Designing an Employee Relocation Program That Works — For You and Your People

Lola Oduwole
4 days ago
1 min read

Relocating an employee isn’t just about shipping boxes — it’s about ensuring their entire life transitions smoothly so they can focus on excelling in their role.

A well-designed relocation program:

Reduces stress for the employee and their family.
Helps them settle into the community faster.
Increases retention and loyalty.

A strong employee relocation program is more than a moving allowance — it’s a retention strategy, a talent magnet, and a statement about how much you value your team. Here’s how to design one that works for your organization and the people you move. — Relocating an employee isn’t just about shipping boxes — it’s about ensuring their entire life transitions smoothly so they can focus on excelling in their role.

Core Elements to Include

Needs Assessment – Understand what the employee (and their family) will need before, during, and after the move.
Housing Support – Temporary accommodations, home search assistance, lease negotiation.
Family Integration – School search, spousal career support, cultural orientation.
Compliance & Logistics – Dangerous goods clearance, customs, moving vendor coordination.
Onboarding & Follow-Up – Post-move check-ins to ensure smooth integration.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls
- Treating relocation as “one size fits all.”
- Neglecting the family’s needs.
- Failing to account for hidden costs (e.g., DG shipping for personal goods).
📩 Download the Employee Relocation Program Starter Kit
This step-by-step guide includes:
- Relocation needs assessment template
- Cost planning worksheet
- 90-day relocation timeline
- Checklist for compliance and vendor coordination
[Access the Starter Kit → link to gated PDF]