…and how you can get your workers settled into the new place seamlessly
If you are facing a commercial or corporate move soon, you may be concerned about how your employees will navigate this difficult time. After all, it’s not easy to ask your workers to move with you, especially if they have to sell their homes and get new ones in the new city. Fortunately, resources exist to help with employee relocation so the process is easier on them – and you.
Employee relocation is when a company decides to move an employee from one location to another, enticing them with benefits and incentives to sweeten the deal and make the move go more smoothly. There are many reasons why a company would want to relocate an employee, from the need to fill an open location at another branch, to opening a whole new location, or to aid in career development.
Employee relocation, also known as corporate relocation, is a critical task that shouldn’t be ignored because it allow employers such as yourself to stay on the competitive edge as you search for top-tier talent. The employee relocation industry is there to assist you in managing and moving your best employees in an effort to boost productivity, increase revenue and enhance personal performance.
In a nutshell, employee relocation packages help companies like yours attract candidates from other areas of the state or country, or even globally, says Business News Daily.
Relocation benefits include:
- Pre-decision counseling (Should they make the move or not? What are the pros and cons to such a relocation?)
- Departure and destination assistance (i.e., selling their existing home and buying a new one)
- Household goods move (i.e., via rental truck, air freight or van line).
It’s up to you to choose what level of incentive you want to give your employees, and it may depend on several factors such as homeowner status and employment level. Most relocation policies are like workflows, based on tier, that will determine what each worker will receive.
How to Ensure a Smooth Relocation For Your Employees
Moving under any circumstances can be challenging, overwhelming and confusing, but when you add in haste due to a company move, it can be even more harrowing. Here are some helpful tips to guide you as you attempt to make the process as seamless as possible. It’s important to lower your team’s stress as you all navigate a relocation of one or two essential employees, or the relocation of the entire company location.
1. Review the Relocation Policy Beforehand
Make sure the employee has a copy of your relocation policy, and go over it with them line by line so they understand what it entails. They must know exactly how this will affect them, what the timeframe is, what costs you will be supporting them with, and what costs they have to cover out of their own pocket.
Give them resources on the new city or destination so they can research it themselves. It would be helpful to provide them with the cost of living in the new place, real estate agent referrals and community resources that could provide a good point of reference to aid them in their decision.
2. Give Them Pointers
If you have already been to or lived in that area before, give them advice on what to expect. Provide suggestions, ask other veteran employees to talk to them, and give them advice on which neighborhoods have the best school systems, for instance. This will particularly help employees who have families, as the quality of schools is a very important part of the decision making process.
What neighborhoods would be good for them that would translate to a quick commute? What about access to public transportation, entertainment venues, local shops and restaurants, and parks? Hook them up with reputable moving companies in the area as well. All these suggestions will prove invaluable to a relocating employee. You want them to feel fully comfortable with the move.
3. Use Technology to Get Them Acclimated
Your relocating employee may be very nervous because they just don’t know what to expect. Technology can bridge that gap and make them feel much more comfortable and at ease. If you are already in the new location or have access to it, you can have a video chat with them remotely to show them what their new office would look like, as well as the perks that come with it, such as gym membership, daycare services, cafeteria, food trucks, and more.
You can use technologies like Zoom and FaceTime to introduce them to their future colleagues so they can make connections before they even show up for their first day. Technology is a big stress reliever for employees who are making the leap to join your team.
4. Make Them Feel Welcome
Even if the employee has moved several times in his or her life, a move is always a stressful and overwhelming experience. Be sympathetic to this and do all you can to warmly welcome your relocated employees upon their arrival. You could meet up with them for dinner that first night, or maybe you can send a basket of flowers or fruits to their new home for their family to enjoy. Whatever the case, it’s important to extend support and make sure they feel at home.
5. Designate a Veteran Employee to Get Them Settled
Onboarding is a critical part of employee retention. Ask a trusted veteran employee to help with the training process, as well as to provide ongoing support as the employee acclimates to their new environment.
Contact Best Fit Movers
If you have a pending commercial or office move and want to know more about the ins and outs of employee relocation, don’t hesitate to contact us today in San Diego at 858-943-3628. We would be happy to give you a free quote and explain our commercial moving services in greater detail.
