What does an employee relocation package typically include?
There are numerous approaches to take when putting together employee relocation packages, but in the end, every company is trying to do the same thing; that is, to find the perfect middle ground on relocation benefits that don’t blow the company’s budget while also being lucrative enough to attract the right candidate for the open position.
It’s not uncommon for a company to try to construct relocation policies on their own before realizing they are in over their head and need the assistance of a relocation management company (RMC). RMCs give insight and can provide statistics and studies that help companies form relocation packages that land in that happy middle ground mentioned before.
But even working with an RMC, it can be hard to know what should be included in talent mobility options offered to newly hired employees. So here’s a look at some of the common aspects that should be covered in relocation packages:
House-Hunting Trips
That’s why it is recommended that companies cover at least one or two house-hunting trips. These trips allow employees to scoop out their new destination and view some homes with a specialized relocation agent. Employees can also check out some schools for their kids.
Temporary Housing
Temporary housing, also known as corporate housing, is usually given from 14 to 90 days. This can help the employee transition to the moving process. There are a few different factors that require a new-hired employee to need corporate housing. The most common is if the relocating employee’s new home isn’t ready. Another common is if the employee could not purchase a place to live within the timeframe given.
RMCs can help companies set up corporate housing leases with apartment complexes or townhome owners so that it is affordable for the company and extremely helpful for the transferee.
Family and Spousal Support
It’s not always just the employee moving, and it can be their whole family. Language and spousal career support add some family assistance benefits to relocation packages. Language training is an obvious one for those who are relocating internationally with kids. Giving them the resources to learn a new language can help them in school.
And the transferee’s spouse may have to leave their job when the relocation occurs. This is why it can be beneficial for the family if the relocation policies include career services such as help with the job hunt and resume review assistance.
Real Estate Assistance
Employees’ main stress points about relocating are selling and buying a home. Real estate transactions can take weeks or months, making it a scary process when the move takes place in a short period. Any reputable RMC would recommend relocating employees with some home buying and selling programs.
Three of the most used real estate assistance programs RMCs refer to are Direct Reimbursement, Buyer Value Option (BVO), and Guaranteed Purchase Offer (GPO). Of course, each will have different advantages depending on the transferee’s needs. But giving the new-hired employee some help in either buying or selling their home can help assure they can get to their new destination promptly.
Shipping of Household Goods
When people think about the relocation process, it is the only part that comes to mind but moving a transferee’s household goods is a crucial stage so it should not be overlooked. Packing, moving, and storing the employee’s furniture and belongings should be done by a reliable moving professional who can provide a great price. Every transferee’s nightmare is that the movers will not show up on the right day or their stuff will get broken.
Any knowledgeable RMC will get multiple quotes from moving companies for the transferee. This way there are options to assure both the company and the employee are being taken care of for costs and customer service.
How Much Should Companies Spend on Relocation Packages?
That is the age-old question that is hard to answer. Too many variables must be reviewed before a realistic quote can be given on how relocation costs should be allocated. Some variables on this include number of relocations per year, distance on the moves, what relocation services the company is willing to cover, and visa and immigration services needed?
One of the best ways to keep relocation costs under control is to update relocation policies every 12 to 16 months at a minimum. Service prices change so much that if companies are not updating their relocation packages, they could be spending unnecessary money or in some cases, they might not be spending enough money, forcing qualified candidates to walk away from the job.
GMS Will Help Put Together the Best Relocation Package
Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is the industry leader in employee relocation. Our expert team has been assisting companies put together comprehensive and competitive relocation packages for 30-plus years. We listen to your needs and then tailor relocation policies that best suit those needs at a cost-efficient price so that you can get your employees from point A to point B in a seamless transition. In addition, we will make sure that all the relocation services you need are included in all new hire’s offer letters.
GMS strives to be the best in customer service, so we will assign a relocation coach to each of your employees to help in the relocation process every step. If you’re ready to hear more about how GMS can help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. And to get other questions you may have about talent mobility answered, check out our Knowledge Base.
We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation
Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.
Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS
Senior Vice President, Global Account Management Sam joined Global Mobility Solutions in 1996 and has a unique perspective with her 25 years of industry experience. Samantha offers her clients relocation expertise and a commitment to excellence in her. Her proficiency in orchestrating the BVO and GPO Programs, as well as relocation policy design and implementation, are invaluable assets to the accounts she manages. Her experience in administering Pre-Decision Relocation services to enhance the recruiting process further demonstrates her unique abilities to service her clients. Samantha’s diverse experience, leadership, and outstanding communication skills enable her to manage the relocation process for her clients with finesse and polished professionalism.
