In an era where digital transformation is reshaping every aspect of business, CGI's approach to global mobility stands out as a compelling example of innovation in action. In a recent episode of " The View from the Top," David Carmichael, CGI's global mobility leader, shared how they transformed their mobility program from a traditional model to a digital-first approach that's delivering impressive results.
Like many global organizations, CGI faced mounting pressure to make their mobility program faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective. With approximately 500 traditional expatriates and over 4,000 international new hires requiring mobility support, the traditional RMC model was becoming increasingly unsustainable.
"The reality is, if we were providing support that made the move cost prohibitive, we wouldn't win the work and we wouldn't be moving the people," Carmichael explained. This business reality became the catalyst for change.
What started as an initiative to supplement their traditional mobility model with Benivo's digital platform evolved into something more revolutionary. CGI decided to flip their approach entirely — making digital the primary solution while retaining traditional support through Benivo's Relocation Services for cases that truly needed it. The results? Remarkable. The program has seen:
This transformation aligns perfectly with what Brian Friedman refers to as the "GenSaaS" generation -— young professionals who prefer digital-first approaches and expect instant access to information. "People want access to information now. They don't want to wait for the next day, for the next available meeting," Carmichael notes. Benivo's Mobility Tech platform provides 24/7 access to:
Importantly, CGI's approach isn't about eliminating human interaction - it's about making it more meaningful. The digital platform handles routine tasks and information sharing, freeing up mobility professionals to focus on complex cases and strategic work. As Carmichael puts it, "I don't want to say cheap because cost-effective is different from cheap."
CGI's vision for the future includes:
CGI's journey represents more than just a technology implementation — it's a blueprint for modern global mobility management. By embracing digital transformation while maintaining high-touch support where needed, they've created a model that's more efficient, more cost-effective, and more satisfying for employees.
As the scope of global mobility continues to expand and compliance becomes more complex, CGI's approach demonstrates how organizations can adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital world. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to flip the traditional model on its head.
The success of CGI's transformation challenges us all to rethink our assumptions about how mobility support should be delivered. As Carmichael says, "We can't rest on our laurels now... we need to take it and continue to run with it."
You can access the complete show recording here. Don't forget to register for part 2 of Microsoft's Global Mobility Transformation.
Contact us to learn more or to demo Benivo's Relocation Services + Mobility Tech.