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Employers can help staff erase relocation blues
Relocation is an inevitable reality of most organisations today. While it cannot be wished away there are simple things that both the organisation and individual can do to ease the rigmarole. Employer’s contribution
Keeping the employee informed about the possibility of relocation at least three months in advance would be a good idea. It gives him time to prepare
Providing the employee alternative destinations for relocation wherever feasible and trying to accommodate his/her choice would also help.
Double income families are the rule rather than the exception. This implies that the working spouse has to leave his/her job and relocate as well or the families have to choose to stay apart. Needless to say any couple would like to have the cake and eat it too. Helping the spouse with finding work that matches their profile is very likely to find takers. ISB offers in-campus placements for the spouses of its employee-students who join their spouses for the one-year residential management program.
Academic rigour is constantly on the increase and ever parent is seeking the best education facilities for their child. Transfers can be rather disturbing for the parent as well as the child. Parents spend sleepless nights mulling over choosing the ideal school in the new place and then over securing admission for their child therein. Many organisations across industries (IT, finance.) have arranged admission facilities with several reputed schools in the main cities where they hold offices. Employees avail this facility to secure admissions for their wards. This is a simple and useful option that will surely prevent stressful times.
Putting one’s house into boxes and cartons and getting it on road is not everyone’s cup of tea. Tying up with professional packaging and transporting firms and offering the service at a subsidised rate will definitely be welcome assistance. It is surely worth giving a thought to.
Single, married or a parent, any individual would appreciate help when he or she reaches a new place. Company conveyance ought to be ensured on arrival at the city.
Though preparation for accommodation might have been handled by the employee it still helps to offer the company guesthouse as temporary accommodation for at least a week after the arrival. This gives time to settle down in the new city, get familiar with the city/town, set up home, and settle down at work.
There are companies that go a step further and completely take care of the accommodation for their employees. Companies procure (buy or lease) accommodation (independent homes or flats) in clusters and provide these to their employees. The whole house-hunting task is taken care of this way by the company. There are other advantages of this as well. Employees immediately get a social network right in their neighborhood, as neighbours are colleagues. This naturally implies reliable and friendly help in an unknown place. This acts as an anchor in the new city.
Employee’s role
Employees from their end must also do all they can to alleviate transfer troubles.
Prepare in advance- It is important to prepare oneself and the family for the change both mentally and literally. Once news of relocation is confirmed it is a good idea to find out details about the new place. Resources are plenty – the Internet, library books, colleagues and relatives. Ask relevant questions and get answers that will help you and your family in the transition. Help spouse and children find out details that are important to them – new school information, hobby classes in their area of interest, access to basic household shopping and job opportunities for the spouse. Find out in which of these areas the company provides help and make complete use of the same. Where help is not available put in earnest efforts and take personal care of important aspects such as packing and moving, house hunting and school admissions. It would be helpful to involve friends and relatives in helping you make informed decisions.
Relocation is here to stay and is unlikely to move away in a couple of years – like you will. It would help if all involved chip in to make this episode as pleasant as possible. A little care, foresight and planning will surely reap good results of a smooth relocation.
DEEPA KIRAN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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