5 steps to a smooth international relocation

It’s often said that moving house and starting a new job are among the most stressful of all life events (right up there with public speaking!). So imagine being relocated for work – you're moving and starting a new job at the same time and you’re in a foreign country, where you’re probably unfamiliar with the local culture, language and customs.

Most relocating employees have to hit the ground running in their new country, as well as find somewhere to live, open a bank account, and find local schools for their children, all while getting used to the challenges of their new role.  While companies’ HR teams usually provide a bit of support to these employees, they’re often not locally based and not even in the same time zone – making moving more stressful than it needs to be.

Employee relocation (or global mobility, as it’s also known) can be so complex – it’s got to be handled carefully. Putting in a bit of thoughtful time, effort and planning in the early stages will ensure a worry-free move for your employees and surprise-free transition for your company.     

 There are 5 key areas to think about before relocating employees:

1. Relocation costs
2. Relocation policy
3. Immigration
4. Culture and language
5. Quality

Unexpected relocation costs can make moving more expensive for everyone involved, so it’s worth taking the time to carefully work out all your costs in advance. Get a few cost estimates, covering different scenarios, from a reliable relocation company.