21st-century society is far more mobile than any previous generation, and it’s often the case that people move away from home for university and end up staying or relocating for a partner or job. It is also equally the case that people sometimes have a yearning to move back home or want to relocate for more personal reasons. Any long-distance relocation is a big undertaking, and if you currently have a job, requesting a transfer to a new office or location requires careful planning and communication with your manager. So, if you're thinking, "I want to relocate," but have no idea how to tell your boss you want to make the big step or how they will react, below are some tips to help you.
Before you consider talking to your boss about relocating, first be sure whether or not you can do your job from another location. Many jobs, for instance, may be successfully achieved working remotely, with only occasional face-to-face travel to your home office. Or, there may be a similar role available at a company office in your new location that you can simply transfer to. This isn’t possible for all roles, however, such as if your job depends on face-to-face relationships with an established local client base, the company you work for just has one location, or you don’t speak the language in your intended destination well enough to conduct your role to the required professional standard.
If you’re confident that there is a potential opportunity to transfer within your business, prepare a case for relocation by doing your research carefully. Review any company policies on location transfers or global mobility programmes, and find out, if possible, about any similar cases to your own within the business. It’s harder for them to give you a flat no if they’ve recently approved a relocation request from a colleague in a similar role or pay scale to yourself.
For international moves, pay close attention to specific immigration and labour laws in the desired country, making it easier for your HR team to support you during the move by reducing their administrative burden. Also consider what additional skills or training you may need to be successful in the new locale and be proactive about acquiring local knowledge and learning the local language.
In particular, think about how the relocation can benefit the company, not just yourself. Could you support expansion into a new market, for example? Identify concrete ways the move could improve or add value to the business and rehearse clear explanations for your reasons for relocating and prepare responses to any questions or concerns your boss may have.
Your boss will consider factors like cost, feasibility, and value to the company when evaluating a relocation request, as well as the impact on your current team, accounts/customer contacts, and your productivity. Be ready to address common concerns head-on. If you are a productive, hard-working, long-term employee, your manager may be more likely to give your request consideration and be prepared to support you financially throughout the process.
However, sometimes this may make you a victim of your own success, as your boss may be reluctant to relocate a high-value employee who is liked and respected by their present colleagues! Think through solutions to these and other challenges and ask what you can do to make the transition easier – e.g., by training up a suitable replacement, or offering to trial the move for an agreed timeframe. Outline how you can continue providing value in the new role and location.
The key to success in coming to a mutually beneficial agreement is to demonstrate that you’ve thought out your relocation in detail beforehand, including the timeframe and costs. Provide draft timelines and highlight steps you will take before, during, and after the move, and address practical considerations like establishing communication channels and learning the commute or office layout ahead of time. Assure your boss that you are committed to making the change happen smoothly.
For expert assistance with an upcoming job-related move, contact Galleon International. Our specialists have supported individual and corporate relocations within the UK and worldwide. Reach out today to get started on your upcoming move.
Image source: Canva