The first thing that goes through most people’s mind when they are told that they need to move is blind panic. Humans are hardwired to fear change, and to fear the loss of control over their personal space. Demanding a major, world-changing, life-upending event such as a relocation can push both these triggers. Read on to find out how to make employees willing to relocate.
Sell It!
Sitting an employee down and ordering them to relocate is a recipe for disaster. Instead, research shows that bringing people together as a group and pitching the positives of the new location can build an atmosphere of relocation incentive. Crucially, this needs to focus on organisational benefits as well as personal benefits. Studies show that most employees have high levels of company loyalty, and will be enthusiastic about decisions that benefit the firm, as long as the pitch and tone are filled with positivity and optimism.
Financial
Employees will expect a range of benefits in exchange for upending their world. Remember, relocations mean that people will lose local connections with friends and family, visits to their favourite shops and restaurants, and children may have to interrupt their education. None of these things should be taken lightly, and employers need to reflect this sensitively. Financial compensation is one way to express support. However, it is also helpful to sit down with employees and listen to their concerns and requirements to discover if other perks – such as covering transport costs to visit loved ones, or hiring a professional relocation service – would be more beneficial.
Position
Relocations can be a good opportunity to have a bit of an organisational shake-up. If someone is not being used to full potential in their current position, consider creating a new role, complete with financial compensation. This can make the relocation much more attractive to employees, and ultimately more beneficial to the organisation as a whole. Again, this boils down to framing the entire relocation positively, and embracing it as a time of exciting opportunities and forward momentum rather than constricting, forced change.
Transparency
Contracting employees with a mobility cause can help with relocations. However, it is crucial that this is done with transparency. Searching for employees who are willing to relocate and openly discussing the possibility of relocation during the interview phase can help to attract employees who genuinely want to experience major life changes. This can help to draw people who are the right match for your organisational vision, while preventing anxiety, discontent, and resentment in the future.
Next Steps
Corporate relocations can be catalysts for dynamic organisational growth, but only when they are handled properly. Professional relocation specialists can help, so get in touch with us today.
Image Source: Canva
