous Expense Allowances (MEAs) are a pool of money a company will offer an employee above and beyond the benefits, the employer has committed to directly covering (such as household goods transportation costs.) The MEA can be used by the employee to cover relocation costs that might not be covered under the policy, but qualify for use. For example, the employee’s relocation policy might not specifically call out pet transportation as a covered benefit. Employees can utilize their MEA to help cover the cost of transportation for their dog or cat, reducing their personal financial burden.

The specific MEA benefit level and its allowable use can be different from company to company and policy to policy. However, increasing the amount offered in the MEA can be a powerful incentive for job candidates who might be on the fence about relocating for the position.

4. Review and Approve Relocation Policy Exceptions Upfront

In the negotiation stage of hiring, it is always important to be upfront and crystal clear about what benefits are contained within your relocation policies. Make sure the employee knows what is covered, how they can utilize relocation policies, and why they should take advantage of each benefit. The last thing you want is to send an offer letter out only to have it rejected. 

Occasionally, the benefits provided by your relocation package may not meet the needs of a candidate and their family, potentially derailing the hiring process. In these cases, policy exceptions can be used to provide additional and targeted relocation support to the candidate. For example, consider increasing the number of days of temporary housing coverage to accommodate an employee without a place to live due to the current hot real estate market. As homes are selling quickly, intense competition in purchasing a new home can drag out how long an employee needs accommodations.

5. Formalize A Sign-On Bonus Structure

Sign-on bonuses are an easy way to hire in a hurry. Offering a set amount of money to be paid to the new employee after a certain amount of days on the job can be a powerful hiring incentive. In industries that are desperate for talent, these sign-on bonuses can be as high as $5,000 to $10,000. The amount of the bonus should depend on the employee’s experience and the urgency for filling the open position. 

6. Offer Retention Bonuses To Obtain and Keep Top Talent

Having retention or goal-based bonus structures for new hires can be a great way to keep good talent around. After an employee is hired, give them a list of obtainable goals for them to meet in their first 30-120 days. If all goals are met, the employee should be eligible for the bonus. Programs like this do two things: first off, they keep the employee motivated and focused on meeting marks. Second, it is a great recruiting weapon. Advertising to potential employees that they can get bonuses for aspects of their job can entice some great candidates to be willing to leave their current job to work for you.

GMS Knows Hiring Can Be Hard. Let Us Help!

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has been a workforce mobility leader since 1987. We help companies create and update relocation policies for employees, offer outstanding recruiter services, and develop innovative resources for HR managers. We want to help your company get the right people in the right seats quickly and easily. Contact us today to set up a consultation call with one of our talent mobility experts. We will listen to all of your wants and needs, then help you put together the best global mobility plan possible.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

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

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Domestic Relocation Global Relocation Relocation Best Practices Relocation Management Relocation Programs

U.S. Domestic vs International Relocation Costs: More Than Just The Miles

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A Look Into the Major Difference Between Domestic and International Relocation Expenses

In today’s competitive job market, hiring the best employee for an open position can be a long, but rewarding process. In order to remain a top contender for talent, it is important to ensure your recruiting efforts are backed by well-optioned relocation services, allowing you to source talent outside of your immediate region. Companies who work with a relocation management company (RMC) give their HR department and recruiters access to important tools that enhance their ability to hire the best possible employees, taking the company to the next level. 

The operation of any relocation program comes with necessary expenses, however, the relative cost of these expenses and their service categories will vary by the services utilized and the type of relocation being performed. For example, the service mixture (and by extension, the total cost) of a typical relocation that occurs within the United States and one that is international can be very different. 

Let’s explore a few of the primary cost factor differences between a domestic relocation and an international relocation.

Typical Costs Incurred During Domestic Relocation

When accepting a position in a new state, the high-cost services are usually moving costs and real estate assistance. Most companies include assistance for both in most average relocation packages. Short-term or temporary housing is another benefit that is usually included in relocation services that can help to increase the overall cost. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the more common domestic relocation benefits:

Selling Your Home

Oftentimes, selling a home isn’t a simple process. Listings and showings alone can take weeks before the ball starts rolling with suitable offers to purchase. Additionally, the sale of a home is not considered cheap. The cost of selling your property can easily rise to several thousand, if not tens of thousands, of dollars. Many employees simply don’t have the liquidity or equity to cover such an expense.

