Relocating Employees to the US? 10 Apps to Recommend.

by | Sep 27, 2023 | News

Relocating employees to the US

Is your organization relocating employees to the US? HR, global mobility, and talent acquisition teams are expected to guide employees through this process and provide key resources. Some of the greatest resources an organization can provide to that employee are free or low-cost mobile phone apps. From language training to hotels, travel, and more: here are 10 must-have apps you should recommend when relocating employees to the US.

Social Apps for Employees Relocating to the US

InterNations

InterNations is a global community for people who live and work abroad. It’s the largest network of its kind, with around 4 million members in 420 cities worldwide. InterNations offers networking and socializing both online and in person. InterNations members can attend events, participate in forums, and receive tips and advice on expat life. InterNations also offers an Expat Insider survey that ranks countries and cities. In 2023, Mexico was ranked the best place for expats.

MeetUp

Meetup is a social networking site that allows people to find and join groups based on their interests. Meetups are informal meetings or get-togethers for people with similar interests. Meetups can be in-person or virtual, and can take place in places like cafés or parks. There are no membership fees to join Meetup, which makes it an excellent app for expats to build their new friend groups and social networks. 

Language App for Employees Relocating to the US

Duolingo

Communication App for Employees Relocating to the US

WhatsApp

Hotel & Travel App for Employees Relocating to the US

Booking.com

Headquartered in Amsterdam, Booking.com is an online travel agency that connects travelers with a wide variety of places to stay. The company was founded in Amsterdam in 1996 and has over 28 million accommodation listings. Booking.com offers discounts on hotels, flights, car rentals, taxis, and attractions. This is extremely useful for expats who are left for themselves to book hotel stays on short notice, or rental vehicles during their preview trip and temporary housing. 

Transportation Apps for Employees Relocating to the US

Uber & Uber Eats

When employees are relocating to the US, ride-hailing apps such as Uber are cost-effective solutions to getting to and from hotels, temporary housing, apartments, and homes. Furthermore, when expats are tired and jet-lagged from travel, they can order a plethora of food and other products on Uber Eats from the comfort of their hotel or temporary housing.

Lyft

Similar to Uber, Lyft provides ride-hailing, rental cars, and food delivery in the United States and Canada. Lyft offers a marketplace where drivers can be matched with riders through the Lyft app. Lyft also offers other transportation options, such as motorized scooters and bicycle-sharing. Lyft offers ride booking, payment processing, and car transportation services. Lyft can be a fantastic alternative when there is a spike in price, or lack of availability through Uber. 

Mental Health App for Employees Relocating to the US

Headspace

After death and divorce, it’s said that relocating is the third most stressful event in a person’s lifetime. Headspace is an app that offers guided meditations, courses, and mindfulness exercises on topics like stress, anxiety, and building resilience. The app aims to improve concentration and mood, and reduce anxiety. Offering hundreds of meditations, sleep sounds and music, focus music, and mood-boosting workouts, Headspace is an excellent mental health tool for expats who need to slow down and breathe. 

Home Goods App for Employees Relocating to the US

Amazon Prime

When expats need something delivered on short notice to a hotel, temporary housing, or unfurnished home, Amazon Prime can be an excellent and cost-effective solution. Some assignees may choose to bypass their household goods shipment altogether and purchase everything at their destination with a furnishings allowance. From TVs to furniture, cleaning supplies, and more, Amazon Prime is an excellent way for expats to furnish their new homes or deliver an essential item to temporary housing.

Self-Move App for Employees Relocating in the US

SimpleMove®

SimpleMove is a free, online platform developed by WHR Global. It can be used by: (1) employees relocating themselves within the US; (2) HR and talent acqusition teams who want to a self-move or lump sum solution for US relocations; or (3) established global mobility programs who want a cost-effective solutions for US relocations.

