Top Relocation Challenges for Companies Moving Employees and How to Conquer Them

When companies move to a new state, they often want to relocate their top employees to the new site. Relocating employees can keep them on your team and avoid recruiting to fill these positions. However, relocations can be challenging and, if mishandled, can negatively affect the employee's happiness and productivity.  Here are some tips for handling common employee relocation challenges.

Resistance to Change

Humans typically are creatures of habit and resist change. Therefore, when an external force causes them to change, they often experience a loss of control. Companies can help alleviate this by giving employees choices, such as flexible work schedules, to control the process. 

Housing

Employees will need to find housing that suits their lifestyle preferences and, unless they're working from home, will be within an acceptable commuting distance. Housing poses challenges for several reasons. One is that housing costs and other costs of living vary between localities. As a result, companies will need to evaluate their compensation packages to allow for any cost of living differentials. Providing accurate cost information to employees will be important as well.

Another is that employees face moving offices and finding suitable housing all at once. Companies can manage this challenge by working with the employee ahead of the move to discover their housing requirements and then partnering with a real estate agent to find neighborhoods and locations that match the needs. In addition, companies can organize and allow work time for viewings before the move and pay for one house-hunting trip if they can afford it.

Employees also may need to sell their homes in their current location before buying a new one. Again, companies can offer help with advertising or reimburse employees for any amount lost because of a quick sale. 

Family

According to a survey, employees are twice as likely to cite family or similar personal issues as a reason to refuse to relocate. One way to conquer this challenge is to offer job search assistance for a working spouse.

Another way to conquer family relocation challenges is to proactively help children make a smooth transition. Companies should be aware of the issues associated with relocating children, help research schools and daycare options in the area, and offer viable support for families with children.

Moving The Employee's Belongings

If employees manage the packing and moving of their own personal belongings, they'll likely need more time off work and less productivity. A better option is to partner with a moving company to pack and move all the relocating employees. Companies also typically pay or reimburse most of the moving costs to encourage employees to make a move and alleviate employee distractions.

Help Relocating Your Business

Are you relocating your business? Eliminate some of the challenges of employee relocation. Contact us for assistance. We can provide employee relocation services in addition to relocating your office.