Some relocation management companies include real estate assistance in their relocation benefits. These benefits can include home-sale programs like the BVO, GPO, and Direct Reimbursement, in simpler terms this part of the relocation package is real estate assistance. Each program has different pros and cons but overall can help in any situation. These various programs are all designed to help alleviate the financial stress of selling what many transferees would consider their most expensive asset. 

Relocation companies typically are always up to date with real estate trends and offer real estate agents who specialize in the relocation process. There is also a chance that using one of these programs, if the relocating employee has a hard time selling their home, the RMC will purchase the home from them so they can continue their relocation on a reasonable timeline.

Short-term Housing Options

Also known as corporate housing or temporary housing, short-term housing is a great relocation benefit when utilized. These are usually furnished apartments where the relocating employee and their family can stay, usually for 30 to 90 days, while they await their belongings from the moving company and look for a more permanent home. This gives the employee a better chance to research neighborhoods and schools where they would want their family to live. 

As with many things, time is money. The longer the stay in short-term housing, the higher the overall direct cost. This causes temporary housing costs to be one of the key cost considerations for many relocations.

Moving & Transportation

Moving locally can be complicated enough, when it comes to moving an entire household to a new city or state, many do not fully understand the costs involved. Manpower costs and shortage in the HHG industry are a historic challenge, but market pressures on items such as packaging materials and fuels have become a new dynamic that have caused transportation costs to climb in recent years.

The packing and transporting of the employee’s belongings to their new destination in a safe and timely manner is important for a successful relocation. Using a quality moving company to ship all household goods greatly reduces stress and increases efficiency in the moving process.

Typical Costs Associated with Global Relocation

When it comes to international relocation, there are (generally) additional costs to consider above and beyond those that occur in a typical domestic relocation. Most of the benefits stated above are also included with global mobility assignments or permanent relocations, along with some more in-depth benefits that have to be involved when relocating to a new country. One key benefit should be assistance in applying and obtaining the correct visa and immigration paperwork. Here are some of the benefits included in an international relocation package that will have their own impact on the overall cost of the move:

Visa Fees

Visa applications and renewals can be a trying process. Depending on the employee and their situation, it can cover over $1,000 for all paperwork to be filed. Relocation companies tend to work with visa experts to avoid missteps, which will save everyone time and money in the long run. Companies who are hiring international candidates typically include provisions in their policies to cover any visa and immigration applications that are needed to be able to work for them internationally.

Moving Insurance

There will be some common coverage for household goods through the household goods transportation company, but oftentimes when it comes to international moves, items are sent by sea. This requires different types and ranges of coverage when compared to a domestic move. Purchasing property transportation insurance can help cover any mishaps to items as they arrive at the new destination. Most RMCs will urge companies to cover this cost in their relocation packages.

Storage Costs

International moves can be hard to coordinate, so one may find themselves in need of storage for a period of time. In most cases, HHG storage assistance is needed because the transferee hasn’t been able to find a new home yet. Others may need long-term storage as they are on an extended assignment and it is not necessary to ship their entire household to their assignment location. When there are storage options available in the relocation package, it can help the relocating employee greatly.

GMS Can Help No Matter Where You’re Headed

Global Mobility Solutions has dedicated teams for both domestic and international relocation. Our certified relocation coaches and assignment managers have handled moves from almost any state or country and can help no matter where you’re headed. Our domestic relocation services include handling all aspects of the move, including pre-decision, departure, and destination services. On the international side, we provide assistance from pre-assignment to assignment management to repatriation. 

Relocation costs can add up, but working with GMS, you gain access to a vetted and competitive mobility service provider network, complete end-to-end management of your program, and the industry know-how to ensure your program is running as efficiently as possible. Reach out to us today with any questions regarding global mobility.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

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

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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

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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.

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Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Trends Labor Force Relocation Best Practices Relocation Challenges Relocation Management

What Is a Zoom Town?

