Corrigan Moving Systems Blog Series: Relocation Packages 3 Things Every Relocation Package Needs
62% of people moving in 2021 faced equipment or service shortages. The challenge of staffing businesses during a global labor shortage isn’t unique to the moving industry; companies worldwide are feeling stretched thin. What can your company do to be competitive and recruit top talent during this difficult time? An attractive and unique relocation policy will ensure you’re bringing in the best employees and incentivize your current employees to stay for the long haul.
We sat down with two of our relocation experts, who provided insight into the top 3 most important and unique components that should be considered when crafting an attractive and modern relocation package.
- Household Goods Allowance
- Storage and Temporary Housing
- Unique and Attention-Grabbing Services
1. Household Goods Allowance
“Covering the actual cost of the relocation should always be included,” said Marabeth Galardi, Vice President of Sales for Corrigan Moving Systems. “I try to steer my clients away from lump sum packages, though that is still a popular option with many companies. I feel lump sum packages put too much stress on an employee during a time when they need a smooth and efficient transition process. Instead of lump sums, there are many other options for companies to explore, like tiered levels of service. It’s not only attractive to your employees, but reduces their stress and time spent preparing for a move. They’ll be far more likely to start their new role fresh and happy.”
“Tiered levels for relocation packages are a nice benefit that companies should spend time exploring,” added Christine Sidari, Vice President of Business Development for Corrigan Moving Systems. “We can help craft a tiered plan and budget to fit the exact needs and culture of any company. For example, a 3 tiered package is a great starting point. Those 3 tiers provide different services and cover different levels of costs, depending on the employment level of the transferee. Most commonly, the levels include:
· Entry Level Relocation- The cost of the move would be covered by the company. Any additional services, like shipping a vehicle, packing, or third-party services would need to be paid for by the employee.
· Management Relocation- This tends to be the most frequent level that relocations fall into. We tend to see move costs, packing and third-party services all covered by the company.
· VIP Relocation- Reserved for those toward the top of the company, this level would typically cover all expenses related to moving. For example, a company may choose to include the cost of a house hunting trip, shipping a vehicle, storage, and all third-party services needed to safely transport items,” summarized Christine.
2. Storage and Temporary Housing
“Given today’s housing market and economy, companies covering the cost of short-term storage provide a huge advantage in terms of recruiting the best talent,” explained Marabeth. “With interest rates and rental costs spiking, providing additional temporary storage is an incredible benefit. It is very likely that transferees will need more time than years past to find housing, especially in cities and hot real estate markets.”
“The housing market is just wild right now,” added Christine. “If finding an apartment or buying a home is taking longer due to high demands, that transferring employee is going to be under a lot of stress. If a company were to provide temporary housing, even for a few weeks, that employee will be able to have so much stress alleviated. Some companies have corporate apartments that they lease permanently, and allow transferring employees to use for weeks at a time. Other companies choose to cover the cost of a hotel. However a company chooses to handle temporary housing, it’s a really critical benefit these days. It’s hard enough to find talent willing to relocate, but once they’re hired, you want to have them start their new position with a clear head and great attitude. Taking some major burdens off their shoulders will pay dividends to that employee, and in turn, the company.”
3. Unique Services
“I encourage companies to think outside the box a bit,” said Christine. “Covering services that are more unique and different will help a company stand out to a potential employee. For example, pet relocation services. If a potential employee sees pet relocation offered as a benefit, they’re immediately getting a glimpse of the company’s culture. They’ll feel like the company is looking out for everything important to the employee, beyond their furniture and belongings. Pets are part of the family too! Employers that take the time to examine all aspects of a relocation and then craft a comprehensive or attention-grabbing relocation package will be at a huge advantage in terms of recruitment and retention.”
“Employees have so many work from home opportunities these days,” added Marabeth. “It’s so important that companies adapt and bulk up their relocation offers. Many people aren’t as motivated to move for jobs right now, and it’s possible that’s a permanent trend. If companies don’t find ways to be competitive, employees will go work for someone who is.”
How We Can Help
Corrigan Moving Systems can help you craft a custom relocation package that fits both your company and employees. By offering individualized packages instead of a “one size fits all” approach, your company can be confident that you’re attracting and retaining the best employees. Not only a local, long-distance and international moving company, Corrigan is your global mobility partner. Beyond moving, Corrigan specializes in assisting companies of all sizes with corporate relocations. Our expert account managers can ensure your policies are followed and executed, providing top level service to those relocating.
Corrigan Snapshot
- 15 office locations throughout the Midwest and Northeast, including over 430,000 square feet of warehouse storage space
- 98 industry award recognitions
- 600+ employees
- 272 drivers, with over 40 drivers recognized monthly for customer service and safety
- 295 trucks
- Top agent for United Van Lines, with nearly 500 top-quality network partners worldwide
About Our Contributors
Christine Sidari, Vice President of Business Development
Christine has been in the industry for 23 years and has worked in many facets of the relocation industry. Prior to joining Corrigan Moving Systems, Christine acted in a vice president's role for business development with another large van line, was VP of business development for a large relocation company, was the director of business development for CMS, a third party crating company and sold National Account business for several van lines. Locally, Christine is on the board of the Great Lakes Relocation Council, membership chair for NEORR, a member of ERC and volunteers for Cornerstone of Hope.
(248) 615-7935 | csidari@corrigan.com
Marabeth Galardi, Vice President of Sales for Corrigan Moving Systems
Marabeth brings 35 years of industry experience to her role as Vice President of Sales at Corrigan Moving Systems. Previously serving in Agency Management and as General Manager for the Rochester, NY office, Marabeth focuses on quality and a commitment to customer service. Her team has been recognized as a Customer Choice Award recipient, as well as winning the Performance Excellence, and President’s Quality Awards. She is a member of the Corrigan President’s Diamond Team, United Van Lines Master’s Club and recipient of the Signature Relocation Partnership award. Marabeth is devoted to creating and fostering long term partnerships with her corporate clients by identifying a solution to meet their employee relocation needs. She is also a passionate supporter of local charities, such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and a Board Member with the Pirate Toy Fund.
(585) 295-2245 | mgalardi@corrigan.com