The pandemic and resulting disruption is leading people to re-think, re-imagine and re-position businesses, careers and lifestyles.

The internationally mobile have been particularly affected by the pandemic and for many it has raised important questions about their international lifestyle. Visa restrictions, closed borders, cancelled flights and quarantine rules alongside the disturbing health risks have all made international travel and living significantly more challenging.

This has obviously had a knock-on effect to the businesses that support international relocations.

For corporates, after an initial busy reaction to the pandemic, things have reportedly calmed down and global mobility/international HR professionals have been able to turn their attention to a review of global mobility strategy and the policies that support that strategy. For some, this has been a welcome respite to the normal frenetic activity of assignment support.

What about the relocation service companies? A reduction in global employees on the move has impacted business levels and for many the future looks uncertain.

Without a doubt, the pandemic has highlighted the need for relocation companies/service providers to be agile and consider the following questions:

* In what ways will the old patterns of mobility be challenged/change? * Can new patterns already be detected or are things still too uncertain to make reliable predictions?* Will the global mobility sector eventually bounce back to the old normal after a period of disruption?* How will the relocation customers of the future want to access their services?

These are some of the questions I asked Michele Bar-Pereg in this podcast conversation.

Michele Bar-Pereg is an entrepreneur with almost 40 years in relocation practice. She is past President of EuRA (European Relocation Association) and past owner of the pan -European, Foursquare Relocation Group. Currently, Michele is founder and Managing Director of the online service Relocate Yourself, more about that later. As I spoke to Michele, this quote came to mind:

This conversation will be of interest if you:

* Work in global mobility either in the corporate environment or as a service provider.* Are considering an international move and are wondering where to find the support you need.* Are an accompanying partner looking for inspiration as you embark on a new life abroad – you share that in common with Michele

Transcript can be downloaded HERE

The questions we ask ourselves, shape our lives. Here are some questions prompted by today’s podcast:

For global mobility professionals

* What strengths in your relocation, global mobility processes will you carry forward into the post pandemic era?* What are your greatest hopes for evolving better levels of support for your employees/clients?* What changes can you create to make these hopes a reality?* What will be your first steps?

For the internationally mobile

* What do you want to take forward from your current life to your new life in your next location?* What are your hopes for this move? What do you hope to create professionally and personally as a result of your next relocation?* How can you move from where you are now, to arriving and settling happily new life abroad?* What steps would you need to take?* What might get in your way?