Mature businessman working at home using lap top and smart phone
Mature businessman working at home using lap top and smart phone

Learn More About Communities Growing Thanks to Remote Workers

Zoom Town is a new term used for spots around the country that are seeing increases in the populations of people who work remotely on a permanent basis. It’s a play on words from the old term “boomtown” which was used to describe towns and cities in the United States that saw huge population increases due to oil discovery. The term also stems from numerous companies using the popular Zoom meeting app, implying that people who work from home “zoom” into work instead of commuting.

This trend of Zoom Towns has grown as more and more companies are providing employees the ability to work from home full-time or even part-time. Now that employees no longer have to show their face in an office space regularly, it gives them the freedom to choose to live wherever suits their lifestyle and budget.

Cost of Living and Housing Market Shifts Helped Form Zoom Towns

Many would say that working remotely was becoming more common even before the Covid-19 pandemic forced businesses to ask employees to work from home for health and safety reasons. Now that remote positions are becoming the new normal across all industries, people are finding it harder to justify moving to, and remaining in, some of the larger or more expensive cities in the country.

It was reported in a survey given out to employees who were in-office before the pandemic that 91% of employees hope to become full-time remote workers at their current position moving forward. This shift to working online has had an impact on the cities that people want to live in. Smaller towns and cities now seem to be favored by remote workers as the cost of living and real estate prices are more appealing than the major cities that used to be some of the best job hubs in the country.

Top Growing Zoom Towns for Remote Workers

While the below list of growing Zoom Towns may not have an obvious connection, there is a series of running themes between them. If workers do not have to commute into an office five times per week, and they have the option to live with great scenery and weather, who wouldn’t? An additional theme running through this list of towns is that these destinations are all outside of major cities. As stated before, remote workers are looking to escape big city life for smaller cities and towns with more affordable housing, lower cost of living, better traffic, and an improved sense of “livability”. 

Here are some of the fastest-growing Zoom Towns in the US (in no particular order): 

  1. Gilbert, Arizona
  2. Frisco, Texas
  3. League City Texas
  4. Bellevue, Washington
  5. Olathe, Kansas 
  6. Henderson, Nevada 
  7. Roseville, California 
  8. Sandy Springs, Georgia 
  9. Centennial, Colorado 
  10. Cary, North Carolina

Relocating to a Zoom Town

It should go without saying that while most companies who hire for remote positions will allow employees to work from anywhere, there might be a chance that employees are asked to make an appearance in the office quarterly or annually. Maintaining well-optioned travel policies and remote work policies will go a long way in ensuring your remote jobs are successful for your workers and effective for your organization.

As remote work has exploded in popularity, we have found that many companies do not offer remote workers with relocation benefits. Commonly due to the fact that the decision on where to live for a remote worker boils down to personal choice. However, there are numerous government relocation incentive programs to help reduce the financial burden on remote workers who are looking for a change in scenery. 

It is important to note that in the modern war for talent, for companies to attract and retain the best talent it takes great recruiting benefits. Since 1987, GMS has specialized in helping businesses build successful workforce relocation programs, develop competitive relocation policies, and assist in the design of remote worker programs. Do you have questions regarding relocation, remote workers, or any facet of corporate mobility? Speak with one of our relocation experts today.

We’re Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

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

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Corporate Relocation Domestic Relocation Household Goods Relocation Best Practices Relocation Management

Understanding Third-Party Household Goods Shipping

Why Relocation Service Providers Use Third-Party Moving Companies

Relocating for a new job can be a great opportunity for an individual or family. It can lead to new job opportunities, new friends, and new beginnings. Most people who have moved to a new area know that along with the excitement comes stress. Companies that provide their relocating employees with mobility benefits through a relocation management company (RMC) can help reduce the stress of the move. 

The RMC assists the company in providing all the services that one might need to move for their new job. Shipping one’s household goods from their current home to their new place is usually a key benefit that is included for those who are taking advantage of their company’s relocation policies. 

If you are an employee that is about to go through the relocation process, you might have already noticed that the RMC you are working with uses a third-party moving company to handle the shipping of all household goods. But why are third-party transportation companies used and what does the typical move process look like? 

What Role Does the Third-Party Moving Company Play?

