Michael left behind the hustle of New York City for a bungalow that’s walking distance from downtown. Allison enjoys hikes and waterfalls when she’s not leading her environmental-engineering team. Lakessa has moved up steadily in a career she didn’t anticipate in a region not on her radar.
What do Michael, Allison and Lakessa have in common?
They all chose the Upstate as a place to grow their careers and improve their quality of life, and they serve as ambassadors for the region’s talent initiative, Move Up.
Move Up is a talent platform launched by the Upstate SC Alliance to connect individuals with in-demand jobs in the region through MoveUpstateSC.com.
The initiative helps Upstate employers fill available jobs by appealing to the top factors that job seekers consider when deciding where to live and work — a program that’s increasingly important as talent availability drives where companies establish business presences.
Top location decision factors for talent include:
- Cost of living and affordability
Cost of living and housing costs were tied as the No. 1 location factors in a Development Counselors International (DCI) survey. A Livability study found these to be within the top three factors for 70% of millennials. Move Up features a cost-of-living calculator for comparing Greenville, Anderson and Spartanburg against markets across the country.
- Housing availability
Cited as the second most important location factor in DCI’s survey, housing availability — and variety — helps determine whether individuals will relocate. Move Up users can explore the region’s mix of urban, suburban and rural communities and connect with real estate agencies through the site’s housing page.
- Quality of life
In the DCI survey, 46% said better quality of life was a primary cause for relocation — they want to know that there’s something to do during their “five to nine” leisure time. Citing the region’s 219 days of sunshine, 556 miles of bike trails and more, Move Up showcases the Upstate’s arts, culture, food scene, sports action and adventure amenities.
- Future career opportunities
Fifty-four percent of people surveyed by Livability named future career opportunities as a top-three relocation factor. A progression path can be anything from an environment with many employers in a given occupation to employers known to foster long-term growth.
Lakessa’s story — decades with employer Milliken & Co. — is one that speaks to pathways to advancement.
- Diversity and inclusion
DCI respondents said a welcoming, friendly and diverse population is the next most important location factor. And 88% of nonwhite millennials surveyed said they are more likely to move to a place they perceive as inclusive.
Move Up strives for inclusive representation across its storytelling and is enhancing its storytelling about DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives.
Move Up is available as a resource for Upstate employers to use in recruiting employees and for Upstate college and career counselors to showcase local opportunities and lifestyles.
Move Up also incorporates testimonials from individuals like Michael, Allison and Lakessa who choose to call the Upstate home, created to appeal to talent’s top location decision factors.
“When it comes to finding balance,” Allison says, “Upstate South Carolina has everything I need.”
SIDEBAR:
Move Up Employer Toolkit
Brochures, video stories, marketing partnerships, website badges and Upstate swag are available to Upstate employers.
See more at MoveUpstateSC.com.
