Corporate relocation organizations are more in demand today than ever before. People today move more frequently than they did in the past. For employers, that means two things: It’s harder to keep people long-term, and it’s easier to recruit people from farther away. Companies also move, or they expand by growing or by purchasing other companies. That usually means having to move employees from one facility to another. If the distance between the two facilities is great, it may be necessary to relocate the employees and their families.

For most companies contemplating employee relocation, assistance is essential. Corporate relocation organizations and related relocation and moving organizations can give you the information and help that you need. There are a number of employee relocation associations, but finding a professional association for relocation that meets your needs will require some legwork on your part, By using a professional relocation organization, you’ll be able to:

1. Find out about employee relocation packages and choose the one that best suits your needs
2. Manage your employee relocation expenses and make the process cost-effective for you and the employee
3. Open your company to opportunities in employee relocation worldwide as you seek employee relocation assistance

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a reputable employee relocation organization

There are plenty of employee relocation organizations, but you'll want to find one that can meet your specific needs. Take the time to shop around until you find what suits you.

I recommend: Companies such as Mobility Services International, Quantum Relocation Services and RPS Relocation offer employee relocation worldwide and domestically.

Explore employee relocation associations

An employee relocation association can provide targeted information about employee relocation packages. Relocation and moving organizations can also offer links to other resources that can help the company and those who are being relocated.

I recommend: For a comprehensive listing of professional associations, Worldwide ERC, known informally as the Employee Relocation Council, is a useful starting point. Obtaining information on overseas organizations, associations such as the EuRA (the European Relocation Association) and the UK-based ARP (Association of Relocation Professionals) can be useful.

Explore possible locations through an employee relocation council before moving

If you're looking to relocate employees to a new facility, help them by providing information about the new location. This can include housing, schools, the job market (for their spouses) and cultural offerings.

I recommend: In the United States, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers information on cities and regions across the country, along with links to local chambers. For overseas locations, the World Chambers Network provides information and links to international chambers of commerce.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find an established employee relocation company with a track record, and don't hesitate to ask for references.
• •  Map out potential employee relocation expenses long-term as well as short-term to make sure relocation will be cost-effective for your company. You don't want to spread yourself too thin.
• •  Talk with other companies your size that have had experience with relocation. Find out about what they did right, what mistakes they made and what they got from the experience.