It has always been the job of Relocation Agents to support global mobility teams. By helping businesses move, then onboard the best talent, agents improve the experience for the assignee and give the placement the best chances of success.
But as the demands to meet increasingly detailed, and far-reaching corporate targets have grown, so the role of Relocation Agents have had to evolve. Where it was once enough to help a new employee to find a home and settle in, it is now crucial to consider the impact on any Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives that the client may have.
In fact, many of larger clients are building ESG objectives around their global mobility programmes, making the consideration and fulfilment of them central to every assignee relocation.
'Increasingly assignees are aware of and have expectations for their relocation and new home. Certain lifestyle requirements are becoming more common, especially with Gen Z joining the expatriate community.'
What impact does ESG have?
As many Belgian employers build ESG into their requirements, it’s important to understand what that looks like for relocation services. ESG can be wide reaching, but some common stipulations include:
• Reducing unnecessary international travel.
• Providing housing options which are more efficient and environmentally sound.
• Selecting moving companies with lower emissions.
• Encouraging sustainable commuting after arrival.
• Training new arrivals on sustainable best practices in their new home.
Sustainability is increasingly viewed as a business priority rather than simply a compliance exercise, so these points must be considered.
Applying the right solution.
Meeting these new needs can feel daunting. After all, for an industry based on people flying around the world, can it really be sustainable?
To answer that, many global mobility specialists are turning to technology to not only minimise impact but to also increase the efficiency of the relocation process.
Increasingly, destination service providers offer digital services including:
• Virtual property viewings.
• Online orientation tours.
• Digital document management.
• Remote destination consultations.
• Online training and support.
By taking these services digital, Global Mobility Teams can reduce travel emissions while offering more convenient and lowering costs solutions for their assignees and business.
It’s not just policy…
Increasingly assignees are aware of and have expectations for their relocation and new home. Certain lifestyle requirements are becoming more common, especially with Gen Z joining the expatriate community:
• Access to cycling infrastructure.
• Walkable neighbourhoods.
• Energy-efficient housing.
• Excellent public transport.
• Local amenities that reduce dependence on cars.
Thankfully, with Belgium’s investment in sustainable urban mobility, these points are more easily addressed as time goes by. However, they are still important to consider when recommending housing locations.
How Relocation Agents help.
Rather than focusing solely on moving people from one country to another, relocation providers are increasingly helping clients meet their broader corporate goals. The specifics come down to individual client needs, but common services include:
• Supporting ESG reporting and sustainability targets.
• Advising on sustainable housing and transport options.
• Supporting assignees to settle in using sustainable best practices.
• Offering digital-first relocation services.
• Helping employers reduce the carbon footprint of international assignments.
• Creating relocation experiences that align with employee wellbeing and environmental responsibility.
These services make sustainability more than a corporate buzzword; it’s becoming a competitive advantage for multinational clients who want to bring in the best talent for their business. Making their relocation services and internal reporting process more efficient and cost effective from a single service.
It’s certain that the future will hold refinements and updates to both the recommended best-practices and the legal requirements which define ESG. The global mobility industry will continue to stay on top of these developments, whilst destination service providers continue to support Global Mobility Teams in achieving their ESG objective and getting access to the best talent.
If your business needs support or guidance with sustainability and global relocation, one of our members can help you.
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