According to New Report from Brookfield Global Relocation Services, Implementing Flexibility Into a Company's Mobility Program Doesn't Need to be a Giant Step In a Different Direction

WOODRIDGE, Ill. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --

After decades of a "one-size-fits-all" approach to international employee assignments, growing numbers of companies are layering flexibility into their policies in an effort to increase employee satisfaction and better manage tighter relocation program dollars, according to a new report from Brookfield Global Relocation Services.

"In the past, a single assignment policy was all a company often needed to fulfill long-term assignments that were typically offered to one type of assignee - a senior executive from company headquarters," said Scott Sullivan, executive vice president of Brookfield Global Relocation Services. "Today, the topic among mobility managers has shifted to 'show me a flexible international assignment policy that works.'"

The innovation in how workforce mobility programs are structured is driven by requests from the business.

A more diverse international assignee population, growing number of home or host countries for assignments and escalating pressure on mobility program cost containment has required companies to become more flexible. One-size-fits-all, standard relocation packages often result in frustrated assignees and services that go unused. This trend, which is being closely monitored by mobility executives around the world, is detailed in "Flexible Policy in Practice," a Spotlight Report that is a supplement to the 2011 Global Relocation Trends Survey report.

During the first quarter of this year, Brookfield Global Relocation Services conducted in-depth interviews with mobility leaders from several global companies that have implemented flexible international assignment policies. Insight gathered during these interviews formed the basis for the "Flexible Policy in Practice Spotlight" report, which features detailed case studies analyzing the companies' experience implementing flexible solutions into their policies.

Companies that have incorporated flexible policy approaches are of great interest to those considering or developing a similar strategy. Of special interest, companies are looking for answers to the following:

• What was the mobility policy prior to incorporating flexibility?
• What was it like to implement the new approach?
• What was the impetus for change?
• What were the most significant obstacles or challenges faced?
• What the main lessons learned from this initiative?

The case studies delve into these questions and more. By doing so, the case studies provide an opportunity for other companies to evaluate how these approaches might be applicable to their own programs.

Brookfield Global Relocation Services will host a complimentary Webinar presentation to present the findings of this report Tuesday, June 21 at 10 a.m. Chicago time/4 p.m. London time. Participation in the Webinar is limited to the first 100 registrants. All participants will receive a complimentary copy of the final report. To register, go to: http://knowledge.brookfieldgrs.com/content/insights_ideas-grts-flexible_policies_in_practice

To obtain a complimentary copy of the 2011 Global Relocation Trends Survey report go to: http://knowledge.brookfieldgrs.com/content/insights_ideas-grts

About Brookfield Global Relocation Services

Brookfield Global Relocation Services is a leading, full-service outsourcing partner of end-to-end employee relocation, assignment management and mobility consulting services, for multinational organizations. The company serves corporations throughout the world and funds more than $3.6 billion in relocation-related expenses annually.

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CONTACT:

Siler & Company
Hugh Siler
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hugh@silerpr.com

Brookfield Global Relocation Services today released its "Flexible Policy in Practice," a Spotlight Report, a supplement to its 2011 Global Relocation Trends Survey report. (Graphic: Business Wire)