The New Relocation, Worldwide ERC
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Febru ar y 2 0 2 1
The New
Relocation,
A to Z
What’s changed in
mobility? Everything
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The 2021 Housing Picture Worldwide ERC®’s 2021 Board Chair Vendor Support
AFTER A YEAR OF COVID, WHAT’S NEXT? TALKS ABOUT THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND HOW TO EVALUATE ITS REAL COST
CUSTOMER SERVICE REFRAMED
Making sure your experiences are the best they can be is our top priority.
That’s why we tailor our boutique-style services to meet your needs. It’s why
we offer tools like remote online notarization and digital signing capabilities.*
And it’s why you can count on us to help keep transactions running smoothly
and securely for you and your transferees.
Redefined and moving ahead.
See what our changes mean for you at stewart.com/relocation-reframed.
*May not be available in all areas or for all transaction types.
© 2020 Stewart. All rights reserved.
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We’re debt free and financially
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# T 40
®2021
Contents
26
The New Relocation,
A to Z
BY GEOFF WILLIAMS
What’s changed in mobility?
Everything—from the appraisal
process and compliance to
employee experience and new
work styles to attract Gen Z.
Contents
F EBR U A R Y 2 0 2 1
2
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
32 38 44
The 2021 Housing Through the Evaluating the Real
Picture Pandemic and Beyond Cost of Vendor
B Y D. H . C O B U R N BY ANDRE W WALKER , WORLDWIDE Support
After a year of dealing with the E R C®’ S 2 0 21 B OA R D C H A I R B Y S A R A H H U N T, R O B E R T S M I T H ,
“triage of COVID,” what’s next? Although disruptions may be A N D A N N A V O L I N K AT Y W H E E L E R
inevitable, 2020 has taught us Choosing the right talent mobility
that mobility has an increasingly technology vendor is one of the
important role in making business— biggest decisions facing employers.
and the world—work better.
A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
IN IMMIGRATION
At Fragomen, we don’t just facilitate immigration—we create
opportunities. From individuals and small local businesses to the
world’s largest companies, we support all of your immigration
needs, all over the world. We are internationally local—with
offices in the heart of each region and services stretching around
the world. No matter where you’ve come from, or where you’re
going next, Fragomen is here to propel you forward.
www.fragomen.com
CO N T E N T S • F E B R UAR Y 2 0 2 1
F ebr u a r y 2021 | Vo l . 42 N o. 2
Worldwide ERC®
Karen Cygal
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUC T DE VELOPMENT
Eric House
WRITER-EDITOR
Editorial/Design/Media Sales
The YGS Group
YORK , PENNS YLVANIA , USA
Craig Lauer, CONTENT & COPY DIREC TOR
Ashley Reid, SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR
Danielle Wong Moores, SENIOR EDITOR
Steve Kennedy, COPY EDITOR
Charity Fox, ACCOUNT MANAGER
Melissa Wiedemann, PHOTO EDITOR
Serena L. Spiezio, VICE PRESIDENT
48 Megan M. Hacker, ART DIREC TOR
Destination Profiles
Zack Buchanan, NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Cape Town, Kuala Z ACK .BUCHANAN@THE YGSGROUP.COM
4 Lumpur, Nashville, +1 717 430 2291
Heather Macaluso, ACCOUNT E XECUTIVE
and Panama City HE ATHER.MAC ALUSO@THE YGSGROUP.COM
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
+1 717 430 2224
BY M. DI A NE McCORMICK
Printing
The YGS Group
YORK , PENNS YLVANIA , USA
6 About Worldwide ERC®
Events Calendar Worldwide ERC® is the workforce mobility association
for professionals who oversee, manage, or support U.S.
domestic and international employee transfers. The
8 organization was founded in 1964 to help members
overcome the challenges of workforce mobility.
Perceptions 56
This Is Our Opportunity Mobility Matters Our Purpose
Reimagining We empower mobile people through
9 Destination Services meaningful connections, unbiased
information, inspired ideas, and solutions.
Insights BY JON FERGUSON
Going the Extra 1,399 Miles
B Y E V E LY N P E A R L A N D
A N A N D A H O LT O N
23
10 Public Policy
Around the Worldwide ERC® We Are Where Work Is Going:
In Case You Missed It Worldwide ERC®’s Public Policy
Industry Highlights Forums Lead the Way
Executive Spotlight
YP40 55
Collective Wisdom Advertisers’ Index
Learning for a Global
Marketplace That’s
Constantly on the Move!
Access our Learning Portal 24/7 for personal and professional growth as you navigate the ever-more-complex
global mobility marketplace. With content curated and built to enlighten the mobility community, our
Premium subscription provides access to over 15,000 mobility, business, design and tech courses.
