How the Global Mobility Industry is ‘Moving’

2021 has turned out to be an interesting year for the Global Mobility industry. Things have changed a lot since my last market update but I feel that we are headed in a much better direction. 

I have had many conversations with my candidates and clients these past few months and the one word that I hear most from them is “moving”. I don’t just mean moving as it relates to relocating but meaning that people want to move forward. They want to move forward away from the pandemic, many want to get back into an office to work with their old colleagues, many want to get back to in-person meetings with their friends, co-workers and clients at Relocation Conferences (I for one truly have missed happy hour at the ERC). 

Since January 2021 we have been observing a few trends. Firstly, we have seen a continuation in virtual international assignments due to border restrictions. This is causing HR to implement competitive policies during these uncertain times. 

As travel begins to open back up companies will need to make sure that assignees are permitted to travel. Companies will also need to make sure they are properly advising their employees appropriately from a safety perspective as they begin to venture out around the world. 

From a US Domestic standpoint we saw a major uptick in relocation across the US this past year with millions of American’s relocating as result of COVID-19. The pandemic forced many of us into remote working situations. This new found freedom has allowed employees to work from anywhere and as a result many have chosen to ditch big city life for less expensive residences and homes or apartments with more space to work in as well have their kids on Zoom school. At one point last year Movers in NYC had to turn people away because so many people were fleeing the city. Big cities have clearly lost some of their appeal this past year. 

However as of this past March rents have been increasing due to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and higher employment. This is signalling a stronger economy as well as more people wanting to move back to the city. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead as people start to make their way back to cities. 

Last year I was fortunate to do a recorded panel discussion titled “Women in Mobility Leading Through Crisis” with Olivia Bahrami Director, Marketing & Communications Bristol Global Mobility, Sofia Bentinck CEO and Co-Founder at Anchor Relocation Worldwide, Lynn Greenberg, Pivt Enterprise.  

I asked Lynn, Sofia, and Olivia to give their perspectives on what they have been seeing in our industry in 2021 so far and this is what they shared: 

Olivia Bahrami 

“The increased stream of communication has had a positive effect on the mobility industry, enabling us to keep abreast of the latest developments, and connecting virtually with one another, thereby bringing us closer together.”

Sofia Bentinck

“The hot topic I’ve seen in the spotlight this year is Wellness. I would say it has become the most crucial factor in the HR space this past year, certainly the most pivotal when looking at engagement, retention and talent attraction today. In both an industry and a world that has seen exponential change in such a short period of time, taking care of the human element of our companies to prevent problems such as burn out as well as mental health issues has become the most immediate challenge. The sense of obligation has certainly grown in our space, which will hopefully be leading to increased monitoring of employee wellbeing in the months ahead.” 

Lynn Greenberg

"A new wave of Employee Benefits is here and here to stay! Impressive office space and unlimited snacks in the office are no longer linked to retaining top talent.

What is? Benefits around employee wellbeing and flexibility. The biggest concerns we have heard consistently from employers over the last year:

1) How do we establish a strong company culture digitally?

2) How do we curb social isolation, as our employees aren't in the office, and support their wellbeing?

1 in 5 Americans have relocated or know someone who has due to the fact that they can WFA or do not have to go into the office the full 5 days a week. Pivt Enterprise has been working with companies to support their remote, mobile, and relocated employees (and their families) to reduce turnover, curb social isolation, and improve their social wellbeing."

We have been seeing the same things that Olivia, Sofia, and Lynn have. Communication has definitely changed in our industry as Sofia mentioned. Thanks to people such as Ben Cross CEO with GLOMO, Mobility professionals are able to tune in everyday on LinkedIn during the week to watch interviews from industry leading professionals coming from all parts of the Mobility industry. The pandemic brought us closer together as a community and technology has really helped make sure we were all connected this past year. Sofia talked about Wellness, given that Elliott Scott is an HR Specialist recruitment firm we have been speaking with our clients and candidates extensively about this topic. Please check out our recent HR Insights podcast where our COO, Emily Ramji interviews Jonathan Shooshani CO-Founder at JOON where they discuss ‘Wellbeing Benefits for the Modern Workforce’.  

We have also been having a lot of discussions around what companies have been doing to provide support to their remote and relocated employees which ties in with what Lynn has been seeing through her work with Pivt as well. I have noticed employers providing emotional and mental health programs for their workforces, child care assistance, and stipends for home office equipment and technology for their employees. 

As we can see the first half of 2021 has been a big one for the Mobility industry. Our industry will continue to evolve the rest of the year and I assume we will see even more changes and disruptions. I believe that whatever changes take place in Global Mobility we will come out the other side stronger than we have ever been before. If you would like to discuss the market or Global Mobility opportunities in the US, please get in touch at [email protected]