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Global Relocation Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Relocation Best Practices Relocation Programs

What Are The Benefits of Outsourcing Global Relocation Programs?

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Woman and dog flooring in new home

learn why your company should work with a relocation management company for talent mobility

What are the benefits of outsourcing global relocation programs? For companies that have steady moving needs, there are many benefits to outsourcing this strategic function. Most learn they need to gain the knowledge and experience to manage talent mobility with in-house resources effectively. Outsourcing this critical activity provides them access to the industry’s best practices and thought leadership that will help their company’s international relocation program achieve success with virtually all relocation assignments.

There are five distinct benefits clients can gain from outsourcing their global relocation services with a trusted relocation management company (RMC):

Cost Management

For most clients, managing relocation costs is one of the most important reasons driving their choice to outsource relocation. 71% of companies working on relocation in-house need to be made aware of their total internal operating expenses. A lack of knowledge of the actual costs of relocation prevents the company from understanding how to utilize resources efficiently. They also cannot gain the most benefit from their global relocation program. A solution that provides full expense tracking and reporting is one of the top features clients seek as they consider outsourcing their global relocation program so that costs can be fully identified and reviewed for budgetary impact and program performance.

Savings With Outsourcing Global Relocation Programs

Outsourcing global relocation services should allow clients to obtain more significant cost savings. Some RMCs are not independent. As a result, they often do not seek multiple bids for household goods shipments and other services. An independent RMC provides clients with several opportunities to receive and review bids on services, and this helps keep costs lower than other RMCs that don’t seek competitive bids.

Compliance

Transferees and their families often have questions about tax issues, visa applications, and other reporting requirements related to their global relocation assignment. To avoid putting the client’s company at risk for providing incorrect or insufficient guidance and advice, outsourcing global mobility management can provide expert guidance on unique relocation needs to help transferees find the right solution and help clients avoid any risks related to transferee requests.

Program Enhancements Through Outsourcing Global Relocation Programs

In-house programs only sometimes provide enhancements such as pre-decision tools, candidate assessments, auto lease programs, home purchase programs, and other value-added services. Choosing to outsource relocation services provides access to these services. Transferees and their families highly value these relocation program enhancements. Additional valued services include community tours, language training, outplacement services, school reports, and moving cost estimates.

Focus on Their Core Competencies

Working with an RMC lets human resources, compensation, benefits, and recruiting professionals focus on their core competencies. As a result, they can provide the best service in these business areas. In turn, experts at an RMC give the client’s international relocation program the best service. Choosing an RMC with the knowledge and experience to manage their entire program provides peace of mind and assurance that costs will be managed effectively, relocations will be successful, and transferees and their families will be satisfied with their experiences.

Work with the Best Global Relocation Service Provider

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has been helping customers get their employees from point A to point B since 1987. Our wide range of services and expert relocation specialists give your company the opportunity to get the package they need. GMS will assist your company put together a global relocation plan that makes sense for your company and employees, all while staying within a realistic budget. If you are ready to discuss more about our offerings, please set up a free consultation with one of our business development managers, by filling out this form. We look forward to working with you!

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

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Corporate Relocation Corporate relocation tips Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips

What Does The Employee Relocation Timeline Look Like?

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Young couple in love unpacking cardboard boxes at new home moving in concept

Breaking down the standard outline preparation of the relocation process

Relocating for a new job can be an excellent move for both career and personal reasons. New scenery for work and life can provide new growth opportunities. If you accepted a position with a different company, there is probably a lot going through your head. That’s normal, moving can also be a testing process. 

 

If your new company is providing you and your family with corporate relocation benefits, it’s essential to review all aspects of those benefits to take advantage of each one. 

 

It is also highly recommended to speak with a representative from the relocation management company (RMC) that your new company works with for their talent mobility needs. Most companies work with an RMC to set up their corporate relocation programs, and RMCs in some cases, will provide one-on-one consultations for all transferees. The point of this is to keep the employee relocation process as understandable as possible. 

 

Moving to a new job can raise many questions, especially if there is a tight start date with the new company. Of course, the relocation timeline is not always the same for every employee, but some commonalities can be covered to ensure the process can be completed in a timely manner. Here are a few things to review when you are about three to four weeks out from moving to your new destination:

4 Weeks Out

Many corporate relocation packages will include a destination visit. This will give employees a chance to see their new office, maybe do some meet and greets with teammates, and hopefully have time to check out some real estate options. 