Get started today at worldwideerc.org/learning-portal
Interactive Micro-Learning LinkedIn Learning Webinars Conference
Online Learning Paths Session
Learning Recordings
Learn more at worldwideerc.org/membership
Calendar
EVENTS Executive Committee
CHAIR
Andrew P. Walker, GMS-T
ERNS T & YOUNG LLP, NE W YORK , NE W YORK , USA
CHAIR- ELEC T
Tyler Reynolds
EQUUS SOF T WARE, DENVER , COLOR ADO, USA
VICE CHAIR – FINANCE
Michelle Moore
NEI GLOBAL RELOC ATION, OMAHA , NEBR A SK A , USA
VICE CHAIR – TALENT COMMUNIT Y
Spring Spring Conference Anupam Singhal
2021
TOPIA , DALL A S –FORT WORTH, TE X A S, USA
SPRING
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF E XECUTIVE OFFICER
Lynn Shotwell, GMS
WORLDWIDE ERC ®, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA , USA
Global Workforce Symposium 2021 Board of Directors
20 –2 2 OC TOBER
Oct Chicago
Merritt Q. Anderson
SAN FR ANCISCO, C ALIFORNIA , USA
2021 worldwideerc.org/events-conferences Kathy Connelly, SCRP, GMS
BERK SHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES GEORGIA
PROPERTIES, GRE ATER ATL ANTA ARE A , GEORGIA , USA
Horst A. Gallo
IBM CORPOR ATION, ARMONK , NE W YORK , USA
Sigrid Nauwelaerts
JOHNSON & JOHNSON, BEER SE, BELGIUM
Binwa Sethi
THREEFOLD LE ADER SHIP LLC, NE W YORK CIT Y ARE A ,
NE W YORK , USA
Shelby Wolpa
SHELBY WOLPA CONSULTING, AUS TIN, TE X A S, USA
6 Ex-Officio Directors
IMMEDIATE PA S T CHAIR
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
Edward Hannibal, GMS
DELOIT TE TA X LLP, CHIC AGO, ILLINOIS, USA
CHAIR , FOUNDATION FOR WORKFORCE MOBILIT Y
Eve Seib, CRP, GMS
ONESOURCE RELOC ATION, GRE ATER ATL ANTA ARE A ,
GEORGIA , USA
Mobility (ISSN 0195-8194) is published monthly by
Worldwide ERC®, 4401 Wilson Blvd., Suite 510, Arlington,
VA 22203-4195, +1 703 842 3400. Mobility examines
key issues affecting the global mobility workforce
for the benefit of employers and firms or individuals
providing specific services to relocated employees and
their families. The opinions expressed in Mobility are
Correction
those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of Worldwide ERC®. Mobility is printed in the
United States of America. Periodical postage paid at
In the December 2020/January 2021 issue of Mobility, we mistakenly Arlington, VA, and additional mailing offices. Worldwide
ERC® members receive one annual subscription with
used incorrect logos for The RES Forum, Ineo LLC, and Equus. Visit
their membership dues. Subscriptions are available to
https://bit.ly/3bE4WXP to view the updated page. We regret the error. both members and nonmembers at $48 each per year.
©2021 by Worldwide ERC®. All rights reserved. Neither
all nor part of the contents published herein may be
reproduced in any form without written permission
from Worldwide ERC®.
Read all about it!
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///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
As the world changes, people count on you to
make things happen. Our industry demands a
blend of skills and expertise like no other, from
analytical to strategic to compassionate to
creative.
Worldwide ERC® gives you the content you
need, a community of experts, virtual events
that matter, advocacy, a marketplace, and
connections that propel you - and the people
who count on you - to succeed!
Become part of the world's premier
association of global mobility professionals.
Now is the time to make your work easier,
smarter, better, and more meaningful.
Try us today.
Perceptions
This Is Our
Opportunity
The idea of “the new relocation” is incredibly evocative
because those words capture what so many of us are feeling
right now.
Over the past year, our mobility role has been catapulted into
greater visibility due to this pandemic. It has become our oppor-
tunity—no, our responsibility—to provide the key leadership
and strategic guidance so badly needed as companies every-
where ponder and assess how employee mobility has changed,
and how it will continue to change.
While technology was available before, now we all are actu-
ally using it. In particular, our industry has pivoted to facilitating
moves through virtual tools, transforming everything from
house hunting and shipping to talent and business development. After all, we have a remarkably diverse
Meanwhile, we don’t see an end to remote work membership, spanning the entire range of
8 anytime soon, so these nontraditional work situations mobility—from A to Z, as it were. Our cover
are continuing to create sticky compliance situations. feature, “The New Relocation, A to Z” (see
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Immigration issues may be top of mind, but just as page 26), focuses on what our members can
important are domestic tax and employment law consid- expect for relocation for 2021, tapping into
erations as well as duty-of-care obligations. the insights of some of these diverse mem-
Since the pandemic broke in March 2020, Worldwide bers to pull out specifics on key issues such
ERC® has been here for you, working proactively to provide as compliance, taxes, and immigration; the
you with new tools and resources for where work is going, impact of families, language, culture, and soft-
from our COVID-19 resource center and town halls; to ware on employee experience; and housing
our advocacy efforts for COVID-19 relief and immigration considerations for 2021, including real estate,
and tax reforms; to career supports such as adding a second corporate housing, and mortgages.
CRP® exam window and badges, providing discounted access Our chair said it best: “We can …
to credentials and learning, and expanding our job bank; and be grateful for the lessons of 2020: that
finally, to our Global Workforce Symposium, offering more upheaval is inevitable; that we must be
than 65 hours of learning that are available on our learning prepared for major disruptions; and that,
portal all year. For 2021, we will do even more—and better. if there was ever a doubt, mobility has an
I am incredibly excited to embark on 2021 with new increasingly important role in making busi-
leadership on our board, led by Chair Andrew Walker, ness, and indeed the world, work better.”
GMS-T, global leader of mobility and total rewards at As we look ahead to 2021, more than
EY (see “Through the Pandemic and Beyond,” page 38). ever, we are where work is going. The
As we were thinking strategically about the new reloca- opportunity is now—and I can’t wait to
tion in 2021, we made the deliberate decision to bring go there with you.
onto our board a diverse array of voices from across the
entire industry, to reflect experience in global mobility,
relocation, RMCs, and of course technology, so that we Lynn Shotwell, GMS
can better understand the important issues and roles each President & CEO
of these plays in this new world of work. Worldwide ERC®Insights
Going the Extra 1,399 Miles
B Y EV EL YN PEA R L , S EN I O R S ALES C O N S U LT AN T , AND ANAND A HOLTON, SENIOR INTERNATIONAL REL OCATION
CO O R DIN A T O R , P ETRELO C AT I O N
W hen you’re moving with pets,
even a seemingly easy move can
quickly become complicated.
When we received an inquiry
from a longtime Peace Corps volunteer who planned
to move her two cats to Armenia, the relocation plan
appeared straightforward: We were using a familiar
U.S. to transit country, the transit country to desti-
nation. While the ultimate destination continued to
be Armenia, we knew we needed to be more flexible
and consider alternate—and still safe—routes that
required travel through nontypical countries.