The largest financial benefit is a tax-free, cash-back rebate paid to the employee when they sell or purchase a home through a SimpleMove real estate agent. The rebate, paid after closing, is based on $5 USD per every $1,000 USD of the sale or purchase price. There is no cap on the rebate amount; For example, a $300,000 USD home sale or purchase will provide the relocating employee with a $1,500 USD rebate. This is in addition to accessing WHR Global’s network of moving companies, rental agents, temporary housing providers, mortgage lenders, and other helpful resources within the platform.

Relocating Employees Contact WHR Global Image

7 Benefits of Outsourcing Your Relocation Program

by | Sep 26, 2023 | News

In the days of low volume, Human Resource professionals comfortably managed the relocation of a few key employees without the aid of a specialist. These moves might have been a generous lump sum with access to a preferred household goods carrier, but while this worked in the past, relocation best practices and the workforce industry itself have changed significantly. In order to source the very best talent for the job, it has become essential for companies to have a global relocation program that adheres to today’s best practices while also staying up to date on tax and legal requirements. Creating and successfully running a relocation program that competes in today’s global market is a demanding task that requires more time and understanding than ever before, which is why HR departments traditionally outsource the relocation process. Using a professional relocation management company (or RMC) eases the burden of meeting the demand for top talent by providing these seven fundamental benefits.
relocation program

1. Knowledgeable Relocation Experts

If relocation is something you manage right now, there’s a good chance you manage other workforce-related tasks in your department, such as recruiting, onboarding, and training. Balancing so many responsibilities makes it difficult to become a subject matter expert in all of these areas.

With the aid of an RMC, you and your transferring employees won’t have to worry about being the subject matter expert on relocation because RMCs have staff trained specifically to make your program as smooth and seamless as possible.

At WHR Group, we take our staff’s knowledge one step further by requiring real estate licensure to ensure you and your employees have the most experienced and knowledgeable real estate experts on your side.

2. More Time to Focus on Impact

We’ve already established relocation management as a task that really requires your full attention, often leaving your other responsibilities in the dust.

Having an RMC manage your relocations for you allows you to have a higher impact in your strategic initiatives.

3. Vast Network of Suppliers

Having a trusted supplier network in place is an important aspect for any professional RMC. RMCs build relationships with suppliers ranging from household goods carriers to international destination agents so you don’t have to.

Managing a relocation program is difficult enough without also having to manage the selection and qualification of these third parties. While a huge undertaking, it’s one that is easily accomplished through an RMC, which typically has a team dedicated to managing this network.

By being connected to a larger network of tracked and vetted suppliers, you are guaranteed to offer your employees more choices when it comes to who they work with, with more consistent service and at discounted rates.

4. Competitive Policies

An important consideration for your relocation program is knowing what benefits will entice job candidates most, no matter where the job is located. It’s a delicate balance of offering the most competitive relocation benefits in your industry while still being cost-conscious.

A professional RMC will benchmark your relocation policies against your competition to ensure you continue attracting the candidates you are most interested in.

5. Increased Cost Savings

RMCs are constantly moving high volumes of transferring employees for multiple clients annually. This means they are building strong relationships with several different suppliers for things like home sales, temporary housing, and international services, which benefits you with suppliers’ best-rate pricing and a track record of top-tier service.

This varied knowledge also enables RMCs to make policy recommendations for maximum cost savings on your program.

6. Tax Compliance

The tax and legal requirements of relocating employees are extensive, which is why RMCs offer considerable advantages.

Your RMC will guide you through any issues or concerns while ensuring that all tax-deductible requirements are met on each of your relocations.

7. Ease of Technology

Managing the relocation process through a system not built exclusively for your relocation program can make an already difficult job impossible. For this reason, RMCs continuously invest in their relocation system to respond to the evolution of tax laws, reporting needs, and clients’ unique policy requirements.

These systems, like the one WHR Group built for its clients from the ground up, offer real-time access to customizable reports, cost analysis tools, and the ability to track your employees’ relocations through a sophisticated internal workflow.

 

The challenges of managing a relocation program in-house have led many HR departments to seek outsourcing opportunities. Because relocation management requires a vast amount of consideration, it is an ideal candidate for outsourcing. By seeking an RMC for your company, you play a vital role in renewing and strengthening not just your relocation program but your involvement in HR and the workforce industry as a whole.