 

When researching places to live, it could be a good idea to add soon-to-be teammates on LinkedIn to ask them about the office building, parking, and commutes from certain areas. As far as housing options go, it would be worth asking the RMC if corporate housing can be utilized. 

 

Corporate housing options are places where relocating employees can stay anywhere for 30-90 days while they look for their new home. Companies tend to provide corporate housing so that employees are not forced to make real estate decisions on the spot within the four weeks they typically give for their start date. 

 

This gives you more time to look for a home in which your family will be happy and comfortable. Short-term housing options also allow you to go ahead while kids finish school or your partner finishes their notice at their current job. 

 

It should also be noted that prepping for household goods to be moved should start almost as soon as the offer letter is signed for your new position. Anything that can be wrapped, boxed, or packed now helps save time before the moving rush hits. 

3 Weeks Out

Once all the major pieces like home buying and selling and packing have been set in motion, it is a good idea to review the budget for the actual move. The relocation timeline moves quickly, you want to make sure you know everything your talent mobility benefits cover so that you do not go over budget. 

 

A reliable RMC will provide transferees with cloud-based technology so that they can track their move with expenses and receipts in order to stay within budget. Having a platform to track the move also helps the RMC, company, and employees know exactly where they are at in the process. 

The three-week mark is always a good time to plan with the movers. Assure they will be able to come to get your household goods, leaving enough days for them to travel to the new destination and unload. Depending upon your corporate relocation package, there can be different ways to go about paying for movers. Some packages will be through employee reimbursement, other packages will be worked out by the company to have already moving vendors paid for. 

GMS Is a Top RMC Who Is Here to Help

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is the industry leader when it comes to providing corporate relocation programs. We help companies build, or update, talent mobility packages that are sure to attract the top talent for any job. 

 

We provide each of our transferees a relocation coach. This coach is a relocation expert who will guide the moving employee every step of the way. On top of personal coaches, we also set every transferee up with a Relocation login. This is a cloud-based platform that assists moving employees track their relocation timeline from start to finish. 

 

For over 30 years, GMS has assisted companies with their employee relocation needs. If you have any questions, please set up a free online consultation. We will listen to your needs and help you take the best course of action, getting your employees from point A to point B while staying within your budget. 

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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Choosing a Relocation Company Relocation Technology

What Should a Company Consider When Choosing Relocation Technology?

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

What are the 5 Major Questions Companies Should Ask?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Should Companies do when Choosing Relocation Technology?

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Request a relocation technology demo

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

Does Your Relocation Management Company Have a Business Continuity Plan?

Does Your Relocation Management Company Have a Business Continuity Plan?

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

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

What Situations Might Cause a Disruption for Your RMC?

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

Weather

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

Human Error

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

Cyber-Attack

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

What Should Your RMC Include in Their Business Continuity Plan?

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

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

What Should Your Company Do?

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Immigration Rules Relocation Challenges Relocation Management Relocation Programs Relocation Technology

What are the 2018 Global Relocation Trends?

Happy young couple sitting on the mattress in their new apartment in the morning and using laptop together. Cardboard boxes in the background.

What are the major 2018 global relocation trends shaping the industry? As workforce mobility and employee relocation continues to increase, several trends change how clients respond to increasing employee requirements regarding their relocation needs. Also, global changes in how employees are able to accept transferee assignments, such as limits on working visas and work permits, further impact company plans for mobility.

Our team of global relocation experts have identified five key trends that are shaping 2018 Global Relocation.

2018 Global Relocation Trends

Growth in Partner and Spouse Career Support Programs

As companies continue to expand globally, the need for a mobile workforce to accept transferee assignments has increased exponentially. Along with this mobile workforce, services designed specifically for spouses and partners have become increasingly important to employees. Spouses and partners are critical to ensuring transferee success. It is important for clients to provide support and information specifically for spouses and partners to help them with their relocation process. Specifically, pre-decision support, an online job search and assistance portal, and professional career services are important programs and services for spouses and partners. Transferees can be secure in the knowledge that their spouses and partners will receive as much assistance as they need to be successful in their new location.