U SE Y O U R I MA GI NA TI O N
route with an established airline, and the volunteer We live in a world where almost all countries
enlisted the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan to assist with allow some form of access for pet travel. When we
customs clearance. But this move—along with many agreed that thinking more creatively was para-
others we have encountered over the years—is a mount in the success of this relocation, we began
great example of some key lessons learned in the to see more opportunities. We investigated import-
field of pet relocation. ing into neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan,
Georgia, or Russia, with either added ground 9
DEVELOP A PLAN—AND A FEW BACKUPS transportation or a third flight. These countries
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Before any relocation plan begins to derail, it is would typically never be considered for this type
ideal to have backup plans B and C. Without of relocation, even while we were familiar with the
warning, our established airline issued an embargo pet import regulations and entry requirements.
for Armenia and could not offer an estimate on
when the restriction would be lifted. Move plans CO MMU NI CA TE CO NTI NU O U SL Y
can often change due to airline embargoes, and a The most important tool when facing a challenge
backup plan will need to be implemented. is maintaining constant and transparent commu-
nication with all parties involved. As collaborators,
BE FL EX I BL E our client and the U.S. Embassy were able to offer
Sometimes it is necessary to reevaluate relocation additional insight that proved beneficial to the
expectations on all sides and look at the relocation relocation. When we initially looked at Georgia
with a new perspective. In this case, both backup as a possibility, our client and the U.S. Embassy
plans quickly went out the window, as all other advised that there was increased civil unrest in that
flights to Armenia required multiple layovers or region. When all plans led us to Russia, the U.S
switching between airlines—resulting in a greater Embassy was the first to say that if we could make
chance of pets getting stuck in a layover country it work, so could they.
without specialized care. An unsafe flight routing The lesson here is that relocations can always
or backup plan, even if possible, is never an option. change at the last minute, no matter how straightfor-
We realized that we would need to let go of our ward the original plan may seem. With a combina-
expectations and our “standard” routing plan—the tion of flexibility, collaboration, communication, and
a little bit of imagination, a rewarding relocation can
result out of an otherwise impossible situation.
Send your article ideas,
letters, and feedback to
mobility@worldwideerc.org.In Case You Missed It
Worldwide ERC®
What’s happening on social? President and CEO Lynn
Shotwell recently reflected on the
C
Follow us! @WorldwideER past year while looking forward to
2021. 2020 was quite unlike any
other year, presenting challenges
LinkedIn that upended our personal and
A new year is a time for reflec- professional lives while causing us
tion, and over the past month, Twitter to quickly adapt to unprecedented
we have continued to share 2020 was quite the year for changes. It also gave us the chance
in-depth articles and other public policy, and we have to connect in ways we never
content through our website continued to update you on our anticipated, such as through the
and social pages on topics that advocacy efforts on behalf of 2020 Global Workforce Symposium,
reflect on the past year while the workforce mobility industry. where more than 1,600 participants
looking forward to 2021. For Over the past month, we filed from around the world in the
example, we shared articles on comments on the proposed workforce mobility industry met to
what HR leaders have identified H-1B wage cap rule and sent learn and connect. Shotwell reflected
as their top priorities going into the Biden-Harris transition on this immense opportunity, as
2021, as well as what factors team public policy papers on well as summarizing how Worldwide
employees are looking for to key economic and tax relief, as ERC® has worked to bring all sectors
enhance the overall employee well as immigration solutions of the industry together during 2020.
10 experience. We talked about that will benefit the workforce With 2021 in full swing, now is the
how to navigate the complex- mobility industry. We also time to take what we’ve learned and
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
ity of compliance around the stayed on top of pressing issues continue to engage and connect into
world, as well as how to build to give you the information you a brand-new year of possibilities.
a more diverse, equitable, and need, such as what employers
inclusive workplace environ- need to know about employees
ment. For additional engaging and vaccinations; the resto-
and educational content, as well ration of DACA, or Deferred
as valuable resources offered Action on Childhood Arrivals, in The silver lining in this
by Worldwide ERC , don’t forget
®
the U.S.; Brexit developments; year is that it made us
to renew your membership at and more. To keep up with the pause and consider how
worldwideerc.org/membership. latest in all things government
we can do things better.
affairs and public policy, visit
More and better is what
AROUND THE WORLDWIDE ERC ®
worldwideerc.org/public-policy.
we promise to bring
to you in 2021. May
Facebook you all have a healthy
Learning and development continue to be top of mind, which is why we’ve and prosperous 2021.
continued to produce top-notch learning courses and webinars for the We are where work is
workforce mobility industry. Over the past month, we conducted webi-
going—and I am looking
nars on such topics as how to plan for the expiration of travel bans; how
to navigate iBuyers; and what the new era of global talent mobility may
forward to going there
bring. Members can also access our Learning Portal, where—in addi- with you.”
— L YN N S H OT WE LL,
tion to a vast catalog of learning courses—members can access content
P R E S ID E N T AN D CE O ,
from the 2020 Global Workforce Symposium. To view our webinars, visit
W OR L D W ID E E R C ®
worldwideerc.org/events-webinars, and to visit our Learning Portal, go to
worldwideerc.org/learning.Industry Highlights
In Memoriam: Nancy Carol Baltus,
Founder of Worldwide ERC ®
11
O
Nancy Carol Baltus, Worldwide ERC® founder, spent the majority of her career in Chicago.
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
n 8 January seven years at ERC, Baltus also worked closely
1964, Nancy with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to help
Carol Baltus relocate their employees all over the world.
made Baltus would remain in Chicago for the remain-
mobility industry history der of her career, working as a lead researcher for
when she helped found the Sears, Roebuck & Co.’s board of directors and
Employee Relocation Real its merchandise group and retiring from Sears in
Estate Advisory Committee, 1995 at the age of 65.
which would later become Worldwide ERC®. During her retirement, Baltus continued to break
Born on 10 May 1930 in Chicago, Baltus began new ground, enrolling at the University of Chicago,
her career working for the National Association where she earned her master’s degree in business.
of Real Estate Boards. When NAREB sponsored After graduating, she acquired her stockbroker’s
a meeting for corporate relocation managers from license and began working for William Blair & Co.
across the U.S., including leading names of the until she retired for a second time in 2008.
day such as U.S. Steel, General Mills, Kraft, Alcoa, Baltus passed away on 4 December 2020, at the
Caterpillar, and Westinghouse, it was Baltus who age of 90. “Nancy Baltus will always be remem-
was tapped to guide those members as the execu- bered fondly by all of us at Worldwide ERC®,”
tive secretary of the newly formed ERREAC. says Lynn Shotwell, GMS, president and CEO
During those early years, Baltus helped pub- at Worldwide ERC®. “She was a pioneer for her
lish the first directory of real estate brokers and time, a leader when not many women enjoyed
appraisers in order to serve the needs of corporate that role. Thanks to her work in those early years,
relocation managers, who at the time ran primary Worldwide ERC® has built itself into a global
in-house programs, remembers Cris Collie, who organization that continues to shape the future of
became ERC’s CEO in 1972. Throughout her our work.”I ND U S T RY H IG H L IGH TS
C R O W L E Y E A R N S TW O A WA RDS wellness also is crucial to Crowley as an employer
F O R E M P L O YE E W E L L - B E ING of choice for people seeking meaningful careers.”