The RMC you choose should function as an extension of your department and your company. Selecting an RMC that designs a program in your company’s best interest ensures you remain a competitive, compliant, and cost-conscious employer.

For more information on how WHR Group can take your relocation program to the next level, call us at 800-523-3318 or email [email protected].

5 Corporate Relocation Trends to Keep an Eye On | Q4 2023

by | Sep 21, 2023 | News

Employee Relocation Abstract globe focusing on North America illustration Ai generat

Here are 5 corporate relocation trends WHR Global is keeping an eye on for Q4 and beyond!

Global Housing Costs

Verdict: ↑ Varied ↓

Whether purchasing or renting around the world, global housing costs are expensive, but the past 12 months have been inconsistent. Within the corporate relocation industry, it’s important to keep an ear to the ground in key hubs of economic activity so organizations know when to adjust housing allowances, begin to offer mortgage support for homeowners, or improve the level of support. Below are examples of just a few key economic zones WHR is monitoring closely:

 

  • Germany: Year-over-year (YOY) property price decrease of -4%.
  • Japan: YOY property price increase of 5%.
  • Netherlands: YOY property price decrease of -9%.
  • Singapore: YOY property price increase of 7%.
  • Switzerland: YOY property price increase of 4%.
  • United Arab Emirates: YOY property price increase of 18%.

  • United States:
    • Homebuyers: average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increase from 6.02% (15-Sep-2022) to 7.18% (15-Sep-2023).
    • Boston, MA: median monthly rent increase of 3% YOY from $3,200 USD/month to $3,300 USD/month.
    • Los Angeles, CA: median monthly rent decrease of -8% YOY from $3,195 USD/month to $2,950 USD/month.
    • Houston, TX: median monthly rent remained stagnant with a 0% YOY difference from $1,794 USD/month to $1,795 USD/month.
    • New York, NY: median monthly rent increase of 5% YOY from $3,480 USD/month to $3,664 USD/month.
    • Miami, FL: median monthly rent decrease of -12% YOY from $3,800 USD/month to $3,350 USD/month.

Corporate Relocation in the Netherlands

Verdict: ↑ Trending Up ↑

Thanks to the European Union’s Right to Work and expat-friendly legislation such as the 30% facility, corporate relocation is positioned to trend upwards. For those unfamiliar, the Netherlands 30% facility allows employers to choose to pay their employees 30% of their annual salary tax-free (provided they meet certain baseline conditions). Expats also enjoy geopolitical stability, a consistently high quality of life, and expat-friendly banks such as ABN AMRO.

Netherlands Migration Statistics (2013-2022)

This chart shows immigration, emigration, and net immigration for the Netherlands from 2013-2022.

ESG Considerations in Corporate Relocation RFPs

Verdict: ↑ Trending Up ↑

Environmental Social Governance (ESG) is becoming commonplace in most corporate relocation RFPs. As organizations focus on sustainability and ethical practices, these factors play a pivotal role in their vendor selection. ESG compliance aligns with a company’s values, reflecting positively on its brand image.

Choosing corporate relocation services providers committed to these principles demonstrates a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, appealing to both employees and stakeholders. Organizations should seek out corporate relocation serivces providers who value committed action plans such as EcoVadis certifications and Science-Based Targets.

EcoVadis helps organizations manage ESG risk and compliance, meet corporate sustainability goals, and drive impact at scale by guiding the sustainability performance improvement of corporations and their supply chains.

Science-Based Targets help organizations lead the way to a zero-carbon economy, boost innovation and drive sustainable growth by setting ambitious, science-based emissions reduction targets. 

Air Shipments in Corporate Relocation

Verdict: ↓ Slightly Trending Down ↓

As detailed in our article, “ESG in Global Mobility: Turning the Tide on Air Shipments,” there are significant ESG advantages to reducing or eliminating air shipments. Air shipments have long been the go-to choice for international relocations and corporate moves due to their speed and efficiency. However, the environmental impact of air cargo emissions cannot be overlooked. As a greener alternative, sea container shipments present a compelling case for global mobility programs to transition towards more eco-friendly transportation modes.

