Our Florida-based Advisory Services Practice Leader, Gina Grover, recently traded her sun hat for a rugged parka as she braved wintery Canadian conditions to moderate CERC sessions in Vancouver and Calgary.
These lively discussions on topical mobility matters kept participants engaged and warm, leaving everyone with key insights into the challenges impacting our industry today — and how leading employers are finding ways around them. Here’s a snapshot of some of the emerging fresh perspectives that we anticipate will be focal points in more mobility-related discussions throughout 2025:
Navigating Geopolitical Shifts in Global Mobility
Our CERC discussions reinforced the importance of staying informed on global events and their impact on mobility. Panelists shared how their organizations are adapting through proactive communication and strategic planning, especially in uncertain times. A key focus was the impact of geopolitical shifts on workforce mobility, including trade, immigration challenges, and cross-border movement. The panel emphasized the role of CERC in advocating for economic growth and the critical duty of care companies must uphold to support employees navigating immigration complexities.
The takeaway? Information is your best defense. So proactive planning and effective communication for all stakeholders will help keep processes moving smoothly (even when things don’t go as planned) and avoid any reluctance to relocate on behalf of employees.
Overcoming Reluctance to Relocate
A key discussion point was employees’ reluctance to relocate, especially to less desirable locations. Panelists highlighted strategies like clear expectations, competitive packages, and flexibility, emphasizing that transparency and communication are critical in helping employees navigate the challenges and benefits of relocation.
The takeaway? Relocation is a big undertaking for a family, and it’s made much more daunting when things like unaffordability, political unrest or volatile weather patterns make it hard to visualize a successful transition to the new location. Companies who are adaptable, responsive, and put the employee at the center of the assignment, will come out on top with an engaged and productive mobile workforce.
Embracing Technological Innovations and Soft Skills
The session explored the balance between technological innovation and the human touch in global mobility. As AI and automation streamline key mobility processes, panelists stressed that empathy and human interaction remain crucial for driving successful move experiences. They shared how their companies integrate AI to enhance efficiency while ensuring employees receive personalized support and care. The discussion underscored the need for a holistic approach, where technology handles administrative tasks, but strong interpersonal skills and cultural training ensure a smooth and supportive relocation experience.
The takeaway? While technology – and AI tools – have automated and streamlined relocation, the human touch remains irreplaceable. Humans bring the empathy, intuition, and attentiveness necessary to guide families through a high-stakes life event riddled with emotion, stress, and many, many moving parts. The best mobility programs blend cutting-edge tech with strong support teams and seamless processes, ensuring a stress-free, high-touch experience that drives success in today’s business landscape.
It’s worth noting that this perspective drove the development of Weichert Go. We envisioned a future-focused platform that would make the mobility process infinitely more intuitive and encourage collaboration and communication between all stakeholders, keeping people at the heart of the relocation experience. We can’t help a shameless plug for the best mobility tech out there!
Get in touch! Do you have specific questions about the trends explored here or want personalized advice on ensuring your mobility strategy is 2025-ready? Talk to us!
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