The awards reflect Crowley’s commitment to
providing employees with health evaluations and
risk assessments, as well as an array of wellness and
health tools and opportunities, including:
• Flu shots
• Health coaching programs
• Weight management tools
• Mental health resources
• Fitness programs and events
In 2019, Crowley’s Heart Walk team supported their own fitness while
benefiting others. • Emotional well-being education
• Gym reimbursement programs
Crowley’s success helping employees achieve During the COVID-19 pandemic, Crowley has
health and wellness has resulted in two new continued to support employees with health and
awards recognizing the company’s support for the safety guidance, mental health assistance, guidance
well-being of its people in their careers and lives, and support for healthy lifestyles while working
as well as their families. from home, and employee participation in virtual
12 Crowley won the National Best and Brightest fitness events, such as run-walks.
in Wellness Award from the National Association
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
for Business Resources for the fifth straight year MSS I NC. RECEI VES CA RTU S’
for the effectiveness of its wellness programs. The CO MMI TMENT TO EX CEL L ENCE
44 winning companies recognized for the spring P L A TI NU M A W A RD
and summer award period were evaluated by an MSS Inc. was honored for its outstanding perfor-
assessment created and administered by wellness mance at Cartus Corporation’s 2020 Global Network
systems firm SynBella. Companies were reviewed Conference, held virtually from 7 to 16 October
based on factors such as outcomes, participation 2020. The Cartus Global Network is Cartus’ world-
and incentives, benefits and programs, employee wide service provider network, and Cartus annually
input, and culture and environment. recognizes companies and individuals in the network
In addition, the First Coast Worksite Wellness who have provided extraordinary service to its
Council recognized Crowley with its Platinum customers and clients worldwide. The theme of last
AROUND THE WORLDWIDE ERC ®
Award for creating a culture of health and well- year’s conference was “Foresight Is 20/20.”
ness. Crowley won for the 11th consecutive year, MSS Inc. was named winner of the Global
including the fifth straight year at platinum, the Network Commitment to Excellence Platinum
award’s highest level. The council’s program recog- Award for its exceptional service results, the
nizes companies in the Jacksonville, Florida, met- highest-level award a supplier can achieve through
ropolitan area, where Crowley is headquartered. service performance. This award recognizes a sup-
“These awards spotlight Crowley’s focus and plier’s measurable commitment to excellence and
commitment as an employer who makes the is presented to Global Network service providers
health and wellness of our team members and who have distinguished themselves by achieving
their families a key priority,” says Tiffanny King, critical performance metrics.
Crowley’s vice president of people and culture. “Cartus Global Network providers are the
“The well-being of employees is vitally important support network for our transferees during such
as we continue to be a high-performing company an important time in their lives and career. We
for our customers. Supporting people’s health and are proud to have such a strong team who valuesprofessionalism, work ethic, attentiveness, and Suddath has been serving the Jacksonville
commitment to excellence above all else,” says Eric community for more than 100 years, establishing
Barnes, CFO and senior vice president of supply itself not only in moving and logistics, but also as
chain management at Cartus. “MSS Inc. is one of a respected employer. Founded upon a strong set
the Cartus Global Network providers who exhibits of core values that include trust, agility, innova-
this caliber of excellence.” tion, teamwork, and caring, Suddath has also been
“In a year full of challenges and uncertainty, awarded Best Place to Work for a third time, after
our relationship with Cartus has proven to be a taking home the award in 2017 and 2019.
constant that guides our path forward,” says Tim “If you ask anyone what they like best about
Hughes Jr., vice president of strategy and mar- working at Suddath, they will tell you it’s the
keting at MSS. “We recognize the high stan- people,” says Chief People Officer Heather
dards that Cartus expects of all suppliers within McBride-Morse. “While we continue to grow
its Global Network and believe these make us our global footprint and innovative technol-
a better company. We remain committed to ogy, we remain a family company that values
providing innovative solutions and adding value and takes care of our employees. We’re proud
to our place in the relocation process, through to be an employer of choice in our hometown
hard work and dedication to quality service. We of Jacksonville, Florida, and to offer incredible
are proud to receive the Platinum Commitment employment opportunities across the U.S. and in
to Excellence Award again this year and are 14 countries around the world.” 13
thankful for all of our moving partners who help Suddath was also recognized earlier this year as
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
us deliver quality service on a daily basis.” one of the Best Places to Work in IT by Insider
Pro and IDG’s Computerworld.
SU D D A T H NA M E D 2020 B E S T M O V IN G
C O M PA N Y A N D B E S T P L A C E TO W O R K STERL I NG L EX I CO N A MP L I F I ES U SER
Suddath has won the titles of Best Moving EX P ERI ENCE W I TH W EBSI TE REVA MP
Company and Best Place to Work in the 2020 Sterling Lexicon has launched its enhanced
Bold City Best competition, hosted by the Florida website, sterlinglexicon.com, designed to provide a
Times-Union. Bold City Best is an annual compe- personalized experience for visitors, customers, and
tition that gives people in the Jacksonville commu- partners around the world.
nity the opportunity to vote for their favorite local The new site delivers content specifically
places, businesses, and people. designed to connect each unique visitor with the
Suddath is grateful to be voted the city’s best relevant resources they need quickly and easily. In
local moving company for the fourth year in a row, addition, the site now has a range of new features,
having won the award in 2017, 2018, and 2019. including localization, additional language transla-
“It’s an honor to be recognized as Jacksonville’s tions, and geofencing.
