An effective relocation policy can be an important tool to protect your company from liability over damaged goods and to protect your employees from a bad moving experience. In these high volume summer months, it’s a good time to remember that relocation is all about effective support of the transfer of high-value talent and their valued goods . Here are five elements to a helpful and workable policy for when your employees need to be relocated:
- Add Automobile Relocation Services
With many American families owning more than one vehicle, most companies will agree to transport an automobile when the relocation is over a certain distance. A typical relocation service includes moving one to two automobiles. In case of emergency, you should make certain your company has acceptable valuation limits in the event of a claim.
- Include a Payback Clause
Relocating employees will have a financial impact on your company, and payback clauses are essential to protect your return on investment. Inclusion of a payback clause is becoming more common, as they add an extra level of security by ensuring that the employee has fully thought through the new assignment prior to accepting. Payback clauses differ by company, but many find that graduated payback is a good option as, for example, an employee might be required to return up to 50% of their relocation package if they leave your company within two years and 100% if they leave within one year.
- Provide Storage Solutions
A family will need storage solutions throughout the process of its move. With fluctuating schedules, a flexible storage policy is needed to keep your employee happy and secure. Offering storage of household goods is an important benefit, one that becomes essential when the employee’s new home is not yet ready for move-in. Most companies today allow 30-60 days storage in transit.
- Value All Items
To protect your company and your employees, make certain that household goods are protected with full value protection. Most reputable interstate van lines offer this coverage at no additional charge. If your employee believes their possessions are worth more than the maximum coverage level, excess valuation can be purchased from the mover for a nominal fee.
- Hire Professional Packing Services
Packing can be stressful, and the quality of packing materials and methods can safeguard or shatter your employees’ valuables. While transport services are a given, most relocating employees expect their household goods to be professionally packed as well. Professional packing services not only reduce risk for your company, they also enable your employees to focus on transitioning into their new role rather than stress over the often-hectic moving process.
Robust relocation policies can protect your company from unforeseen costs such as vehicle claims, employee turnover, a storage emergency, loss of valued goods, and damage due to packing quality. Employees are any company’s greatest asset, and strong relocation programs give them confidence in their move and pave the way for an efficient, happy work life.
Submitted by Scott O'Neill, Suddath Relocation Systems
