Moving (to a new city, region, or country) is an experience that brings along various challenges paired with some levels of anxiety. In addition, when you’re moving for a job (aka relocating) the process gains several new layers of uncertainty, which may make employees feel extra anxious.
Still, as more countries lift travel restrictions, and try to find new ways to contain the COVID-19 problem, employee relocation is again on the table (where it is necessary).
In this case, we think it’s best to highlight the top three challenges employees who need to relocate face in a post-pandemic world. This will help both employers and employees to feel a bit safer and trustworthy in their future collaboration.
Moving is Expensive
Starting with finding the right moving company that will take proper care of your things and ending with the travel to the new house or apartment, moving is a costly process. Of course, the employer will cover most of these expenses and they may even hire a company specialized in relocations for a smoother transition.
Still, there are some costs that the employee needs to cover as well. For instance, they are the ones to cover any relocation tax, the transport for their partner and/or family, and more. Anything that is not included in the initial contract will come out of the employee’s pocket, which can be stressful, especially after a few months of unemployment or cut revenue.
On the upside, if the employee negotiates a solid relocation package with proper benefits, there is a good chance for some leftovers that they can enjoy as they wish.
Family Integration
When you have to relocate the entire family, the situation is even more challenging for the employee. Besides moving to a new area, that’s completely unfamiliar, they also have to help their partner and children to integrate into the idea.
They may need to look for a new school or other educational facilities, while also helping their partner find a new job. On the other hand, they may have to deal with their partner’s emotional breakdown (if the relocation was not something they both agreed on completely).
In this case, it may help to offer some counseling sessions for the employee and their family. Also, it’s a good idea to provide them with accurate information on local establishments that may fit their needs.
On the upside, once the novelty of the situation subsides, there’s a good chance the family will get used to the new situation and come to terms with the decision. They may even find better opportunities than they did in their old location.
Socializing is Difficult
New friends, new culture, new area – all these can be overwhelming for someone who just relocated. True, we can still chat with old friends via Zoom or Skype (like we did this whole year), but it’s not the same as having someone closeby.
In addition, making friends as an adult is increasingly harder compared to our easy-breezy lives as students. So, one way employers can help their relocating employees is by organizing social events with various people (not just current employees).
The upside of this is that people get to learn how to socialize as adults and they get to diversify their group of friends, which in turn, allows them to feel happier and more fulfilled. As a result, this will drive their productivity and motivation to do their best for the new job.
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