best moving company again this year,” says Dick “With 15 global locations and 33,000 reloca-
Eschbacher, president and general manager for tions across 180 countries a year, Sterling Lexicon
Suddath’s Jacksonville branch. “We are proud is no stranger to the wide range of our diverse
that in this unprecedented year our team rose to clients’ needs,” says David Dance, president of
the challenge to keep our operations running as Sterling Lexicon. “The enhanced features and
an essential service provider. This award demon- streamlined navigation are specifically designed to
strates the dedication of all our people—drivers, improve the user’s experience with our company
crew members, and administrative employees right from the start, by delivering content and
alike—to continue delivering the highest-quality information based on what visitors are looking for
service to our customers.” and where they are located, quickly and easily.”I ND U S T RY H IG H L IGH TS
The website also provides an integrated global Interestingly, the top five international destina-
platform for customers and partners around the tions for 2020 were Japan, South Korea, Germany,
world, enabling them to connect with Sterling the U.K., and Canada, while the top five inter-
Lexicon, navigate educational content and national origins were Japan, South Korea, Saudi
trending news, and review service offerings in a Arabia, Germany, and the U.K.
highly personalized way. The option to translate Atlas Van Lines has conducted its migration
U.S. English to U.K. English, French, or Spanish patterns study annually since 1993 to track inter-
further enhances a tailored experience. state (between U.S. states), cross-border (U.S. to
Additionally, particularly during the Canada only), and international (between coun-
COVID-19 pandemic and a much greater tries) moving patterns as reflected in the moves
reliance on virtual connectivity, the company’s handled by the company. For more, visit www.
clients and partners benefit from an improved atlasvanlines.com/migration-patterns.
ability to quickly access timely, accurate, and
relevant information through the site. A L TA I R GL O BA L A NNO U NCES
2020 SU P P L I ER P A RTNERSH I P
A TL A S V A N L IN E S S E E S IN CREA SE I N A W A RD W I NNERS
R E L O C A TIO N D U E TO C O VI D-19
2020 was the year that COVID changed
14 everything, including household moving
patterns. According to the 2020 Atlas Van
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
Lines Migration Patterns Study, while many
Americans relocated because of COVID-19,
companies relocated employees at much lower
rates for work transfers or assignments in the
U.S. and abroad.
The study is based on relocations from 1 January Altair Global hosted its fourth annual invitation-
2020 to 11 December 2020, and here’s a snapshot only awards ceremony, held virtually, to recognize
of what it found: supplier partners. Designed to showcase Altair’s
• Idaho ranked as the study’s inbound leader for supplier partners’ exceptional performance and
the fourth time since 2016, followed by North dedication to both the supplier partner experience
Carolina and Maine. and the customer experience, the 2020 Supplier
AROUND THE WORLDWIDE ERC ®
• New York was the country’s outbound move Partnership Awards represented a variety of catego-
leader in 2020, a designation it has now held ries to honor 13 partnerships with Altair, as well as
two years in a row. The state experienced its Move for Hunger’s award for one supplier that went
highest percentage of outbound moves since the above and beyond in food collection and donations.
study’s inception. It was followed by Illinois and Qualification criteria for the Supplier
New Jersey. Partnership Awards include maintaining good
• California earned an outbound status for the standing with Altair (i.e., service delivery per-
first time since 1995. formance and compliance with contractual and
• Minnesota and New Jersey saw the highest financial commitments), receiving 25 or more
percentage of outbound moves since 2014 and Altair service orders within the award period, and
2009, respectively. realizing favorable employee satisfaction scores
• Utah and Kentucky achieved an inbound during the award period. Suppliers are eligible for
status for the first time since 1995 and 2010, four main categories—All-Star Awards, Super
respectively. Star Awards, the A Star Is Born Award, and theWritten in the Stars Award—with subcategories multiple initiatives displaying significant results
in the All-Star and Super Star categories. and environmental outcomes; humanitarian
The All-Star Awards acknowledge exceptional commitment, for significant impact in a human-
supplier partners in their various fields of expertise. itarian cause with conviction and commitment;
Winners are selected based on specific perfor- and product/service innovation, for introducing a
mance criteria, as well as nominations submitted technology solution that positively influenced the
by Altair Global’s consultants and associates. The mobility industry. The 2020 winners are:
2020 winners in their various categories are: • Environmental Consciousness: New World
• Move Management Services, U.S. Domestic: Van Lines.
A-Mrazek Moving Systems. • Humanitarian Commitment: F.C. Tucker Company.
• Move Management Services, International: • Innovation: Global LT.
Champion International Moving. Altair Global’s A Star Is Born Award recog-
• Logistics Support Services: Reindeer Auto nizes a recently established relationship. Executive
Relocation. Language Training LLC notably distinguished
• Corporate Housing Services: Synergy itself by delivering exceptional service, elevating
Global Housing. the customer experience, and demonstrating the
• Destination Services: Premier Destination Services. true spirit of partnership.
• Global Mobility Support Services: Air Animal The Written in the Stars Award honors a
Pet Movers. long-standing relationship. CORT was selected 15
• Real Estate Broker Services: @properties. for its dedication to a 10-year partnership built
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• Real Estate & Rental Support Services: on mutual success, as well as cultural and strategic
GlobeSpec Inc. alignment, and for upholding and promoting the
The Super Star Awards specifically recognize vision of Altair Global.
three suppliers for exceptional achievements in Lastly, the Move for Hunger Supplier of the Year
three areas: environmental consciousness, for Award is presented to a company that incorporated
////////////////////////////////////////
Challenge yourself this year and earn the top
certification for mobility professionals
Earn Your Certified
working in employee mobility in the United
Relocation Professional States. The CRP® shows your peers you have
Designation in 2021! comprehensive knowledge of the industry
and your dedication to the field.
Do You Want to Earn Your CRP in 2021?
The exam will be offered at hundreds of designated
testing centers worldwide AND via live, online
proctoring (you can take the exam at home!) from
Tuesday 1 June 2021 – Monday 21 June 2021 (the
2021 Exam Dates: specific site, date, and time will be chosen by each
registered candidate closer to the exam start date).
