When companies relocate employees for global mobility assignments, they often focus on the employee’s needs. However, a successful employee move extends beyond the individual; it encompasses the entire employee family relocation.
Spouses and children significantly influence a corporate move’s overall success. If the entire family isn’t satisfied during the corporate relocation or at the destination, the employee may not choose to continue a global mobility assignment or employment with their company.
While family members benefit from relocation services like transportation, household goods moving, and housing support, some companies offer mobility services specifically to assist families in the transition.
This article highlights the importance of these family-focused relocation services, how they facilitate a smoother adjustment, and how they enhance the overall relocation experience.
The Impact of Family on Corporate Relocation Services
Family size is one of the most significant factors in determining the types of corporate relocation services required for an employee’s move.
Larger families usually need bigger homes and have more household goods to transport, which directly impacts the relocation process and budget.
One of the primary considerations in a corporate relocation is the home sale component. Families are more likely to own a home and need to sell it before embarking on a corporate relocation. A home sale adds many steps and expenses to a corporate relocation, especially if the move requires a guaranteed buyout program.
In addition to selling their current residence, families must also find a home in the new location. Larger families typically need accommodations with more bedrooms and living space to ensure everyone is comfortable. Factors such as proximity to schools, parks, and community amenities become crucial in the search for a suitable home. These needs will drive home finding and corporate housing costs.
Furthermore, non-nuclear and multi-generational households that include grandparents and other family or household members are on the rise. These diverse family structures need to be taken into account in a corporate relocation policy and benefits.
Overall, family size and structure play critical roles in determining the necessary relocation services and the overall budget for the move. Companies need to understand these factors to truly support employees and their families during the relocation process.
What is Family & Spouse Relocation Assistance?
Family and spouse relocation assistance refers to services designed to support the relocating employee’s family members as they transition to life in the new destination. These relocation services facilitate a positive transition and adaptation to the destination. When the family’s well-being is supported, it allows the employee to focus on their new role.
Why Companies Should Provide Family & Spouse Relocation Assistance
Employee family relocation assistance is not just a nice to have; it’s essential for the success of the employee’s assignment. Research indicates that family satisfaction significantly impacts an employee’s performance and decision to stay in a new location.
One phenomenon often discussed in this context is “Trailing Spouse Syndrome.” This term refers to the emotional and professional sacrifices a partner makes to support their relocating spouse. This syndrome can manifest as feelings of loneliness, depression, and a diminished sense of identity, as many trailing spouses may have to put their own careers on hold.
If the family is unhappy in the new location, the employee may feel compelled to return home, leading to a failed assignment and wasted relocation investment.
Relocation Services For Employees’ Families, Spouses, & Children
Spouse Career Assistance For Relocation
Spouse career assistance is a crucial element of family relocation support. This service helps the relocating spouse find employment opportunities in the new location by providing resources such as job search assistance, resume writing help, and interview coaching.
This support is vital because when a spouse finds fulfilling work, it leads to increased family happiness and stability. When the spouse feels a sense of a purpose and provides another income to the household, it can significantly reduce stress on the employee, allowing them to focus on their job responsibilities.
For spouses or partners involved in international assignments where paid work is not an option, there are alternative enriching opportunities. Spouse career assistance can identify activities that contribute to the spouse or partner’s career development and personal growth, such as volunteering, networking, professional development, or pursuing educational opportunities.
School-Finding For Employees’ Children
Finding the right school for children can be a daunting task during a corporate relocation, especially when families need to consider curriculum, academic level, extracurricular activities, the child’s age, special needs, and proximity to their new home.
School-finding services help families identify suitable educational institutions to meet their children’s unique needs. This support is particularly valuable for families with children who have special requirements. These services locate schools with the appropriate resources and inclusive environments for all ages.
Additionally, school-finding services help children seamlessly continue their curricula while abroad, minimizing disruption to their education.
By facilitating a successful transition into their new school, children adapt more quickly to the new environment and focus on their learning. The right school-finding services alleviate stress for parents and provide a positive educational experience for children during this significant life change.
Employee Family Relocation Settling-in and Destination Services
Settling-in services are designed to help families acclimate to their new surroundings and provide support in aspects of daily life. These destination services can include orientation tours, local area information, and assistance with local services.
Common settling-in and destination services that are particularly relevant to families include:
These destination services make families feel welcomed and supported, making the transition less overwhelming.
Neighborhood Tours
Familiarizing relocating families with their new community, including parks and grocery stores.
Vehicle Lease or Purchase
Aiding families in selecting the right vehicle, understanding financing options, and managing paperwork.
Utility Setup Assistance
Guiding families through the process of setting up essential services like electricity, internet, and water.
Medical & Healthcare
Assisting families in locating nearby healthcare providers, including general practitioners, pediatricians, and specialists.
Cultural Orientation
Helping families understand local customs and social norms to ease their transition.
Banking Assistance
Facilitating families with the set up of local bank accounts.
NRI Relocation Serves Employees & Their Families
At NRI Relocation, we take relocation personally. we understand that relocation is not just about moving an employee but their entire family. That’s why we help companies provide comprehensive relocation assistance for employees and their families.
If you’re ready to enhance your employees’ relocation experiences, contact us to discuss how we can support your employees and their families with relocation services.