Do you feel like the world is in flux? Between the pandemic, social injustice, global human rights, and environmental and climate-related issues, we all have much to consider. In pre-pandemic offices, seeing a colleague face to face and noting their body language would tell us a lot about how they were feeling. Working remotely, we all must try a little harder. That’s why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is even more important than ever. EQ focuses on understanding our emotions and the emotions of those around us and dealing with them in the best way possible.
How can we evolve in this changing work environment to best support our mobile workforce? The key is employee engagement. Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from the relocation world. Those involved in employee relocation experiences must have a high EQ given the challenges of a move. From household goods shipments and real estate transactions to immigration approval and tax compliance issues, all must be handled with a level of sensitivity.
Successful mobility programs utilize these EQ traits:
- Empathy and active listening
- Emotional maturity
- Awareness and inclusion
- Honesty and humility
- Anticipation and intuition
With experience and communication, these traits can be learned.
High EQ mobility professionals know it’s important to work with service providers who share the same philosophy. Some things to consider:
- Do they communicate new developments, identify challenges, and solve problems in a timely manner?
- Are they flexible and open to a mobile employee suggestions, requests, concerns, and feedback?
- Can they express empathy, so mobile employees know that they are emotionally and logistically supported?
- Will they show compassion in the face of extreme stress during relocation?
By virtue of the job, Global Mobility teams already respond to mobile employees with the empathy and support that is necessary for a successful relocation. Continuing to champion the same EQ traits in dealing with remote and mobile employees will help HR professionals weather the current state of global business, bringing much success to relocation programs in the future.
Written by Cathy Heyne, GMS-T