1-21 June 2021
Visit worldwideerc.org/gms-detail to get started!I ND U S T RY H IG H L IGH TS
Move for Hunger as part of its daily culture. Nelson “While graduates recognize that the COVID-
Westerberg earned the Move for Hunger Award 19 crisis has accelerated a preexisting trend toward
for its efforts in collecting and delivering more automation, digitization, and flexible working, they
than 335,900 pounds of food—enough for 280,000 are concerned about the impact decreasing face-to-
meals—in 2020. Its team embraced the program face interactions and opportunities for ‘in-person’
and has continually shown a commitment to feed- development will have on their careers,” says Roland
ing the communities it serves. Siegers, executive director of CEMS. “These young
“We are extremely proud of the company we professionals recognize that social interaction and
keep and the relationships we have built with our collaboration is not only a fundamental human
supplier partners,” says Jim Edwards, senior vice need, but also a valuable source of innovation, pro-
president of global supplier partnerships at Altair. ductivity, and growth during times of crisis.”
“By partnering with the most highly respected “It is essential that rather than reducing
and recognized experts in the world, we continue development opportunities, global companies
to create the best possible experiences for our and educators seize this opportunity to innovate,
customers, clients, our team members, and our finding new ways to help the next generation of
supplier partners. We are thankful for our part- business leaders collaborate and build meaning-
ners’ perseverance through a difficult year and for ful networks,” says Professor Greg Whitwell,
demonstrating exemplary service and dedication.” chair of the CEMS Global Alliance and dean
of the University of Sydney Business School.
16 GLOBAL RESEARCH FINDS FEWER FACE- “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we’ve
TO-FACE INTERACTIONS COULD HARM proved that it is possible to create significant
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
LONG-TERM CAREER PROSPECTS learning opportunities via online platforms,
Decreased face-to-face interactions at work, due which give graduates a willingness and an ability
to COVID, could harm the long-term career to shift mindsets, think critically and creatively,
prospects of young professionals, according to new and embrace greater risk and flexibility. In a
global research among recent master’s graduates post-COVID world, graduates who can engage
from 40 different countries. employees and stakeholders around experimen-
The international survey conducted by CEMS, tation, and who can continuously learn and
the Global Alliance in Management Education, adapt, will be in high demand.”
based in Jouy-en-Josas, France, found that 72% According to Whitwell, from a business
of young professionals—most in their early to education perspective, one of the lessons from
mid-20s—believe that not being able to physically the pandemic is that the promise of technology
AROUND THE WORLDWIDE ERC ®
network with colleagues will negatively affect their affords opportunities for collaboration between
long-term careers. schools—and also between students—in ways that
Of the 310 survey respondents, many of previously had not been explored.
whom will go on to become business leaders and “Digitally enabled learning will have a greater
entrepreneurs, two-thirds also think that a lack of focus on interaction, application, and experiential
opportunities for face-to-face training (68%) and learning in the future,” he adds. “While the benefits
tighter training budgets (66%) will significantly of the on-campus experience are clear, we must look
impact their progression. for ways to facilitate the extracurricular activities
On the other hand, despite increased competition that our students—who are mostly digital natives—
for jobs globally, respondents considered the size of expect. We are also likely to see a shift toward what
the job market (50%) a less significant threat. Overall might be called space-agnostic learning, where
acceleration of digitization (31%) and increased the aim is to provide a truly engaging educational
opportunities for flexible working (40%) also experience, whether the class be real or virtual and
emerged lower down their list of concerns. no matter where someone is located.”Worldwide ERC ®’s 2020
H. Cris Collie Leadership
Award
T he H. Cris Collie Leadership Award
was created in tribute to H. Cris
Collie, Worldwide ERC® CEO
from 1972 to 2008. Trustees of
the Worldwide ERC® Foundation for Workforce
Mobility established the HCC Leadership Award
for members who embody specific qualities
prestigious award—these are what truly stand out.
Richie is a change agent and was instrumental in
creating the Foundation Gala and building it to
what it is today. The first Foundation Gala was
actually conceived and spearheaded by Richie and
associated with Collie and who have demonstrated two other mobility professionals. Since its incep-
them in various areas of achievement. Among tion, she has been involved on some level with the
those traits are positive leadership, a generous planning and execution of the Foundation Gala,
spirit for mentoring and collaboration, strength of and from 2017 to 2019, she facilitated the entire
character, and steadfast integrity. event. Richie is a selfless leader who is always will- 17
This prestigious award is presented at a min- ing to share her time, talent, and treasure to have a
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imum of every four years. Nominees may be positive impact on our industry, communities, and
submitted by Worldwide ERC® members and the charitable endeavors.
H. Cris Collie Nominating Committee, and a Leadership is about empowering others to be
rigorous vetting process identifies the winner. their best self, to lead with integrity and strong
We are delighted to share that our 2020 H. character, and to partner and collaborate with
Cris Collie Leadership Award winner is Pandra others to achieve results. These leadership quali-
Richie, SCRP, SGMS, owner of Windows of the ties are important, especially during challenging
World Travel LLC. Richie is a longtime member times. Richie exhibits these qualities in the good
of Worldwide ERC® and a passionate supporter as well as challenging times. The contributions
of the Foundation for Workforce Mobility. She is she has made over the years have left a legacy of
an enthusiastic leader with years of experience in positive change, and she continues to be a role
planning, leading, and collaborating to drive key model for others.
strategic initiatives forward. Her contributions to “Receiving this distinguished award is, without
Worldwide ERC® and the Foundation are many, a doubt, the pinnacle of my career,” says Richie. “I
including serving on the Worldwide ERC® Board have long admired Cris Collie and feel extremely
of Directors, the Foundation board of trustees, honored to have been recognized as having the
and the board of directors for the Relocation same values and attributes as Cris. I am so incred-
Directors Council. She was inducted into the ibly blessed to have been part of such a caring and
Hall of Leaders in 2010 and has received four worthwhile industry, and I’m especially proud of all
Distinguished Service Awards. the generosity of time, talent, and resources others
Richie’s contributions to the mobility industry have given to support the work of both Worldwide
are significant. However, her passion for making a ERC® and the Foundation for Workforce Mobility.
positive impact, her willingness to raise her hand It truly ‘takes a village’ to make something happen,
to help out wherever she can, and her leadership and there is no finer example than what has been
style, which aligns with the attributes of this accomplished collectively in our industry.”Executive Spotlight
D A V IS IS C W S C O RP O RA TE young children along to showings, and as
H O U S IN G ’ S F IR S T DENVER a hard-working mom, she was passionate
AREA MANAGER about helping families find a home.
