Companies have historically used relocation packages to lure top managers and executives from faraway locations. So if you're thinking about testing the job market in another part of the country, you might be counting on prospective employers to offer you a bundle of relocation benefits. But you may need to tone down those expectations. A new survey of search firms that my company conducted suggests that the relocation package, although not extinct, isn't nearly as common as it used to be.

Trends in Relocation Benefits

Data from ExecuNet's Executive Job Market Intelligence Report reveal certain trends about the use of relocation packages:

More Selective Use of Relocation Benefits: In 2007, only 29% of companies included relocation benefits in job offers. In 2006 and 2005, by contrast, more than 33% made relocation offers to candidates. This strongly suggests that relocation benefits are being reserved for select candidates. "Companies are offering relocation packages but only to lure the right talent," says Massachusetts-based consultant Alisa Cohn.

More Frequent Use of Relocation Benefits to Lure International Talent: An interest in global talent has made international relocations more enticing. "In fact, I see this more often now because it can be harder to fill critical roles with U.S. candidates," notes Cohn. "So companies are using relocation benefits to attract talent around the globe."

Preference for Shorter Assignments Cuts into Relocation Benefits: Short-term assignments are gaining favor in the corporate world. According to a recent survey from Worldwide ERC and Cartus, a global relocation provider, 57% of companies currently using short-term assignments said they expect an increase in such activity over the next three years. Forty-three percent of those who use rotational assignments also expect future growth. And because employees who occupy these positions don't represent a long-term investment, they're less likely to receive relocation packages from the company.

Conclusion

Relocation benefits have become increasingly expensive. Worldwide ERC reports that companies spend an average of $13.5 million each year to transfer their employees within the U.S. So it's not surprising that companies are scaling back their relocation-related costs by making a concerted effort to fill their needs with local talent and employees willing to work on a short-term basis. Still, companies will shell out relocation benefits to select candidates, especially those from abroad.

I hope these findings help those of you SafetyXChange members who are contemplating a move to a new geographic region.

Wishing you career success no matter where you work,

Lauryn Franzoni
ExecuNet
www.execunet.com

TOP 10

Hurricane Katrina: Cost insurers $35 billion

Costliest Hurricanes

By Glenn Demby

Gustav. Hanna. Ike. Josephine. Four hurricanes/tropical storms on the board at one time is a clear sign that hurricane season is in full swing. Although the damage from Gustav has yet to be tallied, it's probably not going to crack the list of top 10 most expensive hurricanes in U.S. history. Here's the list:

* Adjusted to 2004 dollars

Source: Insurance Information Institute, MSNBC research

TOP 10

Taping windows won't prevent them from shattering

Hurricane Safety Myths

By Glenn Demby

If you're in an area vulnerable to hurricanes, you might want to help your workers protect themselves and their families. A good starting point is to pass around this notice debunking 10 common myths about hurricanes:

10. When Hurricanes Strike

Myth: Hurricanes and tropical storms only strike during the official hurricane season of June 1 to November 30.

Reality: Hurricanes and tropical storms can take place at just about any time during the year. Three examples:

9. Drinking Water Safety

Myth: It's a good idea to keep your tubs and sinks filled to provide a source of drinking water if the public water supply is cut off or contaminated.

Reality: Although you can use it to bathe and flush, water stored in tubs and sinks is dangerous to drink because, among other things, it can be leeched with lead from the glaze.

8. Evacuation Planning

Myth: You don't need an evacuation plan because if an evacuation order comes down, the authorities will provide complete instructions.

Reality: Authorities will direct you to emergency shelters but you might not want to stay in one, especially since they don't accept pets. In addition, authorities won't help you prepare your house to withstand the storm.

7. Wind Danger

Myth: Winds from a hurricane or tropical storm aren't much more dangerous than high winds produced by regular old summer thunderstorms.

Reality: Summer thunderstorms can produce wind gusts above 60 mph. Hurricane winds can exceed twice that rate. And hurricane winds may be sustained for hours.

6. Home Preparation-Open Windows

Myth: Opening the windows on the side opposite the wind will relieve air pressure and keep your house from exploding.

Reality: Wrong, wrong, wrong! The best way to protect a home from wind is to keep the windows shut tight and boarded up.

5. Home Preparation-Taping Windows

Myth: Taping windows will prevent them from shattering.

Reality: Taping doesn't prevent shattering. It just keeps the broken glass from scattering inside your home. Shutters and boards provide the best protection against shattering.

4. Home Preparation-Why Bother

Myth: There's nothing you can really do to protect your home against a big hurricane.

Reality: Although a powerful hurricane can destroy even the most solid structure, taking basic precautions like shuttering windows, bracing garage and entry doors and bringing yard items indoors can significantly reduce storm damage.

3. Waiting to Evacuate

Myth: I'll wait until the weather starts to turn bad before I obey an evacuation order.

Reality: Bad move. Storm paths are unpredictable and you need time to get out safely. If you wait for the storm to hit, you lose your cushion.

2. Going Outside in a Storm

Myth: It's safe to go outside during the "eye" of the hurricane.

Reality: Stay inside during the entire storm. True, winds in the eye are calm. But you don't know how long the eye will remain over you. Moreover, the strongest winds of a hurricane are those just inside the eye.

1. Mobile Home Safety

Myth: A mobile home that's tied down and braced is a safe place to ride out a storm.

Reality: A mobile home is NEVER a safe place to be in a storm, no matter how securely tied down you think it is.

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