The First 90 Days: Creating an Integration Plan for Relocated Employees
The first 90 days after employees relocate are crucial for ensuring long-term success and retention. A well-structured plan will not only include professional requirements, but also personal/lifestyle integration strategies. Including support to help employees assimilate into their new community can reap huge benefits in terms of their job satisfaction and motivation. By supporting employees directly and working with a Relocation Company to provide additional services, the company is showing true commitment to a successful relocation.
Listed below are some strategies that can really assist new employees.
Orientation Tour
Offering employees the opportunity to complete an orientation tour hosted by a local Relocation Consultant can be an invaluable service. During their tour, employees have the opportunity to visit various suburbs and to understand the different housing options. They’ll see how locals move around the city, where they shop and dine; and overall get a better understanding of lifestyles in different areas. All the while being able to ask questions and discuss any concerns with an experienced local guide.
Buddy System
Create a “buddy system” by pairing relocated employees with an experienced local staff member who can provide informal guidance and support. Ideally set this up early, so the employee can ask questions in the lead up to their move.
Cultural Support
Depending on which country your employee is coming from it may be beneficial to provide them with a more formal cultural orientation session. Ideal for international employees, sessions with a Relocation Consultant could cover business etiquette, communication styles and workplace expectations.
Local Area Introduction
Help employees navigate their new environment confidently by providing practical local knowledge. This might include providing up to date information about Australia’s banking and healthcare systems, and even basic essentials like accessing emergency services. Understanding a city’s public transport system is a big asset for a newly arrived employee, as is knowing where to go for supplies, medication and specialty items. For some employees, organising in-person support to set up bank accounts, phone service, etc, is a great way to get them started. Families may want information on school holidays, children’s programs and local activities. At Australian Relocation Managers we can create local area information packages and tours designed for individual clients. Because every employee is different.
Welcome Dinner
Consider organising a welcome dinner or informal gatherings to introduce relocated employees to local cuisine.
Social Integration Strategies
Support families by connecting them with other relocated families or local parent groups. If you have lots of staff relocating, then perhaps consider creating a digital platform where relocated employees can share experiences and interact with each other – both before and after their move.
As employees won’t have a support network when they first arrive, providing them with a list of groups and local activities that might interest them can also be helpful.
Move In Support
For many employees, managing a move while starting a new job is very stressful. Providing practical support to employees can include organising removalists, assisting with paperwork and organising hands-on assistance on move-in day. At Australian Relocation Managers our consults can manage an employee’s entire move, including receiving moving trucks, organising offload and manage all the required reporting.
If employees are not bringing furniture, we can also help purchase, arrange delivery and set up household items. That means your employee can arrive at their new home to find their beds assembled and made up, and the fridge stocked with basic essentials, ready for them to move in.
Companies or employees can purchase a set number of Relocation Hours that can be used on any number of moving tasks.It’s the Little Things
Really want to make an impact with your new employee? Consider sending them a handwritten welcome note, mailed to their new home; or organise for delivery of a Welcome Hamper full of basic necessities. Include tea, coffee, bread, pasta, toilet paper and a public transport travel card. If they have small children, consider adding a colouring in book.
At Australian Relocation Managers we’re big on the little details.
Feedback
Use surveys or questionnaires to gather data about your employee’s relocation experience and identify possible areas for improvement. This can also be passed onto your Relocation Consultant to help them further streamline the process for future employees.
Remember, successfully relocating employees requires a balance of both professional and personal elements. We all want happy employees, and we know that the quicker your new employee can focus fully on their new role, the better it is for your company.
By providing comprehensive support across all these areas, organisations can significantly improve the success of their relocations, and maintain high levels of employee satisfaction and retention.
Need some help with your next employee relocation? Contact Australian Relocation Managers.