At Odyssey Relocation, we understand the critical role that planning plays in ensuring a seamless and positive relocation experience for employees. We sat down with Candice Elnashar, our Senior Manager, Client Solutions to explore the importance of a well-designed relocation policy and how it can drive successful relocations while creating a positive employee experience.
Interviewer: “What are some key elements of a well-designed relocation policy that contribute to a positive employee experience?”
Candice: “I would say that flexibility, care, and inclusivity are three crucial elements of a well-designed relocation policy. By building in flexible components, companies can cater to the unique needs of each employee, demonstrating care and inclusivity. This approach fosters a positive employee experience and showcases the company’s commitment to supporting their relocation journey.”
Interviewer: “What are some common challenges that companies face when establishing or updating their relocation policies, and how do you assist them in overcoming those challenges?”
Candice: “Establishing or updating relocation policies can be challenging, especially when balancing employee experience/care with costs. Educating stakeholders and building a compelling case is key to overcoming this challenge. Here at Odyssey, we work closely with our clients to provide quality resources and support to help align the goals of the mobility team with the financial considerations of the organization.”
Interviewer: “What role does policy flexibility play in accommodating the unique needs of employees during the relocation process?”
Candice: “Policy flexibility is of paramount importance in accommodating the diverse needs of employees during the relocation process. I can’t emphasize enough how crucial customization is, as no two relocation situations are the same. Offering a flexible policy enables employees to access the support and resources they need, resulting in a higher employee experience and overall satisfaction.”
Interviewer: “How can a comprehensive policy support employees in adapting to new environments and integrating into their new communities?”
Candice: “A comprehensive policy acts as a guiding hand for employees throughout their relocation journey, helping them adapt to new environments and integrate into their new communities. Comprehensive policies provide valuable resources and services that employees may not be aware of. By offering robust support, companies enable employees to feel more confident and effective in their new roles from day one.”
Interviewer: “Can you provide an example of an instance that resulted in significant benefits for a client, such as cost savings, employee satisfaction, or improved efficiency?”
Candice: “A rapidly growing tech and food delivery service client presented Odyssey with a unique opportunity to completely redesign their relocation program. Their current benefits driven program wasn’t designed to support their rapid growth, so we worked on creating a scaling core-flex program, that has varying tiers to support different budgets and business units. After a year of the new program in motion, we saw a decrease of over 75% in average spend per file and over a 50% decrease in average exceptions. Based on initial surveys, the results are indicating that the program satisfaction, benefit satisfaction, and Relocation Consultant satisfaction, has significantly increased, and are now all close to 100%.”
Planning is the cornerstone of a successful relocation program. By designing a well-crafted policy that considers the unique needs of employees, companies can drive successful relocations and create a positive employee experience. With the expertise and support of Odyssey Relocation, organizations can navigate the complexities of relocation with confidence, ensuring a seamless move and maximizing the benefits for both the company and its employees.
