Like many other things in today’s fluctuating market, mobility is shifting. Read on as Bob Portale, President, RELO® Direct, corporate relocation subsidiary of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® talks about what that shift means for the real estate industry.
Bob Portale
President
RELO® Direct, corporate relocation subsidiary of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®
Chicago, Ill.
What is the biggest trend within the employment mobility space today?
It would undoubtedly have to be mobility’s shift from a purely tactical service to its position as a fully integrated component within a corporate talent management strategy. The way mobility fits into talent management, a company’s philosophies around the management of its most vital asset—its people—has become a significant area of focus as talent shifts and gaps have become more apparent since the downturn. As this shift began to occur, it became clear that mobility was needed to provide assistance, but it didn’t have its feet at the table. In fact, mobility was simply a means to an end for corporations. By redefining the service itself and becoming a true consultant to the corporate client, we’re able to drive policy changes to ultimately motivate their mobility objective.
When it comes to the relationship between talent management and talent mobility, have the two always been closely related?
No, mobility has traditionally been an afterthought. Mobility companies have typically been charged with moving boxes and selling the home, however, the reality has always been that relocation professionals have unique insights into the personal and professional motivations of the people they’re serving. For example, they will know long before the corporation whether the assignment will be successful or not, as they have an inside perspective as to whether the family is prepared, mentally and financially, to move. Now it’s about bringing to light this expertise and these insights in a consultative way with corporations to ensure all the facts regarding the move are discussed up front.
