If you work in mobility, you’ve probably been here before. You’re at a party, a networking event, or maybe just chatting with a neighbor when the inevitable question pops up: “So… what do you do?”
You smile and reply, “I work in relocation/global mobility.” Cue: Blank stare. Awkward nod. Change of subject.
Maybe one brave soul asks for a follow-up. A little clarification. But most of the time? Crickets.
Which is such a shame, because our industry is dynamic, endlessly fascinating, and transformative for so many people and companies worldwide!
So, I’ve decided to switch it up. Next time someone asks me what I do, here’s what I’m going to say.
You: So, what do you do?
Me: Ah, I’m so glad you asked. Buckle up—you’re about to get a behind-the-scenes peek into the wild world of global mobility.
Yes, I work in relocation. But what does that actually mean? Go on, take a guess!
Close… but nope, I’m not in recruitment or HR.
Although relocation is definitely one of the most exciting (and essential) corners of the HR world, if I do say so myself.
In this niche but ever-evolving segment, we help businesses move, grow, win, and thrive.
How? By partnering with global companies who understand the value of sending their top talent around the world. These employees gain new skills, grow into future leaders, and give their companies a major competitive edge. And we’re the experts that make it all happen.
We handle it all: immigration, home finding, temporary housing, tax support, cross-cultural training, settling-in services, policy counseling… You name it—we do it.
Let me give you an example: My specialty is Household Goods. I’m an International Move Management Coordinator, responsible for ensuring our customers’ belongings are treated with white-glove care (literally). We’re talking extra, extra bubble wrap, coordinated timelines, and constant communication with our trusted van line partners. I joined the Household Goods team in 2019 and haven’t looked back since.
Before that? I was a Senior Relocation Counselor at our Latin America Operations Center in Miami. Now I’m based in our New Jersey office. Yes, I traded balmy beaches and palm trees for snow and slush. And yes, I’m surviving winter just fine, thank you.
In my old role, I was the main point of contact for relocating employees, helping them navigate every piece of the relocation puzzle. Now, I focus on just one key piece: the move itself. And I bring that same people-focused service mindset to every single shipment and every single client.
Pretty cool that I get to work for a company that supports career growth like that, right?
But honestly, the biggest thing that shaped my understanding of relocation? My own relocation. Moving from Miami to New Jersey gave me a firsthand look at just how stressful this process can be. It made me even more empathetic and even more committed to getting it right for others.
Because let’s face it: Even a local move can be overwhelming. Now imagine moving halfway across the globe… with your family… to a country where you don’t speak the language. It’s a lot.
That’s why our industry exists—to make these transitions easier, smoother, and more successful. The complexity of the relocation process is too much for most companies to manage in-house. As someone who recently relocated and knows all the moving parts going on behind the scenes, I get to witness the impact of our work every day. We exist to alleviate the stress from overwhelmed and under-resourced HR teams so that they can focus on bigger picture goals, and their employees can focus on what really matters: thriving in their new role, in their new home.
For years, our international semiconductor client struggled with an unwieldy and overly complex suite of mobility policies. While a basic core/flex framework had been put in place, their global mobility (GloMo) team faced polarizing demands from different business units and global regions, resulting in benefit inequities, inconsistent employee experiences, and 38 policies for their mobile population of over 2,000 people.
Our client needed greater consistency, efficiency, and clarity for the mobility program to reach its full potential with an elevated mobile employee experience. As their mobility partner, they leaned on Weichert to help transform their program into a streamlined, cost-effective, and talent-focused powerhouse aligned with the organization’s broader growth objectives. Here’s how we did it—together we made work happen!
Transforming a Mobility Framework
You must listen to understand. So, our client embarked on a comprehensive listening tour, connecting with stakeholders to uncover the root causes of their program constraints. This first but essential step took time and patience, and throughout, their team remained committed to the end goal of a stronger, more streamlined program with a focus on “structured flexibility.”
Working within the Weichert Advisory Studio®, our Advisory experts helped our client draft a new mobility framework, integrating stakeholder and customer feedback with input from the GloMo team, infusing a deep understanding of the culture and feedback from our own team working directly with the client and their mobile employees.
Our client’s unique and newly developed framework features focused core and expanded flexible elements that vary based on the move category and talent, akin to the job role and business need, with consideration for domestic vs. international moves. The concept was to provide non-negotiable core components at each talent/move category as a matter of duty of care. For the flexible portion, the benefits depend primarily on job level. To enhance oversight of the benefits chosen by employees, they adopted a use-it-or-lose-it approach, eliminating the option to cash out unused benefits.
“This client took deliberate, thoughtful steps to build an employee-first mobility program that truly reflects their culture. While many companies feel pressure to move quickly, this client chose to get it right, not just fast. Through a close, collaborative partnership, we provided strategic guidance, shared data-driven insights, and created the space to co-design a program that balances business goals with employee experience. The result? A people-centered program built to last.”
Jennifer Connell, VP Advisory & Consulting Services
An Issue of Inequity
The company also aimed to preserve flexibility for employees in higher-cost locations without losing sight of local practices. Cost modeling demonstrated a wide range of costs that could be perceived as creating inequities.
To overcome unintended hardships or potential inequities and manage costs, the client piloted the program within specific business segments to test the service level, customer experience, and cost impact.
Weichert monitored the program and provided data back to the client on a quarterly basis. With guidance from our service delivery teams and Advisory experts, many practical adjustments have been made to further meet the needs of their distributed workforce. Following the success of this deliberate, mindful strategy, the company extended the pilot program to all business units.
The Bottom Line
Our client’s transformation journey showcases the power of strategic planning, collaboration, and adaptability. In an increasingly competitive global talent market, their commitment to partnering with suppliers, listening, and acting upon feedback will drive long-term success for their business and people.
“The pilot launched in Spring 2024, and after a year of measured results, the client expanded it to all business units. Change takes time, and it’s crucial to evaluate impact across both duration and volume. That’s where the expert guidance through our Studio® can actively support clients in turning thoughtful change into lasting success.”
Laura Levenson, Advisory Practice Leader
The Weichert Advisory Studio® helped this client tackle speed bumps in their previous program to drive improvements in customer experience and operational efficiency, delivering a solution aligned with talent goals and team needs! To learn how we can transform your program, go here.
Discover how we helped our client reinvigorate their approach to lump sum mobility, ensuring their program remained supportive, competitive, and cost-effective.
