Employee Relocation Council (ERC)
Description
The Employee Relocation Council (ERC), now operational as Worldwide ERC, is a nonprofit professional membership entity that serves professionals who manage and execute the relocation of employees. The organization offers a plethora of resources including costs analysis, service provider evaluations, and best practice sharing, with the goal of optimizing employee mobility globally.
Examples
- Corporate Program Design: A multinational company uses Worldwide ERC’s resources to design a comprehensive employee relocation program that includes real estate services, cost-of-living adjustments, and family services.
- Policy Benchmarking: An HR department benchmarks its relocation policies against industry standards by accessing the data and reports provided by Worldwide ERC.
- Training Workshops: Relocation specialists enhance their skills and knowledge by participating in workshops and webinars conducted by Worldwide ERC on issues such as tax implications, cultural adaptation, and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What services does Worldwide ERC provide?
- Worldwide ERC provides research reports, industry surveys, networking opportunities, training programs, and policy resources to help companies manage employee mobility effectively.
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Who can become a member of Worldwide ERC?
- Membership is open to individuals and organizations involved in employee relocation, including HR professionals, relocation service providers, and real estate professionals.
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Does Worldwide ERC offer certification programs?
- Yes, Worldwide ERC offers certifications like the Certified Relocation Professional (CRP®) and the Global Mobility Specialist (GMS®) to recognize expertise in the relocation industry.
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How do relocation policies benefit from ERC’s research?
- Companies can leverage ERC’s detailed research and trend analyses to refine their relocation policies, optimize costs, and improve employee satisfaction during transfers.
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Can I access Worldwide ERC resources online?
- Yes, many resources, including articles, whitepapers, webinars, and forums, are available on their website at www.worldwideerc.org.
- Global Mobility: Refers to the ability to move employees across borders efficiently, encompassing legal, logistical, and cultural considerations.
- Relocation Services: Services provided to assist an employee in moving to a new location, including real estate assistance, moving costs, and family support.
- Certified Relocation Professional (CRP): Designation offered by Worldwide ERC for professionals demonstrating proficiency in employee relocation.
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): Financial adjustments made to an employee’s compensation when they are relocated to an area with a different cost of living.
- Cultural Adaptation: The process by which relocating employees and their families acclimatize to a new cultural environment.
Online Resources
References
- Worldwide ERC. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.worldwideerc.org
- XYZ Reports. (2021). Trends in Employee Relocation. Unpublished manuscript.
- Industry Specialist, Davidson, M. (2019). Relocation Best Practices and Cost Management. APA Publishers.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Managing Employee Relocation: A Guide to Developing Strategies, Policies, and Programs by Hohnhausen, J.
- Global Mobility: Managing the Employee Lifecycle by Hansen, M., and Rogers, A.
- Employee Relocation: The Practical Guide by Clark, R.
- International Human Resource Management by Dowling, P., Festing, M., & Engle, A. D.
Real Estate Basics: Employee Relocation Council (ERC) Fundamentals Quiz
### What does Worldwide ERC focus on?
- [ ] Real estate development
- [x] Employee relocation globally
- [ ] Commercial property leasing
- [ ] Residential property sales
> **Explanation:** Worldwide ERC is focused on the effective relocation of employees globally, providing resources and training for professionals to manage this process.
### What organization operates as the Employee Relocation Council today?
- [x] Worldwide ERC
- [ ] National Association of Realtors
- [ ] Commercial Real Estate Women Network
- [ ] American Society of Real Estate Executives
> **Explanation:** Today, the Employee Relocation Council operates as Worldwide ERC, continuing its mission of supporting corporate relocation efforts.
### Who can benefit from joining Worldwide ERC?
- [ ] Only real estate agents
- [ ] Only corporate executives
- [x] HR professionals, relocation service providers, and real estate professionals
- [ ] Only employee unions
> **Explanation:** Worldwide ERC membership benefits a wide range of professionals involved in relocation, including HR professionals, relocation service providers, and real estate professionals.
### What designation does Worldwide ERC offer to recognize expertise in relocation?
- [ ] Real Estate Professional (REP)
- [ ] Global Real Estate Specialist (GRES)
- [x] Certified Relocation Professional (CRP)
- [ ] Employee Mobility Expert (EME)
> **Explanation:** The Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) designation is offered by Worldwide ERC for recognizing expertise in the field of employee relocation.
### What type of adjustment is often made to compensate employees moving to a higher cost-of-living area?
- [x] Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
- [ ] Market Rent Adjustment (MRA)
- [ ] Utility Compensation
- [ ] Furnishing Allowance
> **Explanation:** Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is financial compensation provided to employees moving to a location with a higher cost of living.
### What does global mobility encompass besides moving employees across borders?
- [x] Legal, logistical, and cultural considerations
- [ ] Only the legal requirements
- [ ] Corporate branding
- [ ] Local job markets
> **Explanation:** Global mobility encompasses various aspects including legal, logistical, and cultural considerations when moving employees across borders.
### Can Worldwide ERC’s resources be accessed online?
- [x] Yes
- [ ] No
- [ ] Partially
- [ ] Only through workshops
> **Explanation:** Many of Worldwide ERC's resources, such as articles, whitepapers, webinars, and forums, are accessible online through their official website.
### How can relocation policies benefit from Worldwide ERC’s research?
- [x] By refining policies, optimizing costs, and improving employee satisfaction
- [ ] Only through manual adjustments
- [ ] By determining mortgage rates
- [ ] By establishing new corporate offices
> **Explanation:** Companies can utilize Worldwide ERC’s research to refine their relocation policies, optimize associated costs, and enhance overall employee satisfaction during transfers.
### What does cultural adaptation involve?
- [ ] Changing work ethics
- [ ] Legal documentation
- [x] Acclimatizing to a new cultural environment
- [ ] Tax benefits
> **Explanation:** Cultural adaptation involves the process through which relocating employees and their families adjust and become comfortable with a new cultural environment.
### What type of program do multinational companies design with the help of Worldwide ERC?
- [ ] Real Estate Investment Plan
- [x] Employee Relocation Program
- [ ] Commercial Property Leasing Scheme
- [ ] Employee Housing Development
> **Explanation:** With the help of Worldwide ERC, multinational companies design comprehensive employee relocation programs including various venues for support during transfers.