As part of CWS Corporate Housing’s Her leadership skills were quickly recog-
expansion into the Denver market, Sally nized. In 1970, she was appointed sales direc-
Davis has been named the company’s first tor of the Oconomowoc Office, making her
area manager for Denver. the first woman sales director at Shorewest,
A veteran of the corporate housing REALTORS®. Steinke nurtured and grew
industry, Davis brings a vast background the Lake Country Office for 28 years before
focused on operational efficiency, guest ser- transitioning back into sales with her hus-
Sally Davis vices, vendor relations, inventory manage- band, Brian, who passed away earlier this year.
ment, and data analytics. Steinke’s granddaughter is now working with
Before joining CWS, Davis was the vice her, and the pair continues to support the
president of business development and Lake Country and Kettle Moraine communi-
technology at Stay Furnished Apartments. ties with their award-winning services.
She led multiple areas within the online “Making a house a home is something
market platform, including brand manage- Mary Steinke truly lives by,” according to
ment, product development, partner rela- a release by Shorewest. “She and Brian
18 tions, and data analysis. Davis also brings moved 15 times in 11 years early in their
expertise in international operations, which marriage. This gave her a true appreciation
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CWS says will align well with its multi- of what home really means. Over the past
national client base. As the vice president 50 years, the couple opened their home to
Fred Haladay
of global operations at Blvd Suites, she led friends, family, and anyone needing a com-
the company’s national and international fortable place to stay while they got back
footprint in operations, service, technology, on their feet. Mary’s passion has always
and initial supply chain foundation. been faith, family, and community. We are
thrilled to congratulate Mary Steinke on
S H O R E W E S T’ S M A RY earning this Lifetime Achievement Award.”
S TE IN K E R E C E IVES L I F ETI ME
A C H IE V E M E N T AW A RD A TL A S CA NA DA NA MES NEW
At Shorewest, REALTORS®, Mary Steinke P RESI DENT A ND CO O
AROUND THE WORLDWIDE ERC ®
of the Lake Country Office has received Atlas Canada, a subsidiary of Atlas World
the Lifetime Achievement Award from Group Inc., announced that Fred Haladay
the Greater Milwaukee Association of has been named the company’s president
REALTORS® (GMAR). and COO.
The GMAR consists of nearly 4,000 Haladay has been with Atlas Canada
real estate professionals throughout since the early 1990s, starting as the agency
southeastern Wisconsin. The association services manager and most recently serving
focuses on government affairs, ethics as senior vice president and chief commer-
enforcement, and listing services. cial officer. His expertise is in transporta-
Steinke has been part of the Shorewest tion, communication, systems, customer
family for more than 50 years, joining care, and national client support. Over his
Shorewest’s Brookfield Square Shopping 30-year tenure, he has overseen Avail Move
Center Office on 18 March 1968. Early in Management, government services, quality,
her career, Steinke often brought her five marketing, pricing, and agency developmentfor the Canadian sector of the van line. He “It is an honor to assume the leadership
is a graduate of Seneca College and served role in a company that’s helped set the
as a member of the Royal Canadian Navy. standards for the relocation industry,”
“Fred has been a proven leader in says Haladay. “I look forward to continu-
consistently developing and executing ing my professional journey with Atlas
successful client relations and quality Canada and helping drive the van line to
initiatives that have been critical to our new heights.”
growth in Canada,” says Jack Griffin, Haladay is active in industry associa-
chairman and CEO of Atlas World tions, participating in various Canadian
Group. “We are excited for him to be at Employee Relocation Council (CERC)
the helm and implement Atlas Canada’s committees, and has spoken at several edu-
strategic plan in the years to come.” cational sessions presented by both CERC
As Atlas Canada’s president and COO, and CAM (Canadian Association of
Haladay oversees all business areas to Movers). He has had articles published in
drive the future direction of the van line. trade magazines as a subject matter expert
He is also responsible for leveraging for service and has been presented with
Atlas World Group business synergies, both a Meritorious and two Distinguished
establishing and adhering to all budgets Service awards from CERC. Haladay
and profit and loss and collaborating with recently served as the chairman on the 19
fellow Atlas World Group leaders. board of directors for CERC.
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////////////////////////////////////////
What’s new:
• More content! Diversity and Inclusion, Duty of Care,
Assignment Lifecycle Best Practices and more
• Includes the Talent Mobility piece of the designation
so you earn the GMS-T
Introducing the
• Earn digital badges to share your accomplishments
NEW Global as you progress through the program
Mobility Specialist • Program content is broken out into bite-sized pieces
which means no more 7-hour long courses in a
Program! sitting
Visit worldwideerc.org/gms-detail to get started!
Program will be available in March. Pre-register by Feb
15 using promo code, GMS21TEN, and receive 10% off!Lessons
From 2020
20
E ven with 2020’s unprecedented health, economic, and social disruptions,
young professionals are proving to be resilient and more dedicated than
ever to helping to drive positive change in their communities and in the
world around them.
In Deloitte’s Global Millennial Survey 2020, despite increased anxiety and
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
stress, three-quarters of young professionals who responded say they have a
stronger sense of individual responsibility to make a positive impact.
To that end, we asked several members of 2020’s YP40 committee: What specific lessons have you
learned from 2020 that you’d like to share with the upcoming YP40 committee and other YP40 members?
“2020 has been able to share our joy with not only other YPs,
everything but a but with the entire global mobility industry!
standard year. This year “So to begin bringing in the first burst of joy, we
required the YP40 began working with a fellow famous board mem-
team to think outside ber, Ben Cross with The Love + Relo Show, and
of the box. How does a decided to celebrate YP40’s 10th birthday.