To compare typical CO2 emissions between modes of transport (measured in grams of CO2 per metric ton of goods shipped per mile): flights emit 500 grams of CO2/metric ton of cargo per kilometer of transportation. However, ships emit only between 10 to 40 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Communicate the difference in CO2 emissions between air, road, and sea shipments. Your employees may self-select a more eco-friendly option (if feasible), sending fewer items in their air shipments or not utilizing them at all. Or, instead of an LDN air shipment container which has a weight capacity of 750 lbs, consider reducing this entitlement to a D air shipment container which has a weight capacity of approximately 500 lbs.

Implement programs such as Discard & Donate to reduce shipment sizes, thereby reducing organizational costs and CO2 emissions. Consider offering a cash allowance in lieu of the air shipment, or eliminate the air shipment option altogether.

Global Mobility ESG

Inclusive Language in Employee Relocation Policies

Verdict: ↑ Trending Up ↑

As discussed during various regional relocation council meetings, including WiERC & CRC Chicago, corporations can have a large positive or negative impact on their employees by how their policy language is written. Writing a definition for family size, as an example, can have large downstream impacts if a family member feels excluded.

Here are some of the considerations employers should take into account when defining family size in their relocation policies:

  • Is your definition for family size consistent across all HR policies?
  • Is your relocation policy inclusive of same-sex relationships?
  • Should dependent children be limited to 18-years-old and younger? Or should dependent children include those up to 21-years-old if they’re still attending school?
  • Should your relocation policy include or exclude elderly dependents? If elderly dependents are included, this could have immigration complications.
Family moving home

Conclusion

In summary, the corporate relocation landscape is undergoing significant shifts, and WHR Global is diligently monitoring these trends for Q4 and beyond. The global housing market presents a complex and varied picture, emphasizing the need for organizations to remain adaptable and responsive in adjusting housing allowances and support mechanisms. The Netherlands emerges as a promising destination for corporate relocation, thanks to favorable legislation and expat-friendly policies. Additionally, the rise of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) considerations in relocation requests for proposals (RFPs) underscores the growing importance of sustainability and ethical practices. Finally, the focus on inclusive language in employee relocation policies highlights the impact that thoughtful policy design can have on employees’ well-being and satisfaction. As the corporate relocation landscape evolves, staying informed and embracing these trends will be crucial for organizations seeking to navigate this dynamic environment successfully.

What is COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment)?

by | Jul 26, 2023 | News

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is a crucial aspect corporations consider when relocating employees or hiring talent from different geographical regions.  What is COLA? COLAs are payments designed to compensate employees for the higher cost of living they encounter in their new destination. Learn more about calculating cost of living adjustments, definition, and factors in cola payments.

Understanding Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)

Cost of Living Allowances or Adjustments, commonly known as COLA, serve a common purpose: to bridge the gap between the cost of living in a low or moderate region and that in a higher-cost location. The employer compensates the employee based on housing, goods and services, and taxes, enabling them to maintain the same standard of living in their new area. This is the purest definition of a cola, but many nuances go into the calculation.

Calculating Cost of Living Adjustment

An accurate calculation is the foundation of a fair cost of living adjustment. Several providers offer services to calculate housing costs, goods, services, and other factors to determine the standard. The origination city’s cost index is then compared to the new town’s to identify the cost difference. Many employers have a limited number of potential locations for employee relocations, making it easier to assess cost indexes. Employers may also compare entire regions instead of individual cities for easy calculation. WHR can help our clients understand the COLA formula and make the best decision.