Typically, the RMC will reach out to the relocating employee to gather information on the employee’s household goods that need to be shipped to their location. The RMC will use that information to set the employee up with a trusted, high-quality moving company from an already vetted network of providers. In some cases, some RMCs will get multiple quotes before choosing third-party services for a relocating employee. This is also the stage where the mover can note if they have any items that need special attention before being moved, like being taken apart or packed in a specific manner. These items usually consist of artwork, glass items, TVs, pianos, and other higher valued items. 

From there, the moving company will coordinate with the transferring employee to set up packing days, loading, transit, and delivery days. To assure the household goods can arrive on time for the employee, RMCs will often assign a relocation specialist or coach to aid the employee in coordinating the various moving parts of their relocation, including the shipment of their household goods. The employee’s Relocation Coach will help coordinate with the moving company and ensure that the employee is maximizing their benefits and that they are being used properly. This point of contact will also typically provide check-ins with the employee during the pack and load process, tracking updates, and shipment status information.

Third-party Specialty Services Might Have to Be Used

Another advantage that the RMC’s third-party service provider network can help with is if custom crating and specialty moving services are needed to move the employee’s household goods. Many fragile and high-valued items will require specialized crating due to the unique nature of each individual item. Crating provides the highest level of damage protection during the moving process. These specialty services are used for items such as pianos, billiard tables, televisions, and more. Many local moving companies may not be qualified to manage the movement of these types of items. 

These specialty services can support the move process by disassembling furniture to safe shipment and the reduction of space needed on the moving truck or shipping container. Unmounting/mounting wall-mounted televisions, the removal and packaging of chandeliers, and the movement of bulky or heavy items (such as exercise equipment or safes) can also fall under the purview of a moving specialist. The use of these specialists helps to add an extra layer of protection to the employee’s household goods, ensuring that their belongings will be moved properly with little to no damage or loss.

GMS Ensures Quality with Third-Party Household Goods Shipping

Global Mobility Solutions has a vast network of reputable moving, storage, and specialty companies that we work with when helping employees move. It is our goal at GMS to only work with 3rd-party service providers who deliver guaranteed customer service and competitive market rates. On top of that, GMS emphasizes the overall customer experience and constantly monitors feedback through our surveys to identify what is working and what may need improvement.

Relocation can seem like a long process, but in working with an RMC like GMS, we can help streamline your program, help develop competitive workforce mobility policies and manage a worldwide network of mobility professionals on your behalf. If you have any questions about corporate relocation or are looking to update your company’s relocation policies, reach out to us today. 

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Choosing a Relocation Company Corporate Relocation Domestic Relocation Global Mobility Global Relocation Relocation Best Practices Relocation Management

Advantages of Creating Competition Between Suppliers for Relocation Services

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Two serious caucasian men in suits discussing or planning business issues in the office. Colleagues or client and consultant are sitting at the table next to each other and talking.

GMS Always Fields Multiple Bids from Suppliers on Key Services

No one wants to pay more than they need to, this is especially true when it comes to the outsourcing of employee relocation services to a Relocation Management Company (RMC). Cost is generally the #1 driver of any procurement process, and it is wise to ensure you’re getting the most for your money before you sign on the dotted line. While saving money is a no-brainer, have you considered what steps your RMC is taking to ensure they deliver on cost savings for your relocation program?  

Many relocation companies have their own supplier base. These suppliers may consist of critical (and expensive) services, such as household goods transportation companies and temporary housing agencies. It is important to understand how your relocation company is leveraging these suppliers to reduce the impact of these services.

GMS Process to Keep Relocation Costs Down

Global Mobility Solutions, like most relocation companies, has its own, trusted network of suppliers. However, our network model is different due to our Multiple-Bid Process on key services. This process creates ongoing competition between our suppliers which ultimately results in lower prices and major relocation cost savings for our clients’ overall mobility spend. 

So how does it work? GMS analyzes each relocating employee’s unique needs, develops a service delivery plan, and then reaches out to at least two different suppliers for bids on key services. The suppliers’ estimates are audited for accuracy and submitted to you for final selection and approval based on the criteria most important to your organization. It should be noted that these are not just random or first-time suppliers who place bids with GMS. Each supplier is trusted and vetted by our network management team to ensure great service and competitive pricing. The process also allows us to develop creative service strategies to address every unique relocation need from each transferee. 

