This blog is written by COBIS Supporting Associate Pacific Prime.

Proper international relocation assistance can win your staff’s confidence even before they start their tenure. By having well-discussed relocation terms, a relocation timeline you can fall back to, and local support ready to jump in, you can make sure your employee’s journey starts on the right foot.

In this article, we will go through some simple tips for international schools when planning their staff’s international relocation, from setting the expectation right to ensuring your new staff settle in smoothly.

Consider Relocation Terms

Clear relocation terms help employees set their expectations for their relocation and the assistance they will receive. Without clear relocation terms, you may leave the door open for confusion to arise later.

Some items you might want to consider for your relocation terms include:

• Destination country
• The length of relocation assignment
• Accompanying dependents
• Relocation benefits (e.g. housing, schooling, insurance, etc.)
• The costs employees will bear on their own

Once you have your relocation terms written down, it is best to discuss them with your employees, giving them ample opportunities to voice any concerns if needed.

This will ensure your employees have the right expectation when preparing for their relocation and that they are not blindsided by any unexpected expenses.

Create a Relocation Plan

A well-thought-out relocation plan can lift a great deal out of your employee’s mind during their relocation. Make sure to have a checklist or a timeline you and your employee can fall back to, so you and your employee don’t miss any important deadlines.

Some items you should cover in your relocation timelines include:

• Health check-up
• Visa applications
• Belongings shipment
• Property viewings
• Departure and arrival dates

For employees that are relocating with their families, they might need extra time to get everything going. You might want to make sure your timeline reflects their particular needs and situations.

Communicate with the New Workplace

Local employees are likely to be the best helpers for your staff once they arrive at their new office. It is imperative there is a designated communication channel or a contact person your staff can reach out to upon arrival.

Your employees might need help navigating the local registration paperwork or getting to know the local office etiquette. A local support will ensure your employees do not have to deal with unexpected challenges by themselves.

Prepare Relocation Benefits

Unlike usual employee benefits that are often standardised by laws or industry trends, relocation benefits vary widely from institution to institution. Some institutions may provide this in a lump sum allowance or separate individual benefits.

Some common relocation benefits are such as:

• Accommodation
• A company car
• Family benefits (e.g. private schooling and family health insurance)
• International health insurance
• Annual flights home
• Living allowance

If you and your employee have already agreed upon a benefits package, it is best to have some prepared sooner than later. As the date of your employee’s relocation approaches, it is likely that they will have less available time to iron out certain details with you.

Secure Visas

Visa application can be a lengthy process with various documents required from both the employee and the HR. Allocate enough time into the application process to help it go as smoothly as possible – and avoid errors that could delay the move.

Take into consideration some minor details of visa applications that might be overlooked, such as obtaining notarised translations for official documents or additional documents for accompanying dependents. These are some minor steps that could trip up your employees’ preparation.

Offer Personal Support

International relocation can involve your employees uprooting their family to a new environment they have little familiarity with. An open-door policy that allows employees to discuss their needs and concerns with HR is a must to ensure successful relocation.

Aside from making sure they have the right documents and have settled in their new destination smoothly, employers can provide additional support on a case-by-case basis according to their employees’ needs.

This can be a cultural orientation to make sure your employees do not experience culture shock or simple guides to local services such as ambulances, utilities, and medical services. A personal touch like this can go a long way in helping your employees adjust to their new environment.

Protect Employees’ Health with Pacific Prime

Pacific Prime UK is devoted to providing insurance solutions that work best for our clients’ objectives and budgets. Whether you are looking for an international health insurance plan for prospective staff or a group insurance plan for your institution, our experts are ready to help.

Get in touch with our insurance experts now for your tailored insurance advice or send me an email via pierre@pacificprime.com and let me handle the arrangement for you.