Factors in Calculating COLA

Employers must decide under what conditions they will offer a cost-of-living adjustment. The percentage of change in the cost of living between the locations is a critical factor in determining COLA. The question becomes, what is a standard cost of living raise? Some employers may require a cost-of-living shift greater than 3%, 5%, or 10% to provide the COLA. Those aiming to offer more generous benefits may set a lower threshold for cost-of-living changes to benefit a more significant number of employees. Every employer will determine their COLA benefits differently. The cost of living adjustment will also vary by employee and, of course, location. Many of these are case-by-case situations for COLA payments.

Duration and Payment of COLA

Once a COLA is determined to be provided, the next consideration is the duration and payment method. Traditionally, U.S. domestic COLAs are calculated once and paid as a lump sum allowance or distributed over a specified period. Companies may maintain the adjustment for an extended period to allow employees more time to adapt to their new location.

 On the other hand, international COLAs are recommended to be recalculated more frequently due to fluctuating currency rates, inflation, and other uncontrollable factors. For international assignments with pre-determined end dates, companies often offer the cost of living adjustment for the entire duration. However, if the assignment is open-ended, the company may transition the employee to the local standard of living (localizing) and discontinue the COLA after a set period.

Importance of Benchmarking

Relocation benefits can vary significantly across industries. Therefore, benchmarking your organization’s COLA policy against peers is crucial. Some industries may offer more frequent and generous COLAs, while others may not consider it at all. Understanding these variations can help determine whether a COLA adjustment or increase is needed. Ultimately, it can help you tailor your policy to meet your organization’s needs. The last piece to consider in benchmarking is understanding market rates in target relocation areas.

Conclusion

Cost of Living Adjustment is a vital tool/formula corporations use to ensure their employees can maintain the same standard of living when relocating to higher-cost locations. Companies can design worker compensation and relocation packages that attract and retain top talent by understanding the factors involved in calculating COLA and benchmarking against industry peers.

Improve your COLA benefits with our Allowances & Per Diems Benchmark.

Download Allowances & Per Diems Benchmark

ESG in Global Mobility: Turning the Tide on Air Shipments.

by | Jun 20, 2023 | News

In an era where environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) is gaining significant traction, it is crucial for global mobility programs to evaluate and modify their transportation methods accordingly. Air shipments have long been the go-to choice for international relocations and corporate moves due to their speed and efficiency. However, the environmental impact of air cargo emissions cannot be overlooked. As a greener alternative, sea container shipments present a compelling case for global mobility programs to transition towards more eco-friendly transportation modes. In this article, we explore the advantages of sea container shipments and emphasize the need for a shift away from air shipments.

How Air Shipments Impact ESG in Global Mobility:

Air cargo plays a vital role in global trade and mobility due to its rapid delivery times and efficient logistics. However, the environmental repercussions are substantial. Aircraft emit greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and particulate matter, contributing significantly to global warming and air pollution. The carbon footprint of air shipments is disproportionately high compared to other transportation modes, making it imperative for businesses and global mobility programs to seek sustainable alternatives.

The image below is a comparison of typical CO2 emissions between modes of transport (measured in grams of CO2 per metric ton of goods shipped per mile). Other sources estimate that flights emit 500 grams of CO2/metric ton of cargo per kilometer of transportation. However, ships emit only between 10 to 40 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

The Advantages of Sea Container Shipments:

Reduced carbon footprint:

Sea container shipments emit significantly lower carbon dioxide per ton-mile compared to air shipments. Large cargo vessels have higher fuel efficiency and capacity, allowing them to transport goods in bulk, thus reducing per-unit emissions. This makes sea container shipments a more environmentally friendly option, particularly for long-distance relocations.

When paired with environmentally-friendly services such as Discard & Donate, global mobility programs take their ESG commitments to the next level. Not only does Discard & Donate reduce the cost of each household goods shipment for employers, it reduces the overall carbon footprint of air, sea, and ground shipments by eliminating the transportation of unneeded items and reducing the amount of packaging materials.

Cost-effectiveness:

Sea freight is generally more cost-effective than air transportation, especially for bulky or heavy shipments. By embracing sea container shipments, global mobility programs can potentially reduce shipping expenses, allowing for more flexible budget allocations or investments in sustainable practices.

