There are various reasons a business may relocate or move some of its staff. Maybe the company is expanding, upgrading, or seeking better facilities — whatever the reason, relocating can be a stressful event for employees.
– Issues such as adjusting to the new environment and finding housing solutions can significantly impact employees and make them feel alienated.
– Leaving their colleagues and families also can cause Employees loneliness and anxiety. And relocations can cause financial strain due to logistical plans. These effects hamper productivity and job satisfaction.
So, to address these issues, let’s explore some tips on how to set expectations with your employees to keep them happy and ensure the move does not affect everyone adversely.
Prepare and Communicate in Advance
If you are planning any relocations that involve your employees, it’s imperative that you communicate with them in advance. Announcing relocation plans on short notice can cause panic and concern.
Prior communication plans are the key to a smooth relocation.
First, whenever possible, give employees at least six months of notice before the relocation to help them plan and deal with the new changes.
Have an open and transparent dialogue to enhance the long-term employer-employee relationship. Engage them in the relocation plans and ask for their opinions to make them feel like part of the team. Communication also will help manage employee expectations regarding the logistics and potential challenges, reducing frustrations. Early preparation and communication help keep employees calm and enthusiastic about the move.
Offer Relocation Support Services
Packing, moving, and then unpacking is no fun for anybody, and it can add to the pressure of corporate relocating. However, you can streamline the relocation process for your employees by offering relocation assistance.
Relocation assistants not only help with moving but also help with house hunting. Navigating real estate in a new environment can be difficult and cause anxiety. Such assistants also can help employees settle in and look for schools and spouse jobs.
The relocation services also can offer a package of selling or renting the employee’s current home and offer them peace of mind. Outsourcing a relocation support team for your employees removes the burden of moving. The relocation support also helps them navigate and quickly adapt to new environments.
Provide Work-Life Balance
Adjusting during corporate relocation is tough and affects work-life balance, resulting in burnout. According to a study, 49 percent of employees who quit their jobs cited reason a poor work-life balance.
Providing a healthy work-life balance is beneficial to your employees. Consider offering flexible working hours during the transitional phase.
One of the lessons COVID-19 taught the work industry is that remote work can be practical. Allow your relocating employees the option to work remotely for better results. Flexible working hours help employees handle personal matters, settle into their new surroundings, and manage logistics.
Ensure Family & Community Integration
Relocating an employee often may mean their family also moves with them. Unfortunately, one of the most overlooked consequences of corporate relocation is its effect on an employee’s family.
Most families struggle with challenges such as looking for new schools and adapting to the new environment. Relocation also means the employee’s partner must change their job and career opportunities. Such concerns for their family can take a toll on an employee and affect productivity.
In a highly competitive job market, it’s crucial to minimize relocation-related stress. Therefore, seek ways to ensure an employee’s family is integrated into the new community so they don’t feel alienated. Consider offering resources to look for new jobs and schools.
To ensure a smooth transition, offer support for finding local amenities such as hospitals and community centers.
Encourage Feedback & Adaptation
Encouraging employee feedback regarding corporate relocation has several benefits. When you allow employees to provide suggestions about relocations, they feel more engaged in the decision-making process.
To ensure feedback and adaptation during corporate relocation, establish clear communication channels with employees and actively seek feedback.
To effectively get suggestions, conduct surveys to find areas that may require improvement. Focus groups are another excellent and cost-effective way to collect insightful suggestions. After getting employee suggestions, be willing to amend where necessary.
Overall, It is important to understand that Corporate Relocations can be challenging for employees, and employers must prioritize their well-being. By implementing the tips above, relocation can be smooth, and employees can enjoy the transition.
Expatria’s Corporate Relocation Services can help you develop a seamless employee relocation strategy. With over 15 years of experience in global mobility industry, we offer integrated corporate relocation programs that encompass visa assistance, FRRO documentation, accommodation, transportation, city orientation services, etc.
For more details, visit – https://expatria.in/
To know more about it, you can write to us at enquiry@expatria.in or call us at +91-9599198950
