IDS HR StudyPlus (Study 786), November 2004

Employee relocation

• Looks at both outsourced and in-house relocation management
• Highlights the importance of communicating with staff and evaluating the process following the move
• Examines the contents of relocation assistance packages
• Features four detailed company case studies
• Includes summaries of a further 14 relocation packages
• Describes the services provided by eight leading relocation management companies

Moving job and home can be a stressful experience for employees and their families. But a well-designed policy and an effectively managed process can help smooth the move and overcome potential barriers to employee mobility. Employers also have to strike a balance between achieving these objectives and controlling costs.

This StudyPlus looks specifically at the HR issues involved in relocating employees within the UK. It features four case studies describing the experiences of organisations that have recently undertaken group moves or which regularly move a large number of individuals. Employers contemplating relocation have to decide the extent to which they handle it themselves or hand over responsibility for delivery to external specialists. A successful outcome is likely to be influenced by early and effective communications with staff and by incorporating into future activities any lessons learnt following feedback from employees who have relocated.

In all, the StudyPlus includes details of the relocation terms in 18 organisations, as well as a guide to the services of eight relocation management companies that can provide a fully outsourced service.

What's in this StudyPlus?

This 64-page publication contains the following sections:

Overview

• Adopting a cost-effective approach

Analysis

Managing relocation activities:

• The outsourcing option
• Managing it in-house
• Establishing good communications
• The evaluation process

The elements of a relocation package:

• Defining eligibility
• Assistance with moving home
• Temporary arrangements
• Family support
• Subsequent leavers

Company practice

• Four case studies: Alcatel Telecom, BP, The Met Office, Unilever
• Summaries of the relocation policies in a further 14 named organisations

Guide to suppliers

• Using a relocation management company
• Checklist of key issues when selecting a specialist supplier
• Detailed guide to eight relocation management companies.