AROUND THE WORLDWIDE ERC ®
group of young “We brought back the previous years’ YP40
professionals move chairs to help with the celebration, and they shared
forward in a year more about who they are, what they do, where they
where touch is absent? currently are in the industry, and their thoughts on
You have two options: You can sink or swim. Of why YP40 is important to the industry.
course, we swam. “Our other bursts of joy were to look to fit-
“After countless Zoom meetings, profession- ness—right now, it’s important to stay mobile.
ally and personally, we decided we wanted our We decided that one fitness day simply was
group to bring more than just content to the not enough and created fitness bingo and
industry—we wanted to bring more joy. To get #YP40RunEatSleepWeek!
to the joy, we first needed to do our due dili- “I am confident—as you all can agree—that
gence, introduce ourselves to each other, and in-person events will always be preferred, but this
learn what our industry means to everyone. year, when faced with our first pandemic, I think
What was special about 2020 is that we were we did a great job in adapting and creating morejoy in the industry! Kudos to the 2020 YP40 team routines. Embracing this idea has helped me
and our incredible 2020 chair, Chris Ward! take a step back and appreciate the fact that we
“What I would like to share with the 2021 don’t have to be everywhere all the time.”
chair and YP40 committee is this: Please continue ERIN WEBER
to bring in the joy, enjoy the relationships that Manager, Brand & Content
you create—I love my YP40 peeps—and Zoom Envoy Global
meetings rock!”
CHRISTINA BLONDHEIM
Director of Business Development “I’ve learned many
Preferred Corporate Housing lessons this year, but the
one that has made the
biggest impact in my life
“This year has been a was learning to invest in
great reminder on the myself. Self-care must
importance of being be a priority, and I’ve
adaptable. With so learned to be more
many things outside of intentional in addressing
our control, we’ve all my physical, emotional,
had to get creative and spiritual, and mental needs.
adjust plans both “The lockdown in mid-March got me to stop
personally and and think, and I did so for days. My head was
professionally. This spinning, I was scared for my family, I was con- 21
could mean anything from taking an in-person cerned for the future, and I kept asking myself tons
wo rl dwi de e rc .o rg
conference virtual to finding your groove from a of questions, but most of all: What are you doing?
work-from-home standpoint or celebrating a “One night while lying in bed trying to go to
birthday virtually. sleep, that question kept repeating itself. And that’s
“For my team at Envoy Global, being adaptable when it hit me. I wasn’t taking care of myself, and
meant quickly altering our content calendar and if I wasn’t taking care of me, how could I take care
marketing initiatives to cover the topics and breaking of my family?
news updates most important to our customers and “In a world of instant culture, where we have to
the foreign national employees at their organizations. have everything quicker and faster, it’s tiring, it’s
“For YP40, being adaptable often overlapped challenging, and it’s hard to keep up sometimes.
with figuring out how to replicate the projects and One of the little things I have done to take better
events we would normally have if we could meet care and enable discipline and accountability is
in person. Our brainstorming efforts resulted in learning to say no, while doing things that matter:
a handful of Zoom happy hours for prospective Learning to say no
members, a virtual birthday party, a panel at the • No to that TV show.
Global Workforce Symposium, and several social • No to worrying about things I can’t control.
media activities—all from our homes! • No to that urge to check social media.
“This year has also taught me that it’s OK Doing things that matter
to slow down. I think a lot of people are used • Reading for myself and with my kids.
to being productive the moment their feet hit • Getting outside at least once a day.
the floor in the morning. I am certainly one of • Listening more intently.
those people! Now, we’re spending most of the “In short, be intentional with everything you do.
day at home with fewer plans but new distrac- Invest in yourself. Listen to yourself.”
tions (kids, roommates, pets, family, etc.), and MIKE FITZGERALD
the schedules we were used to keeping pre- Director, Business Development
pandemic no longer align with our daily Plus RelocationCollective To help keep you in the know on many of the topics
or questions that are top of mind for Worldwide ERC®
Wisdom
corporate/HR members, here are some of the things
currently being discussed in their dedicated community
group at worldwideerc.org/community.
Immigration me if you have a global remote someone moving from a non-U.S.
Benchmarking work policy that you would feel location to the U.S. I would be
We have some U.S. immigration comfortable sharing with us or interested in the following:
policy questions that we’d like to would be interested in networking • For those on the corpo-
know how other companies are on developing such a policy. We rate side, what do you do?
handling: are eager to have these conversa- Are you including the full
• Does your company reim- tions across all industry sectors. amount of a third-party
burse/pay for the required Looking forward to the exchange service fee in the W-2?
medical exam in the green of ideas with my peers! Imputing a portion of it?
card process? • For those on the provider
• If yes, does your company side, would you be willing
cover only the employee or Expat Housing to share what your clients
all dependents as well? Allowance Calculations are doing? Or what you are
• If yes, does your company I’m reaching out because I’m recommending/advising your
have a $$ limit or desig- wondering whether other com- clients? I don’t need to know
nated doctor? panies use the differential or the specifically the client name,
22 • Does your company pay for host location cost when calcu- just the recommendation.
flights/accommodation/per lating expat allowances/budget • For everyone, are you doing
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diem for E-3 renewals that for transportation, COLA, and different things based on the
are done in Australia? housing. We currently use the service?
• If yes, do you pay for the differential for transportation
employee only or also for the and COLA but the larger total
dependents? local cost for housing, and I’m
curious if others do the same, or
something different.
Global Remote
Working Policies
With the COVID-19 crisis present- Service Fees
ing an excellent opportunity to Recently I was approached by
AROUND THE WORLDWIDE ERC ®
reimagine corporate talent mobil- my payroll group, advising that
ity practices, we are beginning the we needed to include an invoice
early stages of pursuing a global from our third-party company
remote work policy. This policy as income to our employee who
would be in addition to our stan- relocated. This specific matter
dard temporary and permanent is a settling in/area orienta-
international and domestic reloca- tion/homefinding program for
tions menu. Please reach out to
Read the answers, add your own comments to these questions, or post a new one
of your own in the Worldwide ERC® Community’s Corporate Benchmarking Forum.
Corporate and government agency members can log in at worldwideerc.org/community.You can also read
