by The Growth of Relocation Services for Corporations
The ever-changing business landscape means that companies are moving offices more frequently in order to access new markets, attract talent, or transition through mergers and acquisitions. As a result, there has been substantial growth in corporate relocation services over the past decade. Relocation experts can streamline the entire moving process for businesses and ensure a seamless transition.
In 2019, more than 7.6 million Americans changed residences across state lines according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Though the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted typical trends in 2020, industry analysts predict the number of business moves to increase again in the coming years. There are a few key factors fueling this growth:
– Remote and hybrid work models have given companies more flexibility to relocate to lower-cost regions while still accessing talent pools.
– Rising rents in thriving tech hubs like San Francisco are motivating businesses to explore secondary markets with affordable office space.
– Ongoing M&A activity means acquired firms need to integrate operations and facilities under one roof.
– The war for talent means employers need to strategically evaluate locations to attract and retain top workers.
By outsourcing relocation logistics to experienced corporate relocation specialists, companies of all sizes can navigate challenges smoothly and stay focused on their core operations through a transition.
Managing the Complexities of an Office Relocation
Relocating an entire office involves complex logistical undertakings that are beyond the core competencies of most businesses. Some of the key tasks that corporate relocation specialists take off a company’s plate include:
– Researching and selecting a new headquarters location based on criteria like cost of living, tax incentives, availability of talent pools, infrastructure needs and more.
– Surveying inventory and logistics for packing, transporting, unpacking and setting up all business equipment, fixtures, supplies and more at the new location. This includes carefully labeling, inventorying and tracking all items.
– Handling procurement of any new furniture, fixtures or equipment required at the new space based on floorplans and team sizes.
– Coordinating utility Corporate Relocation Service transitions like internet, electricity, phone lines and more at both old and new offices to ensure seamless connectivity.
– Planning and facilitating employee relocations which involves finding temporary and permanent housing, school searches, recruiting spousal support and managing relocation budgets and compensation per company policies.
– Managing all vendor relationships, contracts and paperwork related to facilities like lease agreements, registration, licenses and permits.
– Providing change management guidance and resources to ensure a smooth cultural transition for teams.
By handling these intricate operational responsibilities, relocation specialists give leadership teams the breathing room to focus on strategic priorities during a period of transition and upheaval.
Corporate Relocation Services Employee Transition Support is Paramount
While logistics grab the headlines, one of the most overlooked—yet critical—aspects of any corporate relocation is supporting staff through the transition. Relocating workers away from established homes and communities can negatively impact morale, productivity and retention if not handled sensitively.
Progressive relocation service providers recognize the human element of change. Their employee transition programs address both professional and personal needs, with services like:
– Guidance on securing temporary and permanent housing, factoring budgets and school/district requirements.
– Immigration assistance for international assignees and their families.
– Briefings on the new community covering infrastructure, culture, leisure activities and more to ease integration.
– Liaison support for spousal career coaching/job searches to address dual-income challenges.
– Counseling or coaching on topics like transfer stress, cultural adjustments and homesickness.
– Dependent care resources covering education, healthcare and child/elder care options.
– Welcome packages, community orientation events and ongoing settlement support check-ins.
Thoughtful relocation assistance builds trust that the company cares about employees’ well-being through a change, boosting morale and retention. It also demonstrates to recruits that their needs will be supported if the job requires relocating. This ‘whole person’ focus distinguishes leading corporate relocation management services.
The Bottom Line on Relocation Services
In today’s rapidly-changing business landscape, the ability to quickly shift gears and move operations is strategically important for corporations. However, executing large-scale office relocations comes with immense logistical, financial and human capital challenges if not outsourced effectively.
By entrusting logistics and transition support to experts in corporate relocation management, companies gain a strategic advantage. Relocation services can ease the operational and employee experience pains of change. This allows leadership teams to focus on driving innovation, sustaining productivity and capturing new market opportunities through business moves. Ultimately, outsourcing relieves significant administrative burdens and costs, benefitting corporations in both the short and long run
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
