Businesses need corporate relocation services to keep their employees moving. However, how does a human resources department find the best corporate relocation company to manage these services?
Perhaps your growing company has too many complex employee moves to manage in-house. Or maybe your business’s current relocation vendor no longer aligns with its evolving needs.
With so many corporate relocation services available, choosing the best relocation company for your business can be challenging. This guide to choosing the best corporate relocation company will walk you through the key considerations for selecting a corporate relocation partner that meets the company’s needs and creates an exceptional relocation experience for your employees.
The Best Relocation Company For Your Business Goals
The best relocation company varies for every business. Companies should select an employee relocation provider that aligns with their company’s size, needs, locations, growth stage, culture, & budget.
Choosing the best relocation services to match the business’s unique requirements will enhance employee satisfaction and advance the global mobility program goals. Consider these elements to find the best relocation companies:
Number of Employee Moves
The number of employee relocations per year is a key factor in choosing the best relocation company.
Huge multinational companies that move hundreds or thousands of employees yearly should partner with a major corporate relocation firm with extensive reach and resources.
These large relocation companies offer the infrastructure and global network necessary to efficiently manage high volumes of global relocation relocations.
Conversely, smaller companies managing dozens or hundreds of moves per year might find that a large relocation company doesn’t provide the personalized service they need. In these cases, partnering with a smaller, specialized employee relocation company can be more beneficial.
Boutique corporate relocation companies offer more tailored services and dedicated support. They aim to meet every client’s custom needs and give employees more personalized care throughout the relocation process.
Best Relocation Company Location
When selecting the best relocation company, consider geographic presence. Ideally, choose a relocation company primarily based in the same country.
For example, U.S.-based companies are generally better served by relocation firms also headquartered in the United States. That way, the relocation company is familiar with local regulations, market conditions, and logistical considerations.
Destinations of Employee Moves
When choosing the best relocation services, consider the destinations of the employees’ moves.
Are the relocations primarily domestic, or does the business have significant global mobility needs? Some relocation companies specialize in domestic or international relocations, while others may focus on specific countries or regions.
If the company frequently requires international moves, look for a relocation partner with expertise in global mobility and established networks in the relevant countries.
A relocation company focused on national coverage and understanding local markets will be more suitable for businesses with predominantly domestic relocations.
Best Relocation Services Needs
What are the employees’ relocation service needs? Is the primary focus on relocation and transportation of household goods? Or if there are additional requirements such as real estate assistance, temporary housing, or destination services?
For international relocations, consider if the relocation company offers comprehensive global mobility services for navigating immigration, settling-in support, and other country-specific needs.
The best relocation services are diverse and wide-ranging.
Corporate Relocation Consultation & Strategy
Consider what the business prioritizes in relocation services. Is the focus on developing a robust policy strategy, achieving cost savings, enhancing transferee service levels, or ensuring equity across moves? Ensure the relocation company’s values, expertise, and service expectations align with the company’s goals.
The best corporate relocation company partner can offer strategic consultation and customize services to support company priorities. Their approach should complement the overall relocation strategy and meet the organizational objectives.
Corporate Relocation Budget
Evaluating whether a relocation company can meet the company’s budget goals is crucial. Assess whether the company offers various levels of relocation services to fit different budget ranges. Can they provide options that align with financial constraints while still delivering the necessary support?
The best corporate relocation company partner will be transparent about costs and offer the best relocation services options within the budget. The goal is to balance cost-effectiveness and quality of service. The company should get the best value for its investment in relocation services.
Questions to Find the Best Relocation Company
Here are specific questions that human resources professionals and company leadership should ask to evaluate the best relocation company for their business and employees:
- What is your service delivery model? What is your approach to managing relocations?
- Can you describe your supplier network? How do you manage your supplier relationships?
- What are the communication protocols and touchpoints with transferees?
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and new supplier options?
- What are the relocation services you provide? For domestic relocation? For international relocation & global mobility?
- What are your methods and priorities for creating relocation policies?
- What is your process for problem resolution?
