Work/life balance is a hot topic as the younger generations flood into the work world and Baby Boomers start checking out. One are that I haven’t considered is the effect this balance will have on relocation. Forbes.com’s Travel Sick? article does take up this topic (my editing):
Throughout the country a growing number of executives are taking to the highways, railroads and even the skies to get to work instead of relocating closer to their job.
This is hardly a newsflash to the nation’s executive recruiters. Of those surveyed 55% say it’s more difficult today than ever to convince job candidates to relocate for a professional opportunity, according to a recent report by the executive recruiting firm Korn/Ferry International. Living near family is the leading reason for staying put, followed by lifestyle and the cost of housing.
We have actually seen the “living near family” reason become an asset as we have recruited candidates looking to get back to their home town. It is an important aspect in career decisions.
And how about these facts:
This mentality became more prevalent after Sept, 11, 2001, says Frank Spencer, vice chairman and a partner at DHR International, an executive recruiting firm. But that isn’t the sole reason. Unlike previous generations, today’s employees switch jobs every few years. And in many households both spouses work. Imagine uprooting a family every few years because mom or dad gets a new job.
The key to future hiring comes down to a word that keeps appearing in these hiring articles – flexibility.
To compete for the best talent employers need to be flexible, says Jeff Hocking, managing director of Korn Ferry’s San Francisco office. With unemployment so low (4.7%) and demand for talent high, job seekers have options. “If you want to attract the right people they can’t expect them to be down the street,” says Hocking. “Their performance needs to be measured. They should hold them accountable for results instead of time spent at their desk.”