The Relocation Revolution: Why Moving for a Job Is More Popular Than Ever

Did you know that more people are willing to relocate for a job than ever before?

While “remote work” became part of the status quo during the Covid-19 pandemic, a quieter truth emerged: People are excited about opportunities to relocate for work. One survey found that nearly 3 in 5 workers say they are more willing to relocate for work now than they were before the pandemic.

Why are more employees interested in moving to different locations for work? Let’s explore the factors fuelling the trend, some challenges to consider, and how relocation services can help.

Factors Fuelling the Employee Relocation Trend

Various factors have fuelled this trend, including the changing nature of work, the need for career growth, and the desire for a better quality of life.

1. Changing Nature of Work

One of the significant reasons why people are willing to relocate for work is the changing nature of work. More companies are embracing flexible work arrangements, which has led to the emergence of remote work opportunities. As a result, more people are willing to move to different locations to take advantage of these opportunities.

The pandemic has also had a significant impact on people’s willingness to move for work. It’s estimated that 22% of Americans have relocated or know someone who has relocated due to the pandemic.

2. Opportunities for Career Growth

Relocation truly opens a world of opportunities for employees. In fact, 40% of people relocated for career advancement or to make more money.

The desire for career growth is another factor driving employee relocation. Many employees are looking to advance their careers, which often means moving to a new city with better job opportunities. This is particularly true for those in industries such as tech, finance, and healthcare, where there is a high demand for skilled workers.

3. Quality of Life

Additionally, the desire for a better quality of life is also a significant driver of the rise in relocation for work. Many people are willing to move to locations where they can enjoy a better work-life balance, access to outdoor activities, and enjoy a lower cost of living.

A survey of 1,000 UK office workers found that some of the top reasons people relocated for work were:

• Cheaper cost of living
• To start a new chapter in life
• To leave a city
• To leave a more rural area

Moving for a partner or their family was another highly cited reason.

Challenges of Employee Relocation

While the trend towards relocation for work has its benefits, it also comes with some challenges.

Finding Temporary Housing

Finding temporary housing can be challenging. In fact, a survey of employees revealed that finding a new house is the most challenging aspect of relocation.

You may consider hotels, short-term rentals, or extended-stay hotels, depending on your budget and length of stay. However, these options can be costly, and availability may be limited during peak seasons.

Another challenge is finding a temporary or new home that meets your needs and preferences. Factors such as location, amenities, and size all play a role in finding the right housing solution.

Finally, navigating the rental process can be daunting, particularly for renters who are unfamiliar with the local laws and regulations. This can include understanding lease terms, security deposits, and tenant rights.

Overall, finding temporary housing requires careful research, planning, and flexibility. Working with a reputable, full-service housing provider can help simplify the process and ensure a comfortable temporary living arrangement.

Relocation Expenses

The relocation process can be expensive and time-consuming. It is important to consider the moving expenses associated with relocation, which could include:

• Packing and unpacking
• Transportation of possessions (i.e., movers or moving company fees)
• Temporary housing
• Employee relocation assistance
• Airfare or car rental

These moving costs can add up, so it’s important to establish a relocation budget for the move and offer employees relocation packages that are designed to minimize costs. A corporate relocation budget should also consider the number of employees who will need to be relocated, as this will affect the overall cost.

It is important to note that relocation costs may be tax-deductible for companies. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional to determine how to take advantage of these deductions.

Adjusting to a New Home or New Location

A new job or new house aren’t the only changes a person who relocates needs to consider. Adjusting to a new environment can also be challenging.

Once in the new location, finding childcare, setting up utilities, and navigating the local transportation system can be daunting tasks. 

Nearly 1 in 5 employees who have relocated say they disliked having to find new services such as utilities and doctors. Adapting to the local culture, climate, and lifestyle can also be a significant adjustment, and language barriers may also pose a challenge for non-native speakers.

Another challenge of adjusting to a new location is building a new social network. Making new friends and establishing professional contacts can take time and effort — in fact, 17% of relocated employees say they struggled to find new friends. 

Homesickness and loneliness can also be a common struggle for those adjusting to a new home.

The Need for Relocation Assistance

Given these challenges, it is no surprise that — despite the excitement of relocation and best intentions on behalf of both employees and employers — approximately 40% of relocations fail. 

It is crucial for companies to thoroughly assess their relocation plans and ensure that they are adequately preparing relocated employees to tackle the unique challenges of living and working in a foreign country.

A relocation company assists individuals or businesses in the process of moving to a new location. It provides relocation services that simplify and streamline the transition, including:

1. Providing a comprehensive orientation to the new location, including information on housing, schools, medical facilities, transportation, and cultural norms.
2. Assisting with the logistics of the move, including moving services such as packing, shipping, and storage of personal belongings — and keeping expenses within the relocation policy budget.
3. Helping with visa and immigration processes, including paperwork and legal requirements.
4. Finding suitable housing, such as rental properties or temporary accommodation.
5. Offering language training or cultural training to help individuals adjust to the new location.
6. Assisting with administrative tasks, such as opening bank accounts, obtaining insurance coverage, or processing reimbursements.
7. Providing ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition and addressing any issues or challenges that arise during the relocation process.

The rise of relocation for work shows no signs of slowing down. With more companies embracing remote work and offering opportunities in different locations, it is becoming easier for employees to move around. As a result, we can expect to see more people embracing the opportunity to relocate for work in the coming years.

AltoVita makes relocating employees simple for companies and enjoyable for the employee and their family. Employees love the independence of searching for and booking their own accommodations. And because companies control the budget and parameters, they can rest assured they are staying within the relocation policy.

Schedule a demo to learn more about how AltoVita can assist your company with relocation management.