Relocation has long been viewed as a logistical service — trucks, boxes, and reimbursements. But in today’s market, it has become something much bigger: a make-or-break factor in both talent attraction and retention.
According to the Wall Street Journal, just 7.8% of Americans moved in 2023 — the lowest mobility rate recorded since the U.S. Census initiated its record keeping in 1948. The result? Fewer candidates willing (or able) to relocate for new opportunities, and companies losing out on great hires because mobility isn’t part of the offer.
The Mobility Crisis Is a Talent Crisis
Candidates are turning down offers when relocation support is absent.
Employers are restricted to shrinking local talent pools.
Stalled mobility is limiting not only careers, but also organizational growth.
In short, when relocation is missing, the funnel narrows before recruiting even begins.
Why Relocation Belongs at the Center of Talent Strategy
Relocation is no longer just a cost line item. Done right, it is:
A talent attraction tool – ensuring top candidates say yes to offers.
A retention driver – signaling long-term investment in employees’ success.
A differentiator – setting your employer brand apart in a competitive market.
Companies that treat relocation as part of their Employee Value Proposition don’t just move people — they move careers forward.
A Modern Approach to Mobility
At CRI, we see relocation as an extension of talent strategy. That means support that goes well beyond moving expenses:
Home-finding assistance and community integration
Career support for spouses and partners
Flexible start dates or hybrid onboarding
Local resources that help employees feel at home faster
Data-driven insights through RetainIQ to align relocation with retention goals
The CRI + RetainIQ Advantage
By combining relocation expertise with talent intelligence, we help organizations:
Attract more candidates by removing mobility friction.
Retain employees through thoughtful, people-first support.
Accelerate performance by ensuring relocated employees are settled, engaged, and productive from day one.
Final Word
In an environment where mobility is stalling, relocation has emerged as one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — levers for talent management. Companies that recognize this shift will have a distinct edge in winning and keeping the talent others are losing.
At CRI, we don’t just manage relocation. We transform it into a competitive advantage.
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