Flexible and Responsive Global Relocation Programs

Global relocation programs need to provide enough flexibility to anticipate and provide for challenges and opportunities that are unique to specific locations. Many multi-national clients have designed a corporate-level relocation program, which then is further customized for each international headquarter location. Relocation programs designed at the corporate level need to provide for a multitude of options and differences across locations. Our recent Case Study on Implementation Success Factors describes in detail the importance of identifying all stakeholders and engaging them early in the process to ensure implementation success.

Immigration Challenges

Countries are increasingly placing limits on the number and types of working visas and work permits that allow transferees to enter the country legally for work assignments. Some countries such as the United Kingdom have seen the number of applications exceed the monthly quota. Other countries such as China have changed requirements and set up a Working Permits Points System that emphasizes transferees with specialized knowledge. The United States has instituted travel restrictions for specific locations, and has increased enforcement of immigration requirements. As countries around the world respond to migration challenges, the impact on global relocation programs will continue to evolve.

Technology Advances

Global relocation programs continue to respond to evolving technology changes. Increasingly, mobile technology must be responsive to provide transferees with information and solutions during their relocation process when they need it, wherever they are located. Transferees should be able to get information on the go, and upload expenses for quick reimbursement. Mobile enhanced relocation technology solutions such as MyRelocation should be available, as it is platform-responsive and able to be accessed anywhere, making it the most useful solution for a mobile workforce.

Outsourcing Relocation Programs to Industry Experts

Global relocation programs must cover a wide array of specialized issues such as tax, visa applications, and compliance reporting. Furthermore, it is to a client’s best advantage to consult with experts who have knowledge and experience in the specific aspects of these areas as they relate to global relocation programs. Companies can benefit from an outsourced solution that specializes in unique relocation needs. Working with relocation experts who have extensive experience in these and other areas can help a company avoid risks and respond more effectively to transferee’s requests for guidance and advice.

Conclusion

Thoroughly reviewing your global relocation policy and benchmarking to industry best practices keeps your company at the forefront of your industry peers, reinforces employee satisfaction, and promotes successful relocations. The global relocation experts at Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) have the knowledge and expertise to help your company remain at the forefront of 2018 global relocation trends, and offer your employees the best relocation experience.

Contact our team of experts to discuss your global relocation policy needs, or call us at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Global Relocation

3 Tips For Seamless International Talent Relocation

Happy couple in front of their new home
Shot of a happy young couple holding the keys to their new home

Relocating business within the U.S. is difficult enough, but when a company needs to relocate talent to another country, things can get even more challenging. According to a recent Atlas Van Lines survey, 27 percent of respondents are expecting their international relocation volumes to increase. Keeping that in mind, here are three tips to help with an international talent relocation process:

  1. Help the employee get accustomed: Moving a single employee or a group of individuals is a complicated task, which is why it’s critical to help transferees get accustomed to their surrounding environments before they start working.
    International talent relocation presents unique challenges.
    International talent relocation presents unique challenges.

    If employees aren’t able to arrange a visit to the new location before they pack their things and move, they should do as much research on the area as they can, Forbes suggests. This may include reading local news or publications that focus on the surrounding area, which can help new residents get accustomed to the language and cultural interests. Cultural training is one of the most highly overlooked areas of employee training, and depending on the destination, can be crucial to assignment success. Culture shock is a very real phenomenon that impacts many western travelers. When preparing for or managing culture shock, the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recommends keeping an open mind, staying physically active and making an effort to get to know other people as much as possible.

  2. Paperwork exists outside of the office: When talent is relocating overseas, they must first get their paperwork in order, otherwise the move won’t happen at all. A business can significantly help its employees do their homework on important travel documents such as customs and immigration information to Visa acquisition or even identifying which vaccinations, if any, their talent has to get before they depart. Some countries have currency restrictions for entry as well – so companies that do their due diligence will make the moves much easier on their employees. The IATA and the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs are both excellent supplementary resources that outline what countries require upon arrival.
  3. Hire an experienced partner: If a business is unsure how to tackle this issue, global relocation management companies can provide insightful solutions necessary to navigate today’s mobility challenges. In fact, Relocate Magazine highly recommends employing a trusted partner in this capacity, especially if management or C-level executives are unfamiliar with global relocation, much less the new area where they’re moving their talent. Even if higher-ups have employee relocation experience, global relocation firms can provide unique and fresh insight into each move. Whether a company needs a partner to help with the entire move, or just needs to outsource certain aspects of a relocation effort, third-party talent relocation firms can help alleviate a large amount of stress and weight off of a business’s shoulders by providing faster, more efficient and often cheaper results.

