By: Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS

November 13, 2019

Many companies are using domestic short term assignments to strategically respond to corporate growth initiatives. Some business opportunities may only require a limited focus for a specific length of time. Often companies have current employees with knowledge and experience who can effectively contribute in various capacities. The IRS defines a temporary assignment or job as lasting for one year or less.

For example, the healthcare industry increasingly uses domestic short term assignments. These roles help the industry meet the challenge of hiring and keeping talent with high levels of skills. Many of these employees enjoy going to new locations on a regular basis and thrive in the excitement and adventure of domestic short term assignments.

By leveraging its current pool of talent, a company can quickly respond to changing priorities. Also, it can place a greater focus on growth initiatives rather than recruiting for new hires.

What are the Benefits?

Company Benefits of Domestic Short Term Assignments

There are many benefits for companies that can leverage domestic short term assignments. Issues relating to skills, training, and costs can be effectively addressed, often without having to incur significant costs:

  • Easier to Attract Talent Interested in Challenging Assignments
  • Gap in Skills is Effectively Closed as Employee Fills Role and Provides Training
  • Productivity Increases
  • Talent Acquisition Costs are Reduced or Eliminated

Employee Benefits of Domestic Short Term Assignments

An employee who fills a short term assignment also benefits in several ways. Often, the employee gains problem-solving skills and they will increase their ability to communicate across the organization. From a teamwork standpoint, the employee may inspire others to participate in finding solutions:

  • Experience Increases
  • Leadership Potential Rises
  • Morale Increases with Recognition for Assignment and Achievement
  • Network of Mentors and Peers Expands

What Does This Mean?

Companies that offer domestic short term assignments often gain a significant number of benefits. They can respond quickly and effectively to changing business priorities. Additionally, they can save talent acquisition costs and close skills gaps with placement and training.

Employees also gain many benefits by taking these positions. Their skill levels increase, and they can expand their network of mentors and peers in the organization. As a result, their leadership potential rises and their productivity increases.

What Should Employers do About Domestic Short Term Assignments?

Employers with transferees that fill domestic short term assignments should work with a qualified and experienced Relocation Management Company (RMC). Often the company’s relocation policy focuses on benefits and programs for employees and family members moving to a new location.

However, employees that fill domestic short term assignments will need a different range of benefits and support, since they will return to their home after the assignment is complete. They may need assistance with travel, temporary housing options, or transportation solutions while at the new location.

Companies should review their relocation policy to ensure it follows industry best practices for relocation benefits provided to employees who take domestic short term assignments. GMS tailors each client’s program based on specific budgets, needs, and compliance. As a result, clients can offer an industry-leading relocation program designed to fully meet the needs of these employees. This helps ensure successful assignments and increases employee satisfaction.

Industry Benchmarking Studies Help Employers Compare Their Relocation Program

GMS has recently published several Industry Benchmarking Studies to help employers learn whether their company’s relocation program is designed following industry-specific best practices. There are many benefits to a corporate relocation policy benchmarking. For example, employers can learn how benefits provided for domestic short term assignments in their relocation program compare to those offered by competitors in their specific industry.

Industry best practice is to schedule a relocation program and policy review every 12 to 18 months to ensure your company maintains its competitive position. This review will also help your company learn about how the relocation industry is evolving to meet increased employee demands, especially with regard to domestic short term assignments.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to leverage domestic short term assignments to meet corporate objectives. Our team can help your company design a relocation policy that provides the best experience for employees during their temporary assignments.

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

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

Contact our experts online to discuss how your company can leverage domestic short term assignments to meet corporate objectives, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Senior Vice President, Global Account Management Sam joined Global Mobility Solutions in 1996 and has a unique perspective with her 25 years of industry experience. Samantha offers her clients relocation expertise and a commitment to excellence in her. Her proficiency in orchestrating the BVO and GPO Programs, as well as relocation policy design and implementation, are invaluable assets to the accounts she manages. Her experience in administering Pre-Decision Relocation services to enhance the recruiting process further demonstrates her unique abilities to service her clients. Samantha’s diverse experience, leadership, and outstanding communication skills enable her to manage the relocation process for her clients with finesse and polished professionalism.

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