Improved packaging and consolidation:

Sea container shipments necessitate careful packaging and consolidation due to the longer transit times involved. This requirement often results in more efficient use of space, reducing the overall volume of shipments. Effective consolidation reduces the number of containers needed and maximizes the use of vessel capacity, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

ESG-friendly modes for last-mile delivery:

While sea container shipments are not as fast as air shipments, various sustainable last-mile delivery options, such as rail or road transport, can be utilized to bridge the gap. This multimodal approach ensures that sustainability is maintained throughout the entire logistics process, from port to final destination.

Promoting circular economy practices:

The longer transit times of sea container shipments provide an opportunity for companies and individuals to adopt circular economy principles. By embracing sustainable packaging, reusing materials, and optimizing supply chains, global mobility programs can contribute to reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption practices.

Conclusion:

As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges, it is crucial for global mobility programs to proactively shift away from air shipments and embrace ESG-friendly transportation alternatives. Sea container shipments provide numerous advantages in terms of reduced carbon emissions, cost-effectiveness, improved packaging practices, and opportunities for circular economy practices. Global mobility programs should consider the following steps to reduce their carbon footprint:

  1. Communicate the difference in CO2 emissions between air, road, and sea shipments. Your employees may self-select a more eco-friendly option (if feasible), sending fewer items in their air shipments or not utilizing them at all.
  2. Reduce the size of the air shipments offered. Instead of an LDN air shipment container which has a weight capacity of 750 lbs, consider reducing this entitlement to a D air shipment container which has a weight capacity of approximately 500 lbs.
  3. Implement programs such as Discard & Donate to reduce shipment sizes, thereby reducing organizational costs and CO2 emissions.
  4. Offer a cash allowance in lieu of the air shipment, or eliminate the air shipment option altogether.

By transitioning to sea container shipments, global mobility programs can play an active role in minimizing their environmental impact and contributing to a greener future. Embracing sustainable shipment modes is not only an ethical responsibility but also a business imperative that aligns with the growing global focus on environmental sustainability.

6 Ways to Align Global Mobility & Talent Acquisition

by | Jun 8, 2023 | News

Has your organization strategically aligned your global mobility and talent acquisition stakeholders? Or do your teams feel siloed with different priorities and understandings? Read below to discover 6 ways to align global mobility and talent acquisition teams, including insights from Reda Belabed, GMS, a global mobility and immigration leader previously with Honeywell and General Electric, and WHR Global’s Strategic Initiatives Manager, Sean Thrun.

You’re not alone if you feel your global mobility and talent acquisition teams aren’t working towards the same objectives! Fortunately, there are several common-sense steps you can take to improve your talent mobility and ensure these stakeholders are working as a cohesive team.

When global mobility and talent acquisition teams are aligned, your highly specialized employees are hired quickly and compliantly.

1. Distribute “How To” Relocation Guides to your Global Mobility and Talent Acquisition Teams for Core Locations

Distribute “How To” guides to your talent acquisition and global mobility teams. These should be mission-critical things they must know for your company’s core locations, including immigration, tax, and recommended relocation support. For example:

      • Your company regularly hires executives to work in your Netherlands Global Center of Excellence. Are your teams applying for the Netherlands’ 30% ruling? Is your talent acquisition team responsible for ensuring each applicant meets the 30% ruling’s requirements before presenting the job offer? For example, your talent acquisition representative must ensure the candidate has specific expertise, is recruited greater than 150 km from the Netherlands border, and more.
      • Due to the highly specialized nature of your business, you are recruiting internal and external candidates for a position in the U.S. Is your talent acquisition team familiar with U.S. visa types, such as the L-1 visa for intracompany transfers, or the H-1B visa for specialty occupations? Your talent acquisition teams should know the basic requirements for each visa type before attempting to source foreign talent.
      • Your RMC should proactively guide the level of relocation support needed by country for your core locations. For example, this 2023 Destination Services Benchmark Report indicates the minimum, average, and recommended level of destination support by country, family size, and employee level. The report also indicates if leases should be personal or corporate, how long it takes to receive a security deposit return, and which components are most challenging.
WHR Global Ask an Expert Destination Services Benchmarking Switzerland

2. Review Talent Acquisition Metrics such as Time-To-Fill

Unfortunately, TA (talent acquisition) is not only measured based on the volume/quality of positions filled but mostly on the Time-To-Fill (TTF) which often widens critical gaps between the organizational needs, candidates’ experience and the tough reality of compliance.