What makes GMS different is our independence and transparency in our supplier selection process. As we are not affiliated with any of our suppliers (van lines, corporate housing, real estate, destination services, immigration, or otherwise) we can subjectively vet our supplier base, ensuring the best possible quality for the best possible price across all of our key services. Some RMCs own or are owned by the suppliers they utilize which prevents the ability for true competition amongst the sub-suppliers servicing your account.

Additionally, GMS benchmarks and reviews our supplier pricing and negotiated rates on a quarterly to annual basis to ensure competitiveness by service in your specific relocating markets. These two features provide GMS clients with an umbrella of cost savings coverage while enhancing the quality of each relocation.

Let GMS Provide Relocation Services for Your Company

Operating a workforce relocation program can be expensive, but in many cases, it’s the best way to ensure your organization remains competitive in the acquisitions of talent to fuel your ongoing success. To have a better shot at cutting down relocation costs during the process, it is important to ensure your RMC utilizes a competitive bid process between suppliers on key services, such as household goods transportation, corporate housing, and more. Competition is always good for the consumer, driving down prices and increasing quality. GMS ensures the best price possible 100% of the time. For more information on corporate relocation services and program management from GMS, reach out today to schedule a call with one of our qualified team members.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

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

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Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Trends Global Relocation Trends Relocation Best Practices

Housing Market Headaches Now Hurting Rental Market

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Exterior view of modern apartment building offering luxury rental units in Silicon Valley; Redwood City, San Francisco bay area, California

The fierce real estate market is now having an impact on renters as well

The past year or so has been a trying time for would-be homeowners. Some of the quickest rising prices in history along with a shrinking number of options made it difficult for many hopeful buyers who didn’t have enough cash in hand to pay on the spot. As prices start to come back to reality and a bit more inventory has hit the markets, home buyers might start to see some relief. 

 

While homebuyers are beginning to benefit from a stabilizing market, renters are dealing with similar challenges their home-owning counterparts have dealt with. Market experts predict that rent prices trends will continue to rise over the next year. 

 

There are three main factors that are likely to contribute to rental prices rising over the next year:

1) The Return to “Normal"

It might not be the “old normal,” but people all over the country seem to be grasping the concept of the “new normal” with work from home being an option for many jobs. Many companies hope to get their office buildings reopened after the latest COVID-19 variant has slowed down, while other companies will remain working from homes permanently. But what these two points have in common, despite being complete opposites, is that they both contribute to the rising number of renters seeking housing in the larger metro areas, which in many states will create competition. Nationally, market data shows rent prices are already 8% higher than they were last year. This has created three interesting renter markets:
  1. Those returning to offices who like to be in the metro area (typically where most major corporate offices are located) to be close to their office and public transportation. 
  2. Renters that are working from home who like to live in metro areas for nightlife and social activities.
  3. People who work remotely permanently can choose to live where they want because there is no need to live within the same region as their corporate offices.

2) Hot Real Estate Market Driving Increased Rental Need

The second factor creating more renting competition is how the hot housing market trends of 2020-2021 have changed the mindset of some buyers. With such sky-high prices to purchase a home, many buyers dropped out of their purchase searches and signed leases to rent. Many are doing to “wait out the market” in the hopes of a cooler market in the future. These prospective “homebuyers turned renters” have placed additional pressure on rental demand. Until these future home buyers stop renting to continue their search, renter numbers will stay higher than usual.

3) Wage Increases & Renewed Confidence

The third factor for predicting a rise in rent prices is wage increases across the country. Additionally, as restrictions end around the world, many younger workers are moving to for job opportunities in growing economies. Many states are raising the minimum wage and large companies like Amazon and Costco are willing to pay more in order to fill positions that were vacated during the pandemic. Landlords see rising wages and increased demand for their properties as a reason to upcharge on rent prices, especially in desirable and high-demand markets.

Trying to Keep Up in Hot Renter’s Market

With rising rent prices and increased competition to get into rental units, what can renters do to secure an apartment? First and foremost it is important to be open, honest, and in clear communication with significant others or roommates. Rental units come and go quickly, so the key here is to be ready when a property becomes available. 

