Many domestic and international assignments have likely been put on hold. Despite these difficult circumstances, it’s important to understand that domestic relocation happens in other countries outside the U.S. and in major markets, and features trends and issues unique to this relocation approach.

When one thinks of mobility, one might think of a family moving across the ocean from one continent to the next for an exciting new job opportunity. Domestic relocation, on the other hand, often refers to moves within the United States. While the real estate industry in the U.S. has shown a remarkable resilience during the COVID era, many domestic and international assignments have likely been put on hold. Despite these difficult circumstances, it’s important to understand that domestic relocation happens in other countries outside the U.S. and in major markets, and features trends and issues unique to this relocation approach.

Considerations for international and domestic relocation differ, and they go beyond the obvious language barrier one might face when moving from Paris to Beijing, versus moving from the Western part of Australia to the East. Whether relocating domestically for an internship, rotational assignment or permanent move, the length and assignment type will require different taxes and benefits. Ensuring cost-effectiveness is key for domestic relocation in all countries, leading many companies to adopt tiered policies that can address varying employee situations.

The COVID-19 crisis may have temporarily halted domestic moves depending on the country and its restrictions, but one thing for certain is that mobility professionals are staying on top of policies and planning to ensure that domestic relocation is not only cost effective, but a smooth and enjoyable experience for the employee.

Want to Learn More?

This year, Worldwide ERC® is connecting the mobility industry virtually through our first-ever virtual, month-long Global Work Symposium. 2020 has been quite a year, and there’s much to learn about across all sectors of the industry. We’ve built out new content tracks that are directly relevant to all of these sectors, including domestic mobility trends and issues.

At the Global Workforce Symposium, we’ll discuss domestic moves occurring outside the U.S. in major markets found in such countries as Canada, India and China, exploring what is the same or different in their approaches to domestic relocation. Panels on the ever-changing workforce will discuss issues pertinent to domestic relocation such as how the mini-housing boom, record home lending rates, employees moving to less urban areas and virtual workers are changing the workforce dynamics.

By retaining all the key elements of our in-person event, GWS will continue to foster connection and learning across the globe for all sectors of the industry. There’s something for everyone at mobility’s biggest annual gathering, and we encourage you to check out our schedule of events and speakers to get a glimpse of what this year’s GWS has to offer.

So if you haven’t already: register now! It’s not too late to sign up to experience this new format with all the elements you’ve come to expect from the Global Workforce Symposium. Join us at the first-ever virtual, month-long Global Workforce Symposium from 28 October to 20 November 2020.