By: Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS

November 5, 2014

The face of talent management is changing for a wide variety of reasons, but the impact of technology has been a particular catalyst for this evolution.

Today’s new workforce wants to be a part of the new globally connected workplace. Businesses are beginning to see the value in relocation assignments in new and diverse markets, and it’s often young adults who are making the trip to a new location. Companies are investing in the future of talent mobility because millennials are not only well-versed in the technology that’s driving mobility growth, but also because young adults are the future of the modern-day workforce. According to a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers study, Gen Y currently accounts for one-quarter of the workforce. By 2020, that figure will increase to 50 percent.

Support millennials during relocation
Their skills are in high demand, seeing as increased relocations and development in technology are coinciding with one another. However, since industry practices are evolving, the manner in which companies support and oversee transferees will have to mature as well.

A recent Deloitte study outlined a support framework for companies to follow during relocation management. The framework is based on the business value of sending an employee to a new market and the development value for talent growth. Millennial relocation is primarily characterized as a “learning experience” in that it doesn’t cost companies a lot to move young talent, but the developmental ceiling is high since the employee is looking for diversity in experience and professional growth.

Millennial employees want their companies to embrace new technology.
Millennial employees want their companies to embrace new technology.

Businesses that move young employees are helping to develop well-rounded leaders of the future. When it comes to millennial support, businesses are primarily focused on developmental reinforcement above all else. PwC found Gen Y employees are more committed to personal learning and development than flexible work hours and cash bonuses from their employers. Seventy percent of millennial respondents said work-life balance was very important to them, so businesses need to moderate the number of hours young assignees work.

Before and during the move, businesses should be ready to offer rental assistance programs, especially those with housing options. Young employees are active, experience-seeking individuals who want to be surrounded by others like them. Helping transferees find lodging in a walkable or culturally vibrant neighborhood is a great place to begin during a relocation, especially since young employees don’t own vehicles like they did in the past. In fact, a recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found from 2007 to 2011, the number of automobiles purchased by adults aged between 18 and 34 dipped nearly 30 percent, Fast Company reported.

Millennials also have different needs than previous generations; they expect employers to adopt new technology and the flexibility it brings to their lives. Certain rental assistance programs can extend the resources young employees desire to better help streamline the transition. Things like mobile apps and do-it-yourself tools are two aspects of a strong millennial relocation as well. Even corporate resources like hands-on job training or settling-in services that help the employee acclimate to his or her new surroundings are highly beneficial during the process. Millennial transferee support doesn’t stop once the wheels hit the ground in their new location; rather, it’s an ongoing process that requires meeting their complex needs and doing so in a fashion that they can ultimately connect with on a comfortable level.

Since the demand for talent mobility is growing, companies need to adjust with the evolving state of the industry. Young employees are a good investment from a business and developmental standpoint, but they need to be supported with the right technology and continual training and support that will fuel professional growth.

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

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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