- How do you ensure competitive pricing and benchmark pricing versus your competitors?
- Which metrics do you use to measure relocation service quality? How do you measure supplier performance? Do you have satisfaction scores you can provide to demonstrate your service quality?
- How do you benchmark service quality versus your competitors?
- How do you utilize technology in your approach to relocation management? What kind of technology would our team and employees use as part of the relocation process?
- How do you handle exception management?
Characteristics of the Best Relocation Company
To identify the best relocation company for the business’s needs, it’s important to seek out several key characteristics that signify a strong and reliable partner.
Corporate Relocation Expertise
Look for a company with a proven track record and extensive experience in managing corporate relocations. Their expertise should cover various types of moves and complexities.
Responsive & Proactive Communication
The ideal relocation company should maintain clear, timely, and proactive communication throughout the relocation process. The relocation company should keep all parties informed and address any issues promptly.
High-Quality Relocation Services Suppliers
Evaluate whether the company partners with reputable service providers. The best relocation companies maintain high-quality standards for all aspects of the relocation.
Solutions For Challenges
The relocation company should be adept at identifying and solving potential challenges that may arise. The best relocation companies offer effective solutions to minimize disruptions.
Wide Range of Services & Geographies
A strong relocation partner will offer a comprehensive range of the best relocation services and be able to manage relocations across many geographies, whether domestic or international.
Ongoing Cost & Relocation Service Optimization
The best relocation companies continually strive to optimize cost and service quality. They give their clients the best value while maintaining high standards.
Process of Choosing a Relocation Company
Choosing the best relocation company involves a thoughtful and systematic approach. Follow these steps to find, evaluate, and hire the relocation partner that best suits the company’s needs:
1. Identify the Company’s Needs
Determine the company’s specific relocation requirements, including the number of moves, destinations, and the types of services employees will need.
2. Research Potential Companies
Compile a list of potential relocation companies by researching online, seeking recommendations, and reviewing industry rankings or testimonials.
3. Evaluate Expertise and Experience
Assess each company’s experience with corporate relocations, specialization in domestic or international moves, and track record with similar clients.
4. Review Service Offerings
Compare the range of services each company provides, ensuring they align with the business’s needs, whether it’s household goods transportation, real estate assistance, or global mobility support.
5. Check Geographic Coverage
Confirm that the relocation companies have the necessary geographic reach to handle the employees’ specific relocation destinations, both domestically and internationally.
6. Request Proposals and Quotes
Reach out to the shortlisted companies for detailed proposals and quotes, including a breakdown of costs and services offered.
7. Conduct Interviews
Interview key representatives from each company to discuss their approach, communication practices, and how they handle potential challenges. Pose targeted questions to gauge the company’s alignment with the business priorities, such as policy strategy, budget flexibility, and service level expectations.
8. Review References and Case Studies
Request references from other clients, particularly those in similar industries or with comparable relocation needs, and review any available case studies.
9. Assess Cost and Service Optimization
Evaluate how each company balances cost with service quality, and whether they offer strategies for ongoing cost and service improvements.
10. Make the Decision
Based on these evaluations, select the best relocation company for the business’s goals, budget, and service expectations.
11. Negotiate and Finalize the Contract
Work with the chosen company to negotiate terms, finalize the contract, and establish a clear plan for managing future relocations.
Is NRI Relocation the Best Relocation Company For Your Business?
Deciding on the best relocation company for your business is a critical decision that will determine the success of your employee relocations. By considering factors such as your company’s goals, relocation needs, and potential partners’ characteristics, you can make an informed choice that supports both your business and your employees.
NRI Relocation embodies all the qualities of the best relocation services outlined in this guide, making us an ideal partner for your corporate relocation needs. As an award-winning corporate relocation company based in Chicago, IL, we make relocation personal. Our values and purpose guide our exceptional service, trusted support, and effective relocation solutions. With NRI, you gain the personalized service and trust of a small company, combined with the broad capabilities and scope of a large firm.
Ready to experience the NRI Relocation difference? Contact us today to discuss how we can support your business and employees through their next move.