I’ve implemented a cross-functional pre-assessment process for what I called “Immigration Hire-ability”, where permissible by law. Where it has been applied, I’m quite comfortable with the level of partnership it managed to increase between the two functions (and ultimately mitigate the risks of “bad hires”). In other places, Data Privacy regulations along with Fair-Employment Practices appeared to be hurdles to the implementation. There’s not a lot of flexibility when it comes to Labor and Employment, through Works Councils and the likes and it’s really been a challenge.

One of the plasters we have been focused on in these instances is increased (and repeated) training and education sessions with the recruiters to get them up-to-speed with “what they need to look out for/how to identify red flags” and review the overall communication strategy (up to offer accept), to enable all stakeholders to have a better understanding of the potential risks inherent to the hiring of Candidates on an immigration status and/or sponsorship requirements and responsibilities (incl. cost, timelines, immigration lifecycles, as well as talent management strategies).

I guess we’re all progressing but there’s still a long way before we can say we’re comfortable with the level of collaboration and partnership, with a 100% Candidate satisfaction, an improved TTF metric and a satisfactory pre-hire Immigration Compliance assessment.

Reda Belabed, GMS

Global Mobility & Immigration Leader, Previously at Honeywell & General Electric

3. Implement Pre-Acceptance Checkpoints to Increase Success Rates

As alluded to above, mobility programs can greatly increase assignment acceptance and success rates by implementing various pre-acceptance checkpoints.

      • Retain the services of a reputable tax firm. In addition to country briefings for assignees, they can provide invaluable guidance to talent acquisition teams. At a minimum, ensure your talent acquisition teams are familiar with the concepts of tax assistance, equalization, and totalization agreements. Provide pre-acceptance tax briefings to all foreign applicants.
      • For country-specific tax briefings, applicants should be aware of their options before accepting the position, as any misunderstandings can greatly increase the risk of a failed relocation or assignment. Assignees (especially those within executive or director-level positions) may have complicated investment portfolios of stocks, stock options, bonds, real estate holdings, precious metals such as gold, etc. The employee’s options will vary greatly depending on the location, citizenship(s), and relocation type (permanent transfer, long-term assignment, short-term assignment, commuter, business traveler). 
      • As mentioned above in step 2, build your own cross-functional pre-assessment process (a.k.a. immigration hire-ability guide) where the law permits. However, you should be cognizant of challenging jurisdictions such as the United States and European Union, as further detailed by Reda Belabed:

    Countries like the US where questions can be limited to “will you or in the future require sponsorship” and other EU countries where requesting personal information/data can be considered as PII and a hinderance to fair employment practices/discrimination at hiring. Geographies like the Middle East (GCC, in particular) are more open to these assessments.

    Authorities having a long history of foreign and diverse workforce tend to allow/promote the recourse to hireability checks based on sponsorship requirements but also advocating for more transparency in terms of “quotas”. Not that nationality quotas are something to condone, but the transparency around it helps the pre-determination of feasibility – instead of engaging with candidates through the offer stages only to discover it may not be possible. From an organizational standpoint, the process is quite transparent and streamlined.

    Reda Belabed, GMS

    Global Mobility & Immigration Leader, Previously at Honeywell & General Electric

    4. Pre-decision Calls through your Relocation Management Company (RMC)

    Your global mobility team and RMC may also choose to implement pre-decision calls. In relocation management, pre-decision calls ensure that the candidate understands the relocation package they’ll be receiving. However, they’re also an opportunity for your RMC to promote your company and benefits package and alleviate any concerns the employee or family may have.

