Scaling Elf Talent for a Smarter Workshop

Facing record demand for smarter toys, faster production timelines, and cutting-edge innovation, Santa Claus & Co. realized that scaling operations at the North Pole alone wouldn’t cut it. To stay ahead, Santa made a strategic decision: relocate select elves across the globe to support toy development, automation, and advanced technology training. These weren’t permanent relocations, but targeted, short-term and rotational assignments designed to build expertise and bring new skills back to the workshop.

The challenge? This was a workforce deeply rooted in Arctic traditions, unfamiliar with global travel, and unaccustomed to life beyond snowbanks and sleigh bells. With destinations spanning North America, Europe, and APAC, and timelines tied closely to the holiday calendar, Santa needed a mobility partner who could move fast, think globally, and still keep the magic alive.

“Our elves are incredible innovators, but most had never even seen a palm tree.”
— Santa Claus, Chief Gift Officer

The Mobility Challenge: More Than Just Moving Elves

Relocating elves meant more than flights and housing. Santa needed a program that supported varied assignment types, addressed cultural and climate shock, and kept productivity high during peak toy development season. From compliance considerations to family support (yes, some elves travel with pets—reindeer included), the logistics were complex.

Just as important was employee experience. Santa was adamant that elves felt supported, informed, and excited – not overwhelmed – by the change. Every decision had to reinforce trust, transparency, and the sense that even far from the North Pole, elves were still part of something special.

“We couldn’t afford confusion. When elves are stressed, toy quality suffers.”
— Head Elf, Global Operations

The Solution: A People-First Mobility Program, Santa-Approved

We partnered closely with Santa’s leadership team to design a flexible, people-first mobility framework that balanced structure with personalization. Assignment types varied by role and destination, and each elf received tailored support aligned to their training goals, location, and comfort level (including temperature preferences).

Through Weichert Go, Santa’s team gained real-time visibility into every move, tracking timelines, housing, travel, and training milestones in one centralized platform. Elves, meanwhile, had a clear, easy-to-use experience that replaced uncertainty with confidence.

Behind the technology was what mattered most: human support. Dedicated counselors were available every step of the way, helping elves navigate visas, housing, local customs, and the surprisingly tricky transition to daylight savings time.

“The tech kept us organized. The people kept us sane.”
— Senior Elf, Innovation Lab

The Results: A Global Elf Workforce Ready for the Future

The impact was immediate and lasting. Elves trained in robotics, AI-assisted design, and advanced manufacturing techniques, bringing fresh ideas and new efficiencies back to the North Pole. Santa gained regional centers of expertise, reducing bottlenecks and easing the annual holiday crunch.

Even more importantly, elf engagement remained high throughout the program. Clear communication, personalized support, and a strong sense of connection helped ensure that elves felt empowered—not displaced—by their global assignments.

“I learned more in six weeks abroad than in six years at the workshop.”
— Elf, Toy Technology Training Program

Why It Worked: Blending Magic with Modern Mobility

By combining smart technology, flexible program design, and hands-on human support, Santa transformed a complex global relocation into a seamless (and magical) experience. The program not only strengthened the workshop’s innovation pipeline, but also created a scalable mobility model ready for whatever next year’s wish lists may bring.

Because whether you’re moving executives, engineers… or elves, great mobility makes work happen.

“Turns out, the real magic is having the right partner.”

— Santa Claus