Policy as The Foundation of a Greener Global Mobility Strategy

As more businesses worldwide are going towards reducing their environmental impact, sustainability is becoming a priority across industries – including global mobility. Companies are no longer just responsible for relocating employees efficiently; they must also ensure these moves align with broader ESG commitments. In this context, policy serves as the foundation for integrating sustainability into every aspect of employee assignments. Thanks to the expertise of a seasoned Relocation policy consultant Dennis Michels from People Mobility, this article will give you a peak in how companies can develop and implement policies that effectively drive sustainable choices while ensuring a seamless and efficient relocation process for their employees.

Policies shall reflect the whole assignment lifecycle accordingly.

Revisiting relocation policies from a sustainability perspective ensures structured support while enabling better oversight of the relocation emissions. Especially with Scope 3 emissions making up a significant portion of CO2 output, a structured and sustainable approach to global mobility is essential. Sustainability in global mobility extends far beyond the relocation itself – it encompasses the entire assignment lifecycle, from pre-move planning to the experience of living in the host location and repatriation which shall not be forgotten. To be truly effective, sustainability policies must reflect this comprehensive journey, ensuring that environmental and social responsibility is embedded in every stage of the mobility process.

The policies are often closely tied to the relocation packages and how the relocation will be covered financially. And here comes the change when thinking about relocation as a business activity with an impact on business-related emissions. Lump-sum policies, while offering flexibility, reduce control over sustainable decision-making and compliance. Assignees may lack guidance on eco-friendly practices, missing an opportunity to contribute to the company’s carbon reduction goals. In other words, while initially perceived as costlier than lump-sum policies, structured relocation packages supporting and motivating sustainability-driven choices deliver measurable CO2 reductions, protect against compliance risks, and enhance corporate reputation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sustainable Assignment Policies

Integrating sustainability into global mobility requires more than just good intentions. It demands a structured, strategic approach. This guide below provides a clear roadmap for making global mobility both environmentally responsible and operationally efficient. To integrate ESG goals effectively, companies should:

1. Align ESG Goals with Corporate Strategy
   What are your company’s sustainability objectives? Make sure your assignment policies will reflect these and do not forget to engage your senior leadership to be sure you are all taking a unified approach.
2. Audit Current Policies
   How well do they align with your sustainability objectives? Work with your RMC to identify opportunities for greener alternatives and areas for improvement and continuously assess the alignment.
3. Direct Sustainable Choices
   List the areas where sustainable alternatives can be implemented and support can be provided. Focus on areas from the whole assignment lifecycle, not just the initial move. Consider and revisit:
   • Eco-friendly moving services that use carbon-neutral methods and sustainable packaging materials.
   • Housing options that meet energy-efficiency standards.
   • Low-emission transportation options, such as electric vehicles or public transportation. Replace short-haul flights for rail transport when possible…
4. Partner with Green Vendors & RMCs
   Collaborate with RMCs that vet suppliers based on sustainability criteria and ensure CO2 tracking and sustainability metrics are in place.
5. Leverage data-driven ESG Reporting
   What you do not measure you can hardly evaluate and report on. Connect with partners specializing in emission data gathering and reporting, use dashboards and data analytics to track progress, and make qualified decisions.
6. Educate Assignees on Sustainability
   Inform employees and assignees about the company sustainability strategy, how it affects the relocation policies, and what choices they have to relocate more sustainably. The policy shall benefit all the stakeholders in the end and the assignees shall feel it the same way.
7. Monitor and Adjust
   Gather feedback and qualitative data from stakeholders and learn on the go. The first green relocation might be the “first step” but the more repetition and respective iteration the better fine tuned process and policy will come out of it at the end.

Policy is an important building block of a successful sustainable relocation strategy, however alone is not enough. True success requires a combination of education, infrastructure, and support systems that make sustainability an effortless part of the relocation experience. By integrating clear sustainability policies, offering comprehensive training to employees, and leveraging the expertise of relocation management companies (RMCs), organizations can drive long-term behavioral change.

Have you read our newly published White Paper 2.0? Check it out here and get to know more about Global HR’s Green Opportunity in Global Mobility.

Now is the time to act. Let’s shape the future of Global Mobility together!

Sources:

1. White Paper 2.0 – Global HR’s Green Opportunity: Using Global Mobility to Drive Environmental Change

Image credits:

1. Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash

2. Photo by Júnior Fereira on Unsplash

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