Companies require employees to relocate for a variety of reasons. A lot is at stake as employees usually don’t have much choice but to uproot their lives to make way for their careers.
Some employees will be enthusiastic about the move, but the majority would be anxious and have a bunch of questions going through their minds.
It doesn’t matter which camp you belong to because at the end of the day, the first six to twelve months of moving is highly stressful.
You should be working with your employer about the fine details of the whole process.
However, if you don’t even know where to ask, this article will guide the way:
How Much Moving Assistance Will They Provide?
There’s no law that dictates how much involvement an employer needs to be involved in a relocation.
Prior to 2018, it was possible to deduct your relocation costs from your federal income tax. Now, that privilege is only given to the armed forces.
So it’s crucial that you fully understand how you’ll be compensated. Some employers hire relocation specialists because relocating employees is a complicated process.
Other companies may just offer you a lump sum of money to help you with relocation costs. Either way, you need to be sure that you’re not eating into your own pocket money.
What’s The Working Culture Like There?
People get caught up in the logistics of relocation that they don’t consider the working culture in the new office.
Just because you’ll still be working in the same company doesn’t mean that everyone in the new office shares the same values as they do in your current place.
Some important questions to ask regarding the working culture:
- Are people open to receiving feedback?
- Do people work past office hours?
- How do employees and employers handle conflict?
- Are employees punished for taking risks and failing?
The best way to do this is to get in touch with anyone who is working in that office. This is also a good way to start new relationships before you move in.
Remember, your office mates will play a big part in your social life.
Can Your Employer Reimburse Visiting Expenses?
It’s a great idea to visit the town or city before you permanently move, especially if you have a family. Some companies reimburse you for traveling and accommodation expenses, and you should bring this up with your employer.
This allows you to scout for neighborhoods you can consider living in. Google can give an overall idea of the place, but you can’t “feel” it as you would when you’re physically there.
Take a ride on the city’s public transportation, talk to the locals, and visit cultural centers such as museums and theaters.
If you have children, you want to make sure that there are family-friendly facilities that suit your family’s lifestyle. The safety of the area should be accounted for too.
Before You Make a Big Move
Asking these three simple questions can make a huge difference when it comes to accepting a job offer that requires relocation.
The last thing you want to do is pack up your life only to have a job offer or location not work out.
