Atlas Amplifier PDF - Atlas Van Lines

Survey ResultsBRAVOECONOMIC CONDITIONSLACK OF QUALIFIEDPEOPLE LOCALLYREAL ESTATE MARKETQuestion 14: Select External FactorsImpacting Relocation: 1988-2010What external factors had the most significant impact on thenumber of your employee relocations last year?605040302010 ‘88‘89 ‘90‘91 ‘92‘93 ‘94‘95 ‘96Year53%46%44%40% 39% 40%38%31%‘97‘98 ‘02‘03 ‘04 ‘05‘06 ‘07‘08 ‘09 ‘10Two-thirds of firms offered incentives in 2010.Extending temporary housing benefits was by far themost popular; relocation bonuses and loss-on-saleprotection rounded out the top three. Loss-on-saleprotection was much more likely to be offered bymid-size or large firms.Most firms used some sort of cost-containmentmeasure. Nearly one-third of all size firms cappedrelocation benefit amounts, while roughly one-fifthlimited miscellaneous allowance benefits. Large firmsare more likely to have offered pre-decision counseling;reviewed or renegotiated supplier contracts; offeredshort-term, extended travel, or commuter arrangementsrather than relocation; and tightened real estateassistance requirements.For the second year in a row, most respondentsbelieve the overall financial performances of theirfirms will improve in the coming year. Half or more offirms across company size expect the U.S. economy toimprove as well. Large firms are more optimistic thanmid-size and small firms. Expectations for the U.S. realestate market are similar among firms of all sizes andonly slightly less optimistic than reported last year.Factors impacting 2010 relocations point to thebeginning of a turnaround. Economic conditions and alack of qualified local talent tied as the greatest externalinfluences. However, the impact of the real estatemarket weighed almost as heavily.Among internal factors affecting relocation volumes,company growth retook the top spot after falling tothird place in 2008 and fifth place in 2009. The perceivedimpact of budget constraints dropped significantlyas well. Despite a substantial increase, the imputedimpact of company growth is similar to previousrecessionary levels.Lump sum and partial reimbursement continue togrow in popularity and are now used by nearly half of allcompanies. Full reimbursement is still the most popularmethod overall for transferees; however, thereis a growing level of interchangeability inreimbursement methods.Question 32a:Lump Sum Payment ApplicationFor what types of relocation Question costs 12are lump sum paymentstypically offered to relocating employees?Miscellaneous AllowancesTravel ExpensesTemporary HousingEntire Relocation CostHousehold Goods Shipping/StorageRental Assistance/TransactionsReal Estate Assistance/TransactionsOther5%13%17%28%39%39%49%55%0 10 20 30 40 50 60For new hires, lump sum payments are the mostpopular reimbursement method, followed closely bypartial reimbursement. Fewer than half of all firms nowoffer full reimbursement to new hires. Of particularnote, this is the first time both lump sum and partialreimbursement have surpassed full reimbursement fornew employees.To better understand the increasing use of lumpsum payments, the survey posed two new questions.Results show roughly half or more firms using lumpsum payments typically offer them for miscellaneousallowances or travel expenses; over a third offer themfor temporary housing or for the entire relocation cost;and over a fourth offer them to cover household goodsshipping and storage expenses.As for who receives lump sum payments: entry levelemployees are more likely than executives, new hires aremore likely than transferees, and renters are more likelythan homeowners.Atlas Is Boosting Recognition of Atlas Van OperatorsThey bring the trucks, brawn, and brains to moving…and smiles to the faces of Atlas customers. They areAtlas Van Operators, and they rank among the world’sfinest professionals.Since 1988, the Atlas family has paid homage to itsheroes of the highway on a dedicated day in September:ROAD Day. Building on the foundation of that event,Atlas is introducing a new celebration: Atlas VanOperators Appreciation Week. It takes place April 25 to29 –and comes with several new advantages.“By dedicating a full week before the start of the busyseason, people get more flexibility to participate,” saysMarketing Specialist Aaron Chenoweth. “Agencies canchoose a day that works best to host an event, and vanoperators will have more opportunities to take part.Those out on the road may even enjoy more than one event.”The theme for the inaugural event is BRAVO(Boosting Recognition of Atlas Van Operators).As with ROAD Day, this new occasion will includefood, games, and prizes. Agents can register and getideas for making their events memorable athttp://bravo.atlasworldgroup.com.“For over 60 years, our Atlas Van Operators havebeen the public face of our company,” says AtlasPresident and COO Jack Griffin. “They represent uswith outstanding customer service. It’s our privilege todedicate this week to these exceptional members ofthe Atlas Family.”Watch the Atlas Facebook page for photos, and see thenext issue of the Atlas Amplifier for an event wrap-up story.April 25 to 29Atlas HQ and agents host gatherings toshow appreciation to Atlas Van Operators.14Atlas Amplifier • Summer 2011Atlas Amplifier • Summer 2011 15