    Pre-decision calls also prevent discrepancies or misunderstandings once the employee accepts the offer and begins the relocation process. For example, after the pre-decision call, the employee knows exactly which package they will receive, how much each relocation allowance will be, and more. Oftentimes, there is a disconnect between the relocation package quoted by a talent acquisition or HR business partner and the relocation package implemented by the RMC. This may boil down to human error or someone operating on an old/outdated policy. These discrepancies can be minimized when the RMC explains the relocation package pre-decision and implements the relocation package post-acceptance. 

    Align Global Mobility & Talent Acquisition

    5. Optimize Your HRIS for Maximum Talent Mobility

    Your organization can maximize talent mobility by creating custom fields, objects, and reporting in your HRIS (human resources information system). For example, in ADP, your organization can build and manage a talent pool of applicants willing to relocate for open positions. However, your organization shouldn’t overlook existing employees willing to relocate for an intracompany transfer. Existing employees should understand your products, services, and expectations, reducing hiring and training costs. 

    According to SHRM benchmarking, the average cost of hiring an executive is $28,329 USD. However, many employers estimate that the total cost to hire a new employee can be three to four times the position’s salary. This is a combination of hard costs, such as recruiters, and soft costs, such as the time it takes for department leaders and managers to support the hiring and training process.

    Instead of sourcing new candidates from scratch, speak with your IT department about adding custom fields and objects and reporting to your HRIS system. Then, existing employees can indicate in their HR profile if they’re willing to relocate for a new position. Within the custom reporting, you can also add filters to narrow your talent pool to high-performing employees who are willing to relocate, combined with past performance reviews already loaded in the HRIS.

    Online recruitment application and one day specialist search service concept with man finger on virtual digital interface with personal cards with rating

    6. Conduct Regular Training Sessions With Talent Acquisition Teams

    Regular training sessions ensure your talent acquisition teams have access to the same systems, resources, and responses to questions that are frequently asked by candidates pre and post-acceptance. Training sessions also provide new talent acquisition team members an opportunity to learn more about the mobility packages your employees are receiving and reinforce the message that all talent acquisition teams should follow the same standardized processes.

    Relocation management companies regularly arrange training sessions with talent acquisition teams and relevant stakeholders to improve talent mobility. These training sessions can include:

        • On-site training sessions from the relocation management company for mobility, TA, and HR teams. Depending on the size of your mobility program, your RMC may conduct these training sessions for free or just request your company to cover hotel and travel costs (depending on the distance and duration).
        • Virtual webinar-style training sessions from the RMC.
        • Country or region-specific training for your organization’s key locations, or locations presenting unique difficulties.
        • Insights from destination services providers (DSPs) and rental agents around market updates, cultural norms, and best practices.
        • Guidance from immigration firms on red flags, quotas, estimated timelines, minimum salaries, labor market testing requirements, and more.

    We have achieved significant success in transitioning regional structures to a centralized global mobility program by conducting regular training sessions with talent acquisition leaders. These sessions primarily focus on journey maps and crucial considerations throughout the process. By actively involving regional TA stakeholders in discussions about mobility benefits and desired outcomes, we have observed a noticeable increase in their willingness to adopt standardized processes.

    Sean Thrun

    Strategic Initiatives Manager, WHR Global

     

    In conclusion, aligning global mobility and talent acquisition teams is crucial for organizations to ensure efficient hiring and successful talent mobility. By distributing relocation guides, reviewing talent acquisition metrics, implementing pre-acceptance checkpoints, conducting pre-decision calls, optimizing HRIS systems, and conducting regular training sessions, organizations can foster collaboration and enhance the effectiveness of these teams. Achieving alignment leads to the swift and compliant hiring of specialized employees, reduces risks, improves time-to-fill metrics, and ultimately enhances overall candidate satisfaction and immigration compliance. Continued efforts and investment in aligning these teams will contribute to a more streamlined and successful talent acquisition process.