Mobility & Mindsets: The New Era of Employee Relocation
How Do Your Employees Feel About Relocating for Work?
Exclusive Research from North American Van Lines
Navigating Corporate Relocation: Understanding Employee Sentiments
Navigating the evolving landscape of corporate relocation requires a deep understanding of current relocation trends and, crucially, employee attitudes and relocation experiences. To shed light on these critical areas, North American Van Lines conducted the comprehensive "Mobility and Mindsets" study, surveying over 400 employees who had recently relocated for work. This exclusive research provides invaluable insights for companies looking to refine their mobility strategies and support their employees effectively.
Businesses undertake employee relocation for various strategic reasons, including talent acquisition, tax advantages, and expansion into new markets. Successful corporate relocation, however, is a complex undertaking that requires careful planning and consideration of the impact on employees. Effective mobility strategies are therefore essential for long-term business success and talent retention.
The "Mobility and Mindsets" study explored various aspects of the relocation process, examining relocation challenges, satisfaction with relocation, and the tangible impacts of moving on employees' lives. The findings offer actionable insights for mobility executives and HR professionals seeking to enhance synergy between corporate goals and employee needs when making relocation decisions.
Download the full Mobility and Mindsets study now to understand the impact of relocation and its benefits.
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One of the study's most striking findings is the high level of employee willingness to relocate again, with 82.1% expressing readiness for another work-related move. Furthermore, 89.8% of employees reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their relocation decisions. These positive employee attitudes toward relocation are driven mainly by personal motivations, primarily more money and career advancement opportunities, cited by over half of the respondents.
The study also explored the role of relocation packages and relocation benefits in employee satisfaction. While a significant majority (69%) of employees received some form of relocation benefit, and over half (52.4%) received full relocation benefits, the effectiveness of these packages in covering all moving expenses was often mixed, especially for those receiving partial benefits. Higher job levels were more likely to receive comprehensive support, highlighting variations in relocation benefits by job level.
The impact of relocation on employees extends beyond the professional sphere, significantly affecting their personal lives. While many employees reported financial benefits (61.9%) and increased opportunities for career advancement (58.2%), a substantial portion also faced challenges, such as being further away from their family (47.4%) and experiencing adjustment difficulties (45.9%). Recognizing these ups and downs is vital for developing employee-centric relocation strategies that smooth the transition and mitigate potential relocation challenges.
Download the entire study to learn more about all aspects of relocation benefits and their impact on employees.
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A complex interplay of professional and personal reasons influences relocation choices. While career advancement and financial incentives are primary drivers, factors such as a lower cost of living and a better quality of life also play a significant role in relocation decisions. The study also touched upon relocation distance, noting that only a minority of moves took employees to another state, which can influence the impact on family connections. Understanding this web of motivations is key for companies seeking to attract and retain talent through corporate mobility.
The evolving workplace trends and relocation, particularly the rise of remote work and hybrid work, are also influencing relocation trends. While fully remote work and relocation are still relatively uncommon among relocated employees (6.5%), hybrid work and relocation are a significant trend (43.8%). A desire for better work-life balance often drives this shift. However, preferences vary by job level, with higher-level employees favoring hybrid models and entry-level employees more often in traditional in-person roles.
Developing effective corporate relocation strategies requires proactive and employee-centric planning. This involves establishing clear relocation policy frameworks, addressing eligibility and benefits, and being responsive to individual employee needs based on factors such as job level, relocation distance, and personal circumstances. The study emphasizes the importance of communication and tangible support throughout the process, including financial assistance, logistical support (like moving services), family support, and cultural integration programs.
To learn more about the potential hurdles that could hit your firm’s relocation plans, download the full Mobility and Mindsets study now.
👉 Download Now by filling out the form on this page.
Creating the ideal relocation package is crucial for incentivizing employee relocation and ensuring a seamless transition. The study examined different types of relocation packages, including full benefit, reimbursement, fixed lump sum, and managed lump sum, highlighting the varying levels of support and employee satisfaction associated with each. Choosing the right package involves weighing factors such as cost, control, and the employee's ability to manage logistics and upfront expenses.
Overcoming the challenges of relocation, such as financial strain, stress, and cultural adjustment, requires proactive measures. Companies can mitigate these issues by designing relocation packages that adequately cover costs, offering support services to ease stress, and providing resources to help employees and their families adjust to their new environment. Recognizing the impact on employees' families is particularly important for successful corporate relocation.
Navigating the practicalities of relocation, such as finding suitable housing, arranging transportation, and coordinating utilities, can be significant stressors for employees. Companies can provide valuable assistance by offering information on the new location, connecting employees with real estate agents, arranging temporary accommodation, and helping with the logistics of moving services. The study found that utilizing full-service movers resulted in higher relocation satisfaction. Advance planning and tailored support, especially for entry-level employees, are essential for addressing these practical relocation challenges.
Download Now by filling out the form on this page to find out the full extent of what’s driving relocation and how to address practicalities.
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The future of relocation is also being shaped by emerging relocation trends and technologies. AI, VR/AR, and Blockchain are increasingly being integrated into corporate mobility programs to streamline processes, enhance the employee relocation experience, and improve sustainability in relocation. However, the study notes that overall relocation rates are currently at historical lows, partly due to the increased demand for remote roles. This underscores the importance of making relocation as appealing and supportive as possible when it is necessary for business reasons, such as company restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions.
In conclusion, successful corporate relocation in today's dynamic environment requires a strategic approach that prioritizes understanding and supporting employee attitudes and relocation experiences. By leveraging insights from research studies like "Mobility and Mindsets," companies can develop effective mobility strategies, offer suitable relocation packages, and provide the necessary support to ensure a seamless transition for both their employees and their families. Partnering with experienced moving services and relocation specialists is often key to navigating the complexities of employee relocation and achieving the desired business outcomes.
For customized relocation solutions that take into account current relocation trends and best practices, learn more from the full study.
👉 Download Now by filling out the form on this page.
Partnering for a Seamless Relocation Experience
With so many moving parts involved, it’s clear that companies and their employees can only do so much on their own. Corporate relocation relies on bringing expertise to support employees and businesses in managing every aspect of the process and adapting to the individual employee.
That also means working with vendors you can trust. At North American Van Lines, we’ve been helping employees and their families relocate for over 90 years. Covering all 50 states and international moves, our temperature-controlled moving solutions, 24/7 customer service, and range of packing options ensure everyone gets to where they need to be, mishap-free.
If you’re ready to embark upon your employee relocation, get in touch with North American Van Lines to learn more about our corporate moving services and build your personalized move.
For customized relocation solutions
For customized relocation solutions, connect with Bobbi Maniglia, VP of Corporate Mobility Services at Bobbi.Maniglia@northAmerican.com or (800) 213-4910.