 

It is also equally important to have finances in order. Most rental properties will require some sort of security deposit down to even start the move-in process. Try to have enough cash stored away for deposits in order to move quickly. Landlords will usually always ask for proof of income from potential renters, so try to keep the two most recent pay stubs handy when applying for apartments, single-family homes, and other rental units. When budgeting, it is best practice to have the amount of first month’s rent and any renters insurance coverage ready to go. 

 

Cleaning up credit history, if possible, is another great way to outshine other renters. Applicants with the strongest financial background will oftentimes be considered first when units become available. 

 

One last tip, reference letters can be helpful too. Asking a past or current landlord to write a letter stating the excellence of the family or individuals renting can go a long way in the application process with the owner or manager of the newly desired rental spot.

What This Means for Those Looking to Relocate

It can seem like a no-win situation for individuals or families looking to move as it is currently difficult to buy a home and is becoming more expensive to rent a house or apartment. 

 

If relocating for a job opportunity, it would be a good idea to take advantage of any relocation packages the company may offer. In many cases, relocation benefits offer corporate housing options for short-term stays where the mover and their family can stay for a few months while getting settled. This period of time provides the employee with some breathing room and valuable time to find the right place to live within their budgetary and lifestyle requirements.

 

In the event that the company doesn’t offer relocation benefits, there is a chance that the state the transferee is heading to does. Many states and cities are offering government subsidized relocation incentives to draw talent to improve their workforce. A good number of these incentives have rent benefits that movers can capitalize on. 

 

Global Mobility Solutions has been helping organizations with their relocation programs for over 34 years, even in the toughest real estate markets. There are ways around the tight market and high rent prices. Reach out today for more info on how GMS can provide the tools to develop a competitive relocation program.

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

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Business Services Choosing a Relocation Company Corporate Relocation Corporate relocation tips Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Global Mobility Global Relocation Relocation Best Practices Relocation Challenges

Discover Your Potential Relocation Cost Savings

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Relocation Cost Savings

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Calculating your Relocation Cost Savings

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

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

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

Validate Your Savings Using Our Relocation Cost Calculator

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


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

Ready to Calculate YOur Program Savings? Request Access Now!

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

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Employee Development Global Relocation Relocation Best Practices Relocation Management Talent Management

Relocation Associations & Memberships

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Global Mobility Solutions Memberships

The relocation process consists of a lot of moving parts when it comes to getting employees from one side of the country (or world) to the other. There are numerous logistics that have to be worked out, accounted for, and coordinated in order to make the process as smooth as possible. Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) puts an emphasis on enhancing the overall transferee experience and ensures a seamless relocation for the company and for their relocating employee and their family. 

The GMS leadership team takes pride in knowing our team is able to assist companies to relocate any number of employees anywhere they are needed. We are able to do that because of our knowledgeable, certified, and experienced relocation team. Our expert teams are members of various relocation associations that allow us to give the best possible service in the industry. We also encourage our employees to keep their relocation certifications up to date, as well as support webinars, training, and industry conference attendance.

Here at GMS, we are proud to have team members that belong to the following associations. 

The Worldwide Employee Relocation Council (Worldwide ERC®)

The global relocation industry is one that is always changing and transforming to meet the needs of companies, which can make it hard to set benchmarks and standards within the industry. However, The Worldwide Employee Relocation Council (Worldwide ERC®) is seen as the premier trade association for talent management and global mobility knowledge. 

Corporate mobility managers and relocation management companies from around the world encourage employees to become members of Worldwide ERC® to ensure that their staff has a strong education and firm understanding of the skills and knowledge useful in the relocation industry. 

GMS is proud to note that all of our client-facing team members and every level of our leadership team are members of Worldwide ERC®. Each of these employees has confidence knowing that they can deliver the best experience for a transferee because of the training they gained through Worldwide ERC®’s certification and ongoing education platforms. These offerings allow GMS employees to work through Worldwide ERC®’s program to become fully capable of handling almost any talent mobility situation.

Local & Regional Relocation Councils

In addition to Worldwide ERC®, GMS also has employees who are associated with various local and regional mobility councils: 

  • Bay Area Mobility Management (BAMM)
  • Arizona Relocation Association (ARA)  
  • Southern California Relocation Council (SCRC)
  • Executive Board Member for the Southern Regional Relocation Council (SRRC)
  • Member of the Tennessee Relocation Council (TRC)

Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM)

Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM)’s mission is to provide valuable networking opportunities for relocation companies. Their multiple platforms of content and events provide mobility professionals the chance to engage with one another in hopes of growing their network. FEM aims to inspire global mobility and HR professionals by providing them with crucial news stories and insights that impact international mobility. They also host events ranging from roundtable discussions to multi-day summits. 

