Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/227268
Relocation Recent research from relocation provider Cartus shows the top destinations include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. United States United Kingdom China Germany Switzerland Singapore Canada India France Hong Kong Netherlands United Arab Emirates Japan Australia Italy Brookfield's survey findings concur with the U.S. holding the number one spot with 22 percent of respondents listing it as a principal destination. It also recognizes the United Kingdom as the second most common destination (12 percent) and China as third (4 percent). All three destinations offer cities in which global organizations can house headquarters or have a satellite office where international business can be conducted. Relocation providers report that popular relocation destinations are determined by the business needs of clients, including potential areas for growth and expansion to gain speed against competitors. Affordability of cost of living, tax structure, and immigration requirements are also factors. Amy Glynn, mobility manager for Xerox, notes that the U.K. and U.S. are the most popular spots with 75 longterm assignments and business travelers in each locale. "These locations are important business centers and offer employees a chance to live in a different country and culture, but [allow them to] be able to find what they need and connect with not just individuals who may be from their home country or others who are globally savvy," she reports. Cost also plays a role. "In our business services groups, some countries are popular due to the changing business model to less costly countries, such as India." Industry needs also drive relocation country preference. "We find that top locations are determined by internal and external factors in the industry," says Deborah Graham, [34] HRO TODAY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 Popular relocation destinations are determined by the business needs of clients. Affordability of cost of living, tax structure, and immigration requirements are main factors. vice president of global relocation service for Paragon Relocation, who also reports the U.S., U.K., China, and Singapore as top spots. "Factors include the global economy and new consumers, location of corporate headquarters, location of labor/manufacturing, and of course, the industry involved. Each of the top locations have different benefits to offer, ranging from experience for management at corporate headquarters to availability of consumers to availability of labor/materials for manufacturing." Cara Skourtis, vice president of knowledge and experience for NuCompass Mobility Services Inc., breaks down the advantages by region. "Each location offers different benefits and risks," she explains. "For example, Singapore is generally viewed as a desirable gateway to APAC, where it is easy to establish business, it's generally accepted as a strategic location, and the country is welcoming to foreign business. Germany and Switzerland offer central locations for EMEA business needs. The U.K. offers U.S. employers the ability to be in proximity to Europe without the added complexity of a language difference."