Reflections on the 2022 Relocate/Think Global People Awards
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Relocate/Think Global People Awards. We received high-quality entries across the various categories, which were a joy to read. Dr Sue Shortland, Head Judge of the Awards for 2022, reflects on some of the notable aspects of this year’s entries
17 May 2022
The 2022 Relocate/Think Global People Awards comprised eight main themes: excellence in global mobility; excellence in talent development, deployment and diversity; excellence in technology or analytics; best research contribution, thought leadership or book; excellence in fostering employee experience and engagement; destination services provider of the year; serviced apartment provider of the year; and school excellence for relocation and transition care.The quality of the entries in all categories was exceptionally high. This made the judging process particularly enjoyable for the team of experienced independent judges: Holly Creed, Siobhan Cummins, Mark Ethelston, Gina Lodge, Fiona Murchie, Dr Sue Shortland and Paul Williamson.Working in pairs or trios for each category, we were able to benefit from learning about developments in the global mobility industry and how the various awards entrants had focused on this year’s wellbeing focus.The wellbeing theme brought out some particularly interesting initiatives. Besides the expected emphasis on managing health, safety and welfare during the pandemic, we also saw entrants focusing on flexibility and family care, as well as issues such as job security and financial wellbeing. These are all welcome developments given the current economic climate and future uncertainty.It was also notable in the entries that a balance is being struck between economic efficiency and cost control, representing the need to ensure business outcomes are successful. Efforts are being focused on customisation and ensuring personalised experiences of excellent quality for assignees, family members and employees.
Cost efficiency and the human touch
It was particularly good to see an appropriate mix between the use of technology and analytics to improve efficiencies, cost control and assignee experience, with the human touch of fostering and developing engagement among internal staffing.Achieving a balance between these two potentially conflicting objectives was achieved successfully with initiatives producing excellent financial and human resources outcomes.There is no doubt that all entrants have made massive progress over the past year in tailoring their services and activities to support both the business and assignees and their families, who are either on the move and/or working remotely/virtually, as well as those employed to deliver services to these groups.There was also a clear focus this year on internal talent development. This was particularly good to see. Entries gave examples of career progression and developmental support across all grades, with particular emphasis on encouraging junior talent.It was also evident that the efforts paid to foster employee engagement, diversity and inclusion within internal workforces had paid off with excellent customer outcomes – be these for client businesses, mobile employees and/or their families. In addition, examples were given of flexible working initiatives. These were clearly welcomed and appreciated by internal staff.The majority of entrants to the Relocate/Think Global People Awards supplied brief videos to support their entry statements. Many of these had been custom-made to demonstrate particular aspects of the employee experience and/or engagement initiatives.Personalised testimonials from assignees, family members including partners and children, as well as employees of the entrant firms really brought the information supplied in the entry forms to life. The video clips were informative, interesting and sometimes moving, and provided a rounded overview of both the ethos and actions of the award entrants.Excellence differentiators
Judging in many cases proved a close call because the quality of all shortlisted entries was so high. Differentiators included the personal stories of employees and assignees/family members, which showed where initiatives had made a real difference to people’s lives.Organisations serving the mobility industry and employers moving staff around the world always have to balance cost efficiencies with people management outcomes. When cost control and cost cutting detract from the human experience, mobility outcomes typically suffer. Getting the balance right is the key to success.While this year’s shortlisted entrants all made an excellent job of striking the right balance, the winners and those highly commended had the edge, standing out for excellence in their respective categories.©2022 Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.
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©2024 Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.
