Ukraine, Supply Chain Issues and Housing Crisis Highlighted at EuRA Conference

‘Communication, Adaptability and Transparency’ Are Key to Managing Changing Environment

Last week’s EuRA Conference in Seville, Spain, was yet another energetic event, packed with valuable educational opportunities and entertaining sessions. Congratulations to EuRA CEO Tad Zurlinden and COO Dom Tidey on a job well done! I was able to meet with many members, as well as spend time with the leaders of EuRA, CERC and FIDI – three associations supporting the global mobility industry. We are all looking forward to collaborating more closely to better support the industry as one.

One of my favorite moments of the conference was a very moving session with mobility professionals from Ukraine, Russia, and Slovakia. They continue to support their teams and expats in Ukraine and Russia, as well as those who have since relocated. The humanity of what we do came through during this session, and it emphasized that communication, adaptability and transparency continue to be key as we work through a changing environment.

Many of the discussions also revolved around the emotional support global mobility professionals are providing to assignees, along with the need to meet face-to-face with clients. Assignees are increasingly needing more counseling and support even as technology eases some administrative tasks. 

Supply chain issues remain a focal point within the industry, generating questions about who must absorb the costs and how we can combat these challenges, while also maintaining quality service at a time when everything takes longer and is more unpredictable. Attendees acknowledged that we are still on an uncertain journey, particularly when it comes to technology integrations across the supply chain.

At the RDC Spring Event, the U.S. housing crisis took center stage. EuRA’s conference has shown that housing is a challenge everywhere. In the EU, the housing crisis has been exacerbated by Brexit and an influx of refugees. As an industry, we must continue to help assignees, especially those who moved prior to Brexit, understand the local market conditions and that they must prioritize their home specifications, as they are unlikely to find exactly what they want.

As mobility returns, many professionals are having to rebuild their teams and get back up to speed on how to help clients today. Communication, consultation and management of expectations are critical. We will need to be specific in communicating the challenges in local markets and the reasons for price increases. Sharing information and giving feedback throughout the supply chain and within teams is crucial to building trust.

I have already heard from many of our members that they are planning to be in Las Vegas, October 26 – 28, for the Global Workforce Symposium 2022. Registration opens June 15. If you haven’t done so already, check out a preview for the event here.