Blog

First Time Transferees: Overcoming the Challenges

December 12, 2010 by MSI

So, you have an employee, new or existing, who has accepted a transfer and has heard that relocation can be a painful, stressful and an anxiety-filled experience. And, with today’s economic climate, an event that was already considered one of the more stressful that one will endure in their lifetime, is even more intense. The vast majority of companies address transition challenges by providing relocation counseling services; either direct through internal resources or by partnering with a relocation management company. While the counseling is not a benefit exclusively for the ‘first-timer’, it’s even more critical to an employee who has not experienced the process previously.  

One of the keys to a successful first-time relocation is the partnership that the employee develops with their relocation counselor. The relocation counselor’s primary responsibility is to serve as an information conduit, trusted advisor and advocate throughout the process. In today’s environment, the relocation counselor also provides invaluable guidance through their daily experiences especially as it relates to the pressures that the employee may be facing as they sell their home, secure a new residence and move to their new location.

A supplemental key is that the employee remains engaged with the counselor and truly takes advantage of the knowledge they will provide and their advocacy in executing the various elements of the process. The relocation counselor provides consistent communication, but it’s critical that the employee act as an active participant in the process; asking key questions about individual services and overall policy benefits throughout the relocation. The relocation counselor will also help the employee remain organized and on top of their benefits, the timing and delivery of each service and the overall process. They provide a detailed explanation of each benefit authorization, the specific service and how and when it’s delivered, and work with the employee to maximize the use of their authorizations in the most appropriate manner to ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation.