Debunking Five Group Move Myths
While RTO and relocations can provoke anxiety or stress for employees, managing a group move for a corporate relocation doesn’t have to be a Herculean feat.
In today’s dynamic corporate environment, every week brings news about organizations updating their return-to-office (RTO) policies or announcing new plans for where their offices or headquarters will now be located. While these transitions can provoke anxiety or stress for relocating employees, managing a group move for a corporate relocation doesn’t have to be a Herculean feat.
At Hilldrup, our corporate relocation specialists frequently encounter misconceptions about group moves – from what sparks the need for the move, to how it will impact company culture. In this blog post, we debunk five common myths surrounding group moves and highlight how tailored solutions can facilitate a seamless transition for a relocating workforce.
Myth #1: Group Moves Only Happen with Expansions
It’s easy to associate group moves with corporations relocating their headquarters or adding new locations; but, there are a number of other reasons why companies need or choose to relocate groups of employees.
Organizations may decide to move to less expensive areas where real estate, the cost of living and the cost of doing business are more affordable. Many cities, such as Richmond, Atlanta and Orlando, offer corporate tax breaks and incentives that may entice an organization to relocate.
No matter the reasoning behind a group move, choosing a partner who understands the importance of group move orientation, consulting and communication from beginning to end is crucial.
Myth #2: Coordinating a Group Move Threatens Business Continuity and Operations
This is a common concern, but with effective planning and execution, a group move can be successfully executed with minimal business disruption. Despite a group move being underway, there are a lot of strategies that can be used to ensure business and operations continue.
For example, a partner with extensive experience handling group moves will create a customized move plan to set appropriate expectations and timelines and explore applicable services. Communication will always be a key part of a successful group move—whether through a virtual town hall or on-site consultations—so that employees can leave the relocation details to the experts and focus on their roles and business goals.
Myth #3: Group Moves Diminish Company Culture
Contrary to popular belief, group moves can actually strengthen company culture. One finding from The Enticing Workplace Report indicates that employees view in-person interactions as essential for building strong relationships. Keeping employees geographically together as they relocate is key to making sure that teams continue to work with one another and that a strong company culture transfers with them. By engaging top talent in a group move, organizations can show their commitment to employees and company culture by relying on these employees’ expertise and leadership to help everyone assimilate to the new location.
Since a company’s employees are their most valuable asset, using your talent to help in the transition will increase team morale. Consider involving relocated employees in scouting trips to the new space or providing welcome packages that showcase the best of the local area. These thoughtful gestures can significantly enhance the overall relocation experience for employees involved in group moves.
Myth #4: The Budget Needed for a Group Move Lacks Demonstrable ROI
There are many ways a group move can prove a valuable return on investment (ROI) to an organization. Companies will benefit from retaining employees with institutional knowledge, particularly when relocating high-value employees in a group move. Lastly, a group move has incredible ROI regarding the market it’s moving to based on the lower costs (think rent, utilities and general cost-of-living expenses) associated with both the employee and organization.
Myth #5: Corporations Must Dedicate Extensive Human Resources to Successfully Manage Group Moves
When companies choose to work with a vetted and experienced partner for their group moves, rarely will they need to rely on Human Resources. Group moves require a dedicated point-of-contact to manage the relocation process from beginning to end.
By having a dedicated team of professionals working behind the scenes, providing policy reviews, setting objectives, and holding regular check-ins, the process of moving a group of employees will be managed by those with the unique experience of doing so. This allows your organization to focus on core operations and communicating news about the move with full attention, empathy and care so they can be excited – not overwhelmed – about their career and for their organization.
To explore personalized solutions to meet your organization’s unique relocation needs, contact our team of experts. Hilldrup is here to help you make the most of your next group move.
