Note: The goal of this article is to serve as an introductory piece to the in-depth whitepaper, which will be linked to at the bottom of the page.
How to Effectively Plan an Employee Group Move
Imagine you are just leaving a meeting where you were told that your employer has decided to relocate a group of people from one location to another. The CEO tells you that you are expected to manage the move. He/she stresses to you that the success of this group move is critical to the future of the Company, and everyone is counting on you to “make it happen.”
Even though this may be your first experience in managing a group move, you may have heard stories about the stress they can bring to an organization and the people who are working on it.
Before you start to panic, Allied Van Lines is here to help. Here’s how you can effectively prepare your organization and employees for the process.
What is a Group Move?
A group move is any relocation where 10 or more employees are moving to or from the same area. Mergers, acquisitions, or a new office location are common reasons why a business may need to plan an employee group move. These types of moves typically require more planning and logistics, which is why companies invest in group move management services.
Working with a moving company that offers professional relocation management services can provide peace of mind throughout the process. Relocation specialists who specialize in employee moves can help manage the challenges and risks, helping streamline the process for everyone involved.
Common Challenges and Why Moves Fail
Managing a move for a group of 10 or more can be difficult, and pitfalls can make the process more stressful. Common challenges that businesses may run into without the help of a moving company include:
- Poor planning or unclear timelines
- Poor communication with team members
- No resources or support for employees
- No clear structure or defined goals
- No involvement from senior management
- No designated point of contact
Planning and Preparation
Planning a move for a large group can be tedious, but it doesn’t have to be if you’re well organized. To ensure you and your employees are prepared, you'll want to plan the entire process. Here's how to get started:
Pre-Announcement Activities
Before announcing the group move to the team, you'll want to identify all resources needed and what external resources you'll need to invest in. Consider resources such as spouse job-finding assistance and house-finding assistance. These types of assistance programs offer additional peace of mind for the employees impacted.
Define Objectives
To help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that may occur, have clearly defined objectives for the move that align with the business's goals.. This is something Allied Van Lines can assist with if you choose to work with a moving company for your employee group move.
Establish a Timeline
Before announcing a move to your employees, take time to create a move project plan. This plan should outline the specifics of the move. It should include information on the business objectives, moving process, resources, and meetings that need to be scheduled for the relocation.
Team Selection
Next, you'll want to delegate tasks and determine which team members will execute the plan. These individuals will schedule orientations and one-on-one meetings with each employee. They'll also be responsible for managing the timeline and ensuring everything is running smoothly.
Employee Communication
Relocating for work can be stressful for employees, both emotionally and logistically. To reduce this stress, implement a clear communication strategy and ensure that departments impacted by the move are prepared. Schedule regular check-ins and meetings to keep everyone aligned and informed about the steps and expectations throughout the process.
Managing the Move
A project manager should be responsible for managing the tasks involved with the move. They will act as the point person responding to questions and handling the progress of the move timeline.
Why Choose a Professional Relocation Service?
Planning a group move while managing the day-to-day operations of your business can be difficult. To help streamline the move process and ensure the process is as seamless as possible, consider working with a professional relocation service like Allied Van Lines.
Allied Van Lines can help you develop a group move policy that aligns with your business objectives. We can also organize area tours, create information kits, and help you choose the best possible vendors for the job.
Prepare for your group move with our comprehensive guide. Download our guide now to make sure you have all bases covered.
FAQs
What is a corporate group move?
A corporate group move is when 10 or more employees are relocated for business purposes.
Why is a corporate group move important?
Employee group moves are necessary for mergers, acquisitions, and other business needs that require 10 or more employees to relocate to a new location.
What should be included in a corporate group move policy?
A corporate moving policy should include information regarding budget, temporary housing, available resources, and reimbursements for travel expenses.
How do I plan a corporate group move?
The first step is to review your corporate move policy and ensure it aligns with the goals and objectives of the group move. From there, create a moving timeline, schedule a company announcement, and plan an orientation for your employees. Working with a moving company that offers relocation services for businesses can help streamline the process, ensuring you have all the right tools and resources.
How do I manage the costs of a group move?
All moving and travel expenses associated with the group move should be outlined in your corporate group move policy. If you're looking to consolidate the costs, consider working with a moving company that can help manage the process.
Prepare for your group move with our comprehensive guide. Download now to make sure you have all bases covered.
