On the Go: Simple Keys to Ensuring a Successful Group Move
When many hear the term “Group Move” the immediate response is one of angst and terror, and that’s felt by both the corporate team and the relocation partner. But those involved in planning and executing a Group Move, need not despair. By taking into account a few key tactics, you can drive a successful Group Move for your organization and for your relocating employees.
The single most important factor in executing a successful Group Move is planning. Begin the process by identifying the key objectives for both your Company and your employees. Establish an internal committee of critical stakeholders comprised of representatives from human resources (HR), benefits and compensation, departmental managers, facilities and your relocation provider.
Ensure that your team takes advantage of all resources, such as local real estate professionals from the destination location (your relocation partner will coordinate) so that the planning committee is well versed on the destination location prior to any internal communication or announcement. Does the new location present a higher cost of living and if so, how will this potential objection be addressed? What is the state of the housing market in the destination location? Review the potential scenarios with your committee, work to identify the potential objections and questions and be prepared with solutions. If the new destination presents a lower cost of living, showcase the positive possibilities of a move. Again, being prepared and knowledgeable is the key for developing a meaningful, consistent group move policy and coordinating formal meetings and communication with employees will be invaluable.
Another key in the overall planning is working with your relocation partner well in advance, so that qualified professionals are prepared and ready to assist. Your relocation partner will coordinate real estate professionals at both origin and destination to assist with the disposition and purchase of real estate, which will offer a strong support line to employees’ concerns. And don’t forget about your renter population, who share similar concerns with homeowners. Engaging key brokers will open up the possibilities to the new area and what it has to offer. Also, enlist lending professionals who will work with potential transferees to assess their existing real estate situation and assist them with analyzing the potentials for home purchase at destination.
In closing, the secret to a successful group move is planning, which is demonstrated by identifying budget and overall cost projections; partnering with your relocation provider and leveraging their ancillary resources in the areas of real estate and mortgage; designing a competitive yet realistic policy, communicating and assisting employee needs; supplying pertinent information on the new area; conducting on-site meetings with all concerned for policy briefing, pre-decision, and orientation; and remembering that group moves generally expose a myriad of emotions. To be successful from both corporate and personnel perspectives, a Group Move requires a carefully orchestrated process.
Posted on 04/8/2009 in Domestic Relocation | Comments (0)
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