Movers Watch

Employee relocation involves two things: relocating an employee to a different location as a result of a posting/transfer/promotion, or relocating multiple employees, whether as a project team, or while relocating the whole office, employees included. Whatever the case, you as an employer need to make sure that the move goes as smoothly as possible. There are some things you can do here to help the employee(s). I will use ‘employee’ in writing but consider it ‘employees’ wherever applicable.

First and foremost, inform. Tell your employee about the transfer giving him/her enough time to prepare for the move. Also, communicate with your employee and clear any doubts that they might have regarding issues like long-term job security at the new location. Additionally, prepare a small guide for your employee, especially in case of full office moves. It should include information on how to pack, what to pack, moving kids, moving pets, changing address and other related issues. This will save a lot of time and effort on both ends. Also include instructions on what to do before and after the move. Offer pre-move visits to the new location for the employee and family to see the place and meet the people around. Also, if you are currently providing accommodation to the employee, you need to do the same further. If not, give them contact details of real estate agents associated with the company, if any. You can offer temporary accommodation as well if required.

If you can, hire a reliable mover for your employee. If you have a business that involves frequent relocation of employees, you probably have a regular mover. It will be easier for the employee to trust the mover if the employer does. Also, it is your duty to bear the expenses of the move. And even if not, if an employee needs financial assistance, help them out. Offer some sort of relocation benefits, if nothing else. Negotiating some sort of concession with the mover shouldn’t be difficult. You should ideally provide career counseling services to help the employee’s partner look for a new job. Provide help in areas like elder care, education and if possible, other services like a doctor.

All this might seem like a lot to do especially since you’re the boss. But keep in mind that to maximize your employee’s productivity, you need to have them in the right frame of mind. For this, you have to support them through the move, otherwise its no use.