Selecting a Relocation Management Company, or RMC, is about more than just finding the right supplier for your company; it’s about finding the right partner. Your RMC is going to be in direct communication with your relocating employees, which means they should share your company’s values and principles. For instance, if your company values transparency, you wouldn’t want to work with a mobility company that hides details from you or your employees, would you?
Cultural fit is one of the most important factors in selecting an RMC, and yet, we don’t often see this as a high priority qualifier. Most global relocation companies have no problem handling different levels of volume or services, and pricing is generally similar. However, companies that partner together to relocate employees should fully understand and appreciate one another’s values. When corporate cultures align, it enables two companies to build stronger and better business relationships.
The Importance of Cultural Fit
Many corporate and government organizations choose to go out to bid for a relocation provider in the form of a Request for Proposal (RFP). This allows them to compare service offerings, find the best pricing, and fully vet each RMC based on factors that are most important to them.
Generally, most corporate relocation RFPs don’t ask culture-related questions, which is unfortunate because this makes it difficult for companies to ascertain whether the RMC would be a good match. During the RFP process, it’s important to narrow down the list of potential RMCs to those that can give relocating employees the information, support, and overall level of service they need in a way that supports your own company’s philosophies.
As you research RMCs, ideally, you don’t want to solicit dozens of bids but try to pinpoint the companies you can see yourself building a strong and long-term relationship with and focus on hiring one of these.
How to Assess Cultural Fit
It’s imperative to find a partner you can trust. If both partners don’t see value in the relationship, it’ll never work and, before long, you’ll find yourself back at square one. If the RFP doesn’t really address culture, you’ll want to ask yourself some questions to help you to determine if you are selecting the right RMC for your business.
- What is the RMC’s mission and vision?
- Are the RMC’s values compatible with my company?
- Does the RMC share the same values/principles as mine, and do the company’s employees exemplify these values?
- Do any differing philosophies clash or are they workable?
As you start the selection process, try to find out each RMC’s story. Each company is unique and no two will share the same exact culture; however, by taking the time to go the extra mile to find compatibility, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and expense. Strive to research the roots of each one and learn where they are heading – if they are traveling a path that aligns with your principles, you’ll save yourself a lot of headache down the road. You can liken it to a Goldilocks philosophy. Don’t go for an RMC that is too large or too small, you want to find one that is “just right.”
Schedule In-Person Meetings
While details may look great on paper, it’s important to schedule some in-person meetings before finalizing your contracts. This step is as important, if not more important, as the RFP itself because by meeting with the RMC you’ll be better able to size up if your two companies are truly a good culture fit. You’ll often have to use your gut when signing on a new business partner, so it’s a good idea to set up meetings early in the process and be sure to communicate often. As with any relationship, there are bound to be a few bumps along the way; however, by establishing a solid partnership from the beginning, any obstacles that emerge can be solved more easily by working together.
At WHR Group, we believe it’s essential for organizations to find the right cultural match when selecting a global mobility company. We value hard work, trust, empathy, and proactiveness and have been working for more than 24 years to provide our customers with the services they need. Our core values are real, which is why we incorporate them into everything we do, from how we interact with our clients, to how we interact with relocating employees, to how we interact with each other. To learn more about the services we offer and our company’s culture, contact us today.