Being associated with FEM proves that an employee is in tune with the issues impacting global mobility and assists in their understanding of related relocation practices and policies. In addition to the summits that FEM puts on annually, there are also local chapter meetings that members can attend. With chapter meetings taking place all over the world, members of the GMS team are involved in local and regional FEM chapters for mobility individuals and vendors, here in Arizona. 

International Association of Movers (IAM)

Holding more than 2,000 corporate members, the International Association of Movers (IAM) is the moving and forwarding industry’s biggest global trade association. Since 1962, IAM has provided guidance to moving and shipping service providers with operations in more than 170 countries.

The moving and shipping of household goods and automobiles are one of the most important aspects of any relocation, which is why it is so important to be up-to-date on best practices. The GMS transportation team are proud members of IAM, enhancing our ability to ensure employees’ goods are moved safely, quickly, and efficiently across the country and arrive on time for the employee to begin their new job. 

International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN)

The International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN), also known as the International Association of Travel Agents Network, has a primary goal of setting travel standards of professionalism while administering meaningful business standards. Additionally, IATAN works to provide cost-effective services that benefit the travel and mobility industries. This helps provide a vital link between mobility suppliers and the US travel distribution network. The GMS travel team, and many additional team members, are members of IATAN.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) tries to create better workplaces for employers and employees. With more than 300,000 HR executive members in over 165 countries, SHRM is an expert in aligning all HR needs. Because relocation deals so heavily with HR representatives, GMS sees it as vital for key team members to participate in SHRM.

GMS is Qualified to Help

With our team members having a great blend of different relocation associations and memberships, GMS knows that we can help with any relocation need. Whether a company needs to move an employee a few states away, or send dozens of employees from one country to another, GMS can help you every step of the way. Contact us online today. One of our global mobility experts will respond quickly to answer your questions.

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 Tips Household Goods Relocation Best Practices Relocation Management

Household Goods Moving & Transportation Management Trends

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Household Goods Moving Trends Continuing to Adapt to COVID-19 Pandemic Requirements

Moving industry trends in 2021 will see a continuance of the van line and household goods moving industry’s robust response to COVID-19. The pandemic’s immediate and broad impact has been met with effective solutions to help keep everyone safe during the entire moving experience. These solutions include:

  1. Virtual surveys to document the contents of homes. These surveys help ensure greater accuracy for moving estimates relating to goods being moved, the time required for packing and moving, and labor requirements for the job. Many customers prefer these surveys, and the industry strives to use this technology wherever possible due to its convenience and degree of accuracy.
    Even after effective vaccines are distributed, the industry will continue to use virtual surveys for the great degree of convenience and accuracy they provide. Also, many of the other helpful and healthy practices will remain in place to ensure continued safety for both our employees and our customers. These measures will provide peace of mind throughout the moving experience.
  2. As the virus continues to rise in certain areas, providers stay informed and will reinforce all of the measures in place to ensure safety. For 2021, providers will continue to follow all of the COVID-19 business continuity plans they put into place in 2020. These plans include the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, face masks, social distancing, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, and fresh supplies of packing materials.
  3. The industry expects drivers may be in line just after healthcare workers to receive vaccinations. Drivers are often in contact with the general public and are constantly moving, so vaccination would be a great way to further reduce any possible virus transmission.

What's Trending in Workforce Mobility for 2021?

This article is an excerpt from our 2021 Workforce Mobility Forecast. Download a complete copy today, or watch a recording of our latest Thought Leadership Series webinar on the trends that are shaping the industry.
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GMS Experts Are Here to Help

GMS is a leader in the relocation industry and keeps track of the latest household goods moving trends. Our certified relocation team can help you with any of your corporate relocation needs and provide you with the latest information related to mobility in today’s rapidly changing environment. We can assure you that all of our partners are moving household goods with safe and healthy procedures. Let us help you handle moving your employees, get in touch with us today!

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