Top tips for a smooth relocation process
Talent - both hiring and retaining - is an essential part of any business. Top-tier employees aren’t always going to live in the ideal location for your company. 45% of employers report being unable to find the skills they require, so you may need to expand your talent pool and bring quality recruits to you. Or maybe you need to relocate an employee to another office that needs their unique skill set, offer a promotion or open a new location as part of your global mobility plan.
You may be thinking, is this really necessary? In the era of the Great Resignation, where 88% of executives report higher than normal turnover, it’s already hard enough finding employees, let alone high quality ones.
So, how do you relocate employees? The process includes finding accommodation, organizing visas, packing, moving, and a bunch more. It takes a lot of planning, physically and mentally, and will likely be costly. But moving companies and relocation booking platforms can relieve much of the pressure. Trusted partners, such as 3Sixty, are designed to take over the whole process and offer a streamlined service, meaning you can focus on your business.
Still, it’s not going to be easy. So, here are some tips to make the relocation process as pain-free as possible for both you and your employees.
5 top tips for a smooth relocation
Organization - Any successful event requires planning to ensure things run smoothly, it’s the same for relocation. Be sure to look into every detail to prepare your employee, or hire a partner to do so, because the journey is as important as the destination.
Tailored housing - 3Sixty believes people deserve to feel at home even when they’re not, so set them up in carefully curated employee housing with the right technology to improve the function and comfort of their stay. A home away from home can help them adjust quickly and have a safe place away from the mayhem of change.
Support - From the moment you inform an employee of a relocation to after they’ve settled into their new accommodation, providing enough resources for your team throughout the process will help reduce any obstacles that may affect them excelling in their new role and new location.
Integrity goes a long way. Being honest and understanding encourages employees to open up to you. Do they need to be in a school district, require spousal employment assistance, or help to acclimatize to a new city/country and language after the move?
Managed and serviced accommodations offer 24-7 access to guest services who can answer any queries employees may have about their new home.
Incentives - Unless there’s a mobility clause in their contract, if you require your employees to relocate, they will expect you to finance the move and even cover additional expenses such as losing money from a quick house sale.
Without a mobility clause, employees have a right to choose whether or not they want to relocate. But even with one in place, a financial incentive may help encourage uncertain employees to get on board with the plan. You’ll only be relocating those you believe are worth the costs, so investment in this area isn’t a waste.
Technology - Tech plays a large role right from the start of a relocation journey. Less advanced hiring and relocation processes, such as in-person interviews, can deter potential employees looking for appealing, interesting companies.
The secret to a successful relocation is the processes put in place to entice the best talent. Younger generations especially will be more attracted to companies using technology, such as software platforms that streamline the move.
How successful relocations benefit your business and your team
Relocation programs allow you to reach further afield for quality employees who will contribute to the success and growth of your business. A streamlined process means employees will feel ready to settle into their role quickly and begin doing the great work you hired them for. It will also make their first experience with the company a positive one.
A non-stressful relocation experience means happy employees. Happy employees are more likely to be loyal and hard-working as they have job satisfaction and feel supported. Companies need to work hard to retain talent, so employee wellbeing is a high priority. The right service knows this, for example, 3Sixty partnered with Delos - a real-estate tech company focused on wellness.
Well prepared and planned out relocations are less likely to go wrong and in turn less likely to tally up extra costs. The process is already an investment, so you don’t want to waste money purely because of inefficiency.
‘A streamlined relocation means employees will feel ready to settle into their role quickly and begin doing the great work you hired them for.’
Crafting a smooth relocation is a win-win for all concerned. Using a trusted partner to handle the whole process is key, as being unprepared can be costly and time-consuming. Luckily, with the right tech in place, the relocation experience can be as comfortable and positive as possible.
3Sixty
3Sixty is a state-of-the-art marketplace that reduces the noise in extended-stay travel.
Our HomeMatch™ technology leverages machine learning and human expertise to curate quality, cost-effective housing where your employees feel safe, comfortable, and at peace.