Global Mobility and the Employee Experience: Making Relocation Boost Business Success

Employee relocation offers significant potential for both businesses and their teams. For companies, a strong global mobility program allows them to access talent around the world and strengthen their presence in key markets.

Relocating can also be a way for employees to grow professionally and personally, especially as trends like bleisure travel – blending business with leisure – have gained popularity. Many employees are eager for these unique experiences, seeing relocation as a way to expand their horizons while building their careers.

Yet, despite this potential, over 40% of businesses report no defined global mobility strategy. This powerful tool for business growth and employee engagement often gets underutilized.

Here’s our guide for you to get started. Now’s definitely the time for businesses to create mobility programs that support employees’ well-being and make relocation a rewarding experience.

What is a Global Mobility Program?

Global mobility is the structured relocation of employees to new locations – whether within the same country or across borders – to fulfill strategic business needs.

A global mobility program supports this process by handling every aspect of an employee’s transition, making it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Some key elements of a global mobility program include:

• Relocation Logistics: This covers the essentials of moving, from shipping personal belongings to coordinating travel. Companies often work with specialized relocation agencies to handle the details, making sure that employees and their families experience a seamless move.
• Immigration and Legal Compliance: Navigating visas and work permits can be complicated. A well-managed program secures these essential documents and enforces compliance with local laws, which is crucial for protecting both the employee and the company from legal issues.
• Financial and Tax Assistance: Moving can have significant financial impacts. Global mobility programs offer financial planning, tax equalization, and adjustments for cost-of-living differences. This gives employees peace of mind as they switch over to a new location.
• Accommodation: Finding the right place to stay is essential for a smooth relocation. Furnished rentals are often provided as they offer more flexibility and comfort than hotel stays. These rentals come fully equipped with amenities like kitchens and laundry, helping employees feel more at home while keeping costs lower.

A complete global mobility program considers each of these factors to ease the transition for employees and their families, so they can focus on their new role and thrive in their new location.

Benefits of Global Mobility

Research shows that more than eight out of ten global HR decision-makers see relocation as a way to improve productivity. It’s no surprise then that many companies now use global mobility programs to retain top talent and support their most valued employees.

Among the benefits of employee relocation are:

• Talent Development: Relocation offers employees a chance to gain valuable skills and experience in diverse settings. This can prepare them for future leadership roles.
• Market Expansion: By moving skilled employees to key locations, businesses can enter new markets more effectively.
• Employee Retention: Supporting employees with relocation opportunities demonstrates a company’s commitment to their growth, boosting loyalty.
• Increased Productivity: Employees who feel supported in their new role and location are more likely to perform well, benefiting both the business and the individual.

When companies know how to welcome a relocated employee, the transition is smoother, making the employee feel more valued and ready to contribute.

Why the Employee Experience Matters in Global Mobility

Global mobility isn’t just about achieving business goals – it’s about caring for the employee’s journey, too. One of the common relocation mistakes that companies make is failing to help employees settle in once they arrive.

Without providing enough support, moving to a new location can feel overwhelming, which can lead to stress and impact their job performance.

Supporting employees’ mental health during a relocation is essential and seen as a major hurdle that companies need to tackle. Moving to a new culture, handling logistics, and balancing family needs can be a lot to manage.

Companies that offer mental health resources, like counselling and regular check-ins, help employees feel more at ease. It not only reduces stress but also makes a big difference to their overall experience.

By prioritizing employee experience in global mobility, companies improve not just employee satisfaction but also loyalty, productivity, and the overall success of the relocation.

Best Practices for Ensuring Employee Relocation Success

To ensure a smooth relocation, both the company and the employee need thoughtful planning and support.

Here are some best practices for a successful move:

• Plan Ahead: Start the process early, giving employees enough time to prepare and adjust.
• Provide Comprehensive Support: A strong relocation package should cover essentials like accommodation, family needs, and cultural training to make the transition as smooth as possible.
• Communicate Clearly and Often: Keeping employees informed at every step reduces uncertainty and helps them feel more confident.
• Support Cultural Integration: Resources like language classes and cultural workshops make it easier for employees to adapt to their new environment.
• Regular Check-Ins: Staying in touch after the move shows support and helps address any issues that arise.

These practices create a positive relocation experience, making it easier for employees to adapt with ease.

Choose DelSuites for Seamless Employee Relocation

Now that we live in a more globally connected world, a thoughtful approach to employee mobility can redefine how businesses grow and engage talent.

By focusing on the employee experience and implementing a strong global mobility program, companies can be confident that relocations will lead to happier, more productive employees – and ultimately, business success.

At DelSuites, we understand the importance of a smooth transition when relocating employees. As one of Toronto’s most trusted providers of furnished rentals, we offer accommodations in vibrant neighbourhoods designed to make employees feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Get in touch with us to learn how DelSuites can support your global mobility needs.