Brought to you by Global Mobility Solutions, a trusted partner in global talent management.

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Global Relocation

Global Mobility Solutions’ Virtual Trainer Empowers Corporations to Succeed in 21st Century, Transnational Business Environment

Global Relocation Virtual Trainer

Global Relocation Virtual Trainer

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 29, 2014 – New Global Relocation Virtual Trainer: The relocation consultants at Global Mobility Solutions (www.gmsmobility.com) understand that employees face tremendous challenges when transplanted to a new culture. To ease these transitions for both employees and their families, the company has introduced a web-based “Global Relocation Virtual Trainer” system for bridging the language and culture gap.

“The modern enterprise sees the boundless opportunity in multinational expansion,” remarked GMS Global Services Vice President John Fernandez. “These corporations need flexible, convenient and affordable language and cultural training solutions that provide quality deliverables. Our Virtual Trainer hits all of these benchmarks and has helped organizations pursue globalization with more assurance and adaptability.”

How the Global Relocation Virtual Trainer Works

The Virtual Trainer combines one-on-one coaching with self-paced, conversation-oriented language learning. The emphasis is on finding common ground between cultures as a means to build new relationships, meet business objectives and create an environment of trust and confidence. Traditional programs have stressed the idea of cultural “dos” and “don’ts” when preparing employees for global relocation; this black-and-white, list-based approach to acculturation, though, is ultimately counterproductive.

GMS provides 24/7 access to the tools and support of the Virtual Trainer. Because the software is cloud-based, employees can work with the system from anywhere – at home, in a hotel, on a plane, etc. All that’s necessary is a computer or mobile device and a stable Internet connection. The company makes the Virtual Trainer available to employees for the duration of an international assignment. Plus, spouses/partners and families can take advantage of the system at no extra charge.

To streamline the acquisition of essential cultural knowledge, the Virtual Trainer includes one-on-one personal training sessions via webcam. Coaches explain how working across cultures is not about simply tolerating differences or memorizing a litany of social faux pas, but rather seeing differences as a chance to create synergy and leverage the various skill sets one finds around the world. Cultural training communicates values like mutual understanding and respect. Practical, actionable guidance gives executives and employees the competencies to support a 21st century business model.

The language learning aspect of GMS’s Virtual Trainer features an intuitive, straightforward interface, with self-paced lessons focusing on conversation proficiency. The tool goes beyond mere conversation, however, by incorporating cultural insights and nuances that underpin vocabulary and grammar. Just like the personalized training, GMS offers limitless access to the language instruction tool; a slate of mobile apps lets employees brush up between meetings, on the road or anywhere else.

Addressing Common Corporate Relocation Challenges

Taking the uncertainty out of global relocations is part of the mission at GMS. Historically, such relocations have ended early or otherwise failed at an alarming rate. These botched assignments cost time and money and often permanently damage potentially lucrative relationships. The Virtual Trainer deploys current best practices and leverages the organizational knowledge and experience of GMS to maximize the success of global relocations. The training program typically begins prior to relocation, which gives employees and their families a head start on settling in to their new surroundings.

Companies that have adopted the Virtual Trainer have saved from 50% to 75% over the usual costs of culture and language training. At the same time, the cloud-based software frees up human resources to concentrate on other responsibilities, whereas executives can have confidence that international assignments have a high probability of producing a return on investment.

About Global Mobility Solutions

Founded in 1987, Global Mobility Solutions is a global corporate relocation services company that specializes in workforce mobility. Their relocation services include global assignment management, domestic relocation management and a range of pre-decision solutions. Global Mobility Solutions is a winner of the 2014 HRO Today Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Contact:

Thomas Belnap, Marketing Manager
800-617-1904 ext. 8832
[email protected]

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About

Contact Us

About Us

GMS Client Login

Privacy Policy

Other Services

Our Technology

Global Relocation

Group Moves

U.S. & Canadian Relocation

Address

Global Mobility Solutions
15333 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale AZ, 85260

1.800.617.1904
Available 24/7/365

About

Contact Us

About Us

GMS Client Login

Privacy Policy

Address

Global Mobility Solutions
15333 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale AZ, 85260

1.800.617.1904
Available 24/7/365

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