Relocating for a job is an exciting yet frightening journey. As their new employer, your role doesn’t just stop at hiring. In fact, you’re pivotal in ensuring these brave employees assimilate into the company culture smoothly and settle comfortably into their new lives.
By providing meaningful support, you can ease this transition process and kick-start a healthy working relationship. Let’s take a closer look at how employers can make this shift easier.
10 Ways Employers Can Support Relocated Employees
Relocating can be a tough experience for new employees. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 10 notable ways employers can provide support and help ease the transition.
1. Offer a Welcome Package
Creating a unique welcome package can make your new employees feel valued right from the start of their journey with you. This could be as simple as having all the necessary office supplies ready at their desk and including personalized items that reflect your company’s brand.
By putting thought into this gesture, you’re not just helping them settle into the job, but showing that you care about their overall experience within your business organization.
2. Cater in Office or Provide Coupons
One excellent way to support new employees is by making their dining experience simpler. That becomes particularly crucial when they’re just settling in and might not find enough time to cook.
To help them out, consider offering a convenient meal prep service either directly in the office or through partnerships with businesses like HelloFresh. Providing meal coupons that can be used at popular local restaurants is another thoughtful gesture that exposes them to local food.
3. Pair Them With a Mentor
Assigning a mentor from within your team could be a major game-changer for employees who’ve relocated. This person acts as a guide and point of contact, someone who can help them understand the nuanced ins and outs of your company’s culture and operations.
A mentor can help buffer their transition, making it smoother by providing tips and advice or simply listening to their concerns. Mentors could also introduce new hires to others in the team.
4. Provide Temporary Accommodation
Offering temporary housing can be a great step in aiding your employee’s transition. Locating accommodations in a new city or country could be both daunting and time-consuming.
Provision of temporary accommodation, whether it’s an apartment or a room in a guest house, gives them time to understand their new location and find suitable long-term housing options without immediate pressure, thus making their initial days less stressful and more comfortable.
5. Cover Transportation Costs
Relocation not only changes an employee’s work environment but also disrupts their everyday life. Covering the transportation costs for a certain period is a gesture of solidarity that will be greatly appreciated. It allows them to find their way around without stressing about expenses.
This can include coverage for public transport fees or providing a company vehicle. Ensuring your employees can get to and from work comfortably positively impacts their productivity.
6. Organize Social Events
Promoting social interaction within your team can help employees cope with the changes and feel more at home. Organizing social events is an excellent way to make this happen. It could be as simple as a small welcome party, after-work dinners, or team-building activities.
These events offer the opportunity for them to form bonds with new colleagues outside of the work environment, share experiences, and build a sense of belonging within the community.
7. Encourage Local Engagement
Integration into the local community can be as important for relocated employees as fitting in at work. Encourage your employees to explore the local area, go to events, or join social clubs. Promote local attractions, outings, or festivals that are taking place in your area or nearby.
By engaging with their new locality from the get-go, they get a chance to form connections outside work, absorb the culture, and experience the vibrancy of their new home.
8. Highlight Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are valuable resources for employees dealing with personal or professional difficulties. These programs can range from mental health counseling to financial planning advice. Make sure your relocated employees are aware of these resources.
An employee who is able to navigate personal issues with the support of EAPs is an employee who can more confidently face the demands of their new job and surroundings.
9. Allow Flexible Work Hours
Adjusting to a new location can take time and energy. Therefore, allowing your employees some flexibility when it comes to their work schedule may relieve some of this pressure.
This could mean flexible hours, remote working options, or even a combination of the two. Providing them with this type of flexibility can help them balance their professional duties with settling into their surroundings, reducing stress and helping them perform better in the long run.
10. Hold Regular Check-ins With HR or Management
Regular check-ins facilitated by the human resources department or direct management are essential for supporting relocated employees. These scheduled catch-ups provide the space to discuss any challenges, ask questions, or voice concerns as they become apparent.
It’s also wise to use feedback tools for employees, as you can gather input anonymously and get honest appraisals of the experiences that team members are faced with this way. The other advantage of implementing such platforms is that it helps to formalize feedback collection, and streamlines the process of collating and analyzing the findings thanks to the impact of automation.
By actively seeking feedback and making the necessary adjustments in response, you demonstrate that you’re there to help them navigate this transition period.
In Conclusion…
Let’s remember that your employees are your company’s most valuable asset, especially those willing to relocate for their roles. Supporting them during this transition not only ensures a productive workforce; but also cultivates dedicated and loyal employees. Start implementing these strategies today to create a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.
