The Quest To Retain Top Talent With A Strong Workforce Mobility Strategy In today’s global economy, workforce mobility is more important than ever for companies, as it is proving to be a crucial link in the chain to organisational success. The value of a great workforce mobility strategy is allowing organisations to access talent they may otherwise have missed out on, and, more importantly, an opportunity to retain top talent they may have been at risk of losing.
A recent study from the 2016 report, Global Mobile Workforce Forecast Update, suggests that by 2022, the number of mobile employees will increase to 1.87 billion, equating to just over 40 per cent of the global workforce. With this ever-expanding global workforce, focus on the wellbeing of these employees and their families should be on the corporate agenda.
AN EMOTIONAL TRANSITION
Whilst there is no doubt that relocating for work provides many benefits such as job satisfaction, career advancement, and exposure to different markets, the reality of transitioning one’s life to a new place can create emotional upheaval for the employees concerned, not to mention their families. Concerns such as health, wellbeing, social isolation, loneliness and the loss of their support networks can often lead to employees not performing their job duties as expected, when such concerns are not identified and managed.
In extreme cases, the employee (or employer) may choose to terminate the work assignment. A study from UrbanBound estimated the cost to be around US$97,000 (AUD $137,000) to relocate an employee in 2017 (more if a family is involved), and almost triple the cost for an international relocation. With these costs in mind, it is certainly in the best interests of the organisation to ensure their global workforce mobility is set up for success.
THE QUEST FOR UNDERSTANDING
Quest Apartment Hotels is a brand that has been in operation for over 30 years, with over 170 properties in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and whose business model has been created to understand and meet the emotional aspects of relocating individuals and their families. Quest have established trusted partnerships with both global and Australian corporate organisations, looking after their employees and family’s relocation needs. Quest’s serviced apartments bridge the gap for a home away from home experience, as employees can choose from a range of spacious executive apartments, in locations situated close to key business districts. “When people relocate, with either partners and or their children, having the ability to prepare meals in their own kitchen, do their own laundry and in essence to live like a local, assists in creating that home-away-from-home atmosphere.
This frees up individuals to be in a positive, happy frame of mind, and as such able to deliver their best at work. With every guest interaction, we continually strive to build a strong relationship that is based on exceeding their needs,” Ms Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, Quest Apartment Hotels Group Director of Sales, said. Quest’s commitment to ensuring the needs of relocating employees are met is demonstrated by the recently opened serviced apartment property in Perth, WA, located conveniently on the South Perth Foreshore. Quest’s 11thproperty in Perth, Quest South Perth Foreshore’s location was selected with corporate relocation employees and their families in mind.
The stunning serviced apartment property is positioned in an area where corporate employees and their families have easy access to cafes and restaurants, high end retailers, a 24-hour supermarket, Perth Zoo and a short commute to the CBD, via either car or the ferry at the doorstep. The property features one, two and three bedroom fully serviced apartments with kitchen and laundry facilities and boasts an alfresco BBQ area. Many apartments enjoy beautiful views of the Swan River and Perth city skyline. Quest South Perth Foreshore is perfect for relocating employees wanting space, connectivity and convenience. Cherie Marchant, Senior Mobility Advisor, Temporary Accommodation at Crown Relocations chose Quest as a preferred supplier of temporary housing because of their consistent standards and service. “We know the apartments and facilities at Quest are the same no matter its location – so we always know what to expect, and confident that our employees will like staying there,” she said.
SETTLING IN WELL
The 2016 Trends in Global Relocation: Global Mobility Policy & Practices survey highlighted that the inability to adjust to a new environment was one of the main reasons behind unsuccessful relocations. The survey revealed that 1 in 5 individual employees had difficulty settling in, and 28 per cent of employees left a position early because their family struggled to adapt to their new situation. To assist relocating employees and their families to settle in, they are always greeted by the Quest Franchisee, the person who owns and runs the serviced apartment property.
Quest properties are run by franchisees who typically live in the area, and therefore able to act as a local guide. Quest franchisees provide relocating employees and families with advice on social and leisure activities in the area, recommendations for the best local family doctors, school recommendations, and local guidance on the best running and cycling trails, assisting employees and their families to settle more quickly. “Employees who’ve stayed at Quest apartments have told us they’ve received personal attention making them feel like a person, not a number. Apartments are secure, issues (if any) dealt with swiftly.” Ms Marchant expressed. Ford employee Gopinath Lakshmanan relocated with his wife and two young children from India to Moonee Ponds, Victoria for his first long-term assignment. He and his family have been living in a Quest serviced apartment since August 2018, at Quest Moonee Valley. “I had a completely different idea of what a serviced apartment offered until we started living at Quest. It’s really like a ‘house’ and we have everything we need, including appliances and a fully equipped kitchen where we cook all our meals.
The real point of difference however is the service levels. They’ve far exceeded what we expected,” said Mr Lakshmanan. “The property owner took time out to personally talk with us and explain how things worked. Management takes all our concerns seriously and any issue is fixed immediately. We’re very comfortable and happy with all the facilities including housekeeping. My son attends a nearby school, my family is happy and content and so am I. I’m happy to go to work every day and focus on what needs to be done, not worry about their security or comfort,” he said. “New guests receive a welcome pack, to give them an insight into the area. They often contain movie passes, local transport tickets and brochures for the guests to read so it’s a nice personalised gesture,” said Ms. Jennifer Salisbury, Mobility Manager at Grace, who also uses Quest as a service provider for relocation and short stay accommodation for employees.
The global workforce is on the move. People at all stages of life and career are embracing the global economy, and they have different needs. The right temporary accommodation and personalised service can be the difference between an employee and their family successfully adjusting, or returning home early.
If you’d like to speak with Quest regarding relocation accommodation or long stay accommodation for your employees, please call Lynn Wolf, Customer Relationship Manager on 1800 334 033 or email lwolf@questapartments.com.au.
