Corporate relocations offer an array of benefits, not just to the employee who will be moving, but also to the employer. That being said, the process can be tedious and stressful, and it can become overwhelming to acclimatise not just to a new workspace, but also to a new culture. As an employer, there are a number of steps which you can take to support your employees and help them along the way.
At Allied, our international moving team can handle the physical elements of a corporate relocation to Singapore, while you focus on supporting your employees in other ways.
Why Relocate Employees to Singapore?
No matter where in the world your company is based, there are many benefits of allowing and facilitating corporate relocations to Singapore.
As remote work is so commonplace in today’s corporate world, many office workers are excited at the prospect of new opportunities to relocate and work internationally. Allowing employees to relocate and work overseas helps many companies retain staff who may otherwise simply leave the business. It can also boost their motivation, improving their productivity and quality of work.
Another advantage of relocating employees internationally is that it promotes a diverse workforce, where employees from different cultures can work together. It can also be beneficial to businesses to have employees working in multiple time zones, as it means that there can be a representative available, even simply online, for more hours of the day. There are also some appealing tax rates and benefits that draw companies to invest in relocating employees to Singapore, as well as a business-friendly ecosystem and environment for corporations.
Work Rights
One of the first things to do in supporting your employees during their relocation to Singapore is to ensure they have the appropriate work approval.
For staff who work in a specialist role, an Employment Pass is likely to be the correct pass, as long as certain criteria are met, such as salary.
An S-Pass is for mid-level professionals, like executives or technicians. This also has additional criteria, so be sure to properly research the S-Pass and eligibility.
For skilled workers in other sectors, a Work Permit may be the appropriate option.
These can all be applied for online prior to your employee’s departure from their home country. It is important to take care of this early, as without the proper passes and documentation, your employee won’t be able to work in Singapore at all.
Housing
Your employee will need somewhere to stay when they arrive in Singapore, and supporting them in finding adequate accommodation in Singapore will make a big difference to their first few days or weeks. There are a few ways to assist with this; arranging temporary accommodation for them, covering the reasonable cost of accommodation which they arrange themself, or offering a stipend or allowance towards rent. The final option can be done as a once-off, or on an ongoing basis.
When it comes to finding a more long-term home, renting in Singapore is a popular choice among foreign workers, as buying a property can be tricky for non-Sinaporeans.
Language Classes
Singapore has four official languages; Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English - more specifically, a dialect known colloquially as Singlish. The first three are spoken based on an individual’s origins, and most Singaporeans also speak English, as this is the language of instruction in schools and businesses. For this reason, it is recommended that those working in Singapore have a good command of English. If your employee does not speak English already, then you could consider arranging English classes for them. This will make the transition smoother for them, and means that they will be better equipped to work in this new setting.
Cultural Adaptation
Settling into a new home can always be difficult, especially when there are cultural changes. You can help your employees by preparing them for what to expect when they arrive. If you already have employees in Singapore, it may be a good idea to put them in contact with the team member who will be moving. They can prepare them before the move, and can offer support after their arrival.
Singapore has strict laws and expectations on public conduct, and these differ from a lot of other countries. Important ones to tell your employees to be especially mindful of are:
- Spitting in public and littering are illegal
- Chewing gum is highly frowned upon
- Public displays of affection between couples are deemed inappropriate. Couples may hold hands, but should not hug or kiss when in public
- In personal and professional settings, people should be addressed by their title and surname unless specified otherwise
- Handshakes are commonplace, and may be accompanied by a small bow of the head as a mark of respect
- Time management and punctuality is incredibly important in Singapore
- When eating, diners should not leave their chopsticks upright in their food, as this is disrespectful. When finished eating, they should be left sitting across the top of the dish
- Tipping is not expected for services
Open Communication
Before, during, and after your employee relocates to Singapore, maintaining good communication with them is one of the easiest ways to support them. While professional feedback and communication is important, this also extends to communication about how they are settling in, and any issues they may be facing. This will enable you to provide them with additional support where necessary.
When it’s time to begin planning the move, our Allied team has the expertise needed for a smooth corporate relocation to Singapore. We offer a range of international moving services, and encourage you to contact our team in Singapore to find out how our services can help to support your employees during their relocation to Singapore.