One of the most common needs companies have regarding their relocation program is simplicity. Not that they want a basic, no-frills relocation strategy – quite the contrary. But what they do want is something that seamlessly supports their broader hiring and retention goals, and more importantly, doesn’t create more work for them.

The problem is finding this simplicity isn’t always simple. Many HR departments have too few people to handle all the tasks for which they are responsible. It makes sense then that a company would partner with a relocation company to outsource many of their relocation needs. However, not all relocation partners are created equal, and if you don’t take the right elements into consideration during your decision-making process, you could be in for a whole other set of headaches.

Relationships matter

Not to downplay the importance of assets and capabilities, but finding a partner with whom you can have a good relationship cannot be underestimated. Make sure when evaluating potential companies that they have a sense of the big picture regarding your organization, your corporate culture and your relocation needs. Between changing laws, the swiftness relocating employees need to report to their new job and a number of other factors, even with a defined policy, no two relocations are the same. Sometimes a move calls for an unexpected solution, and if your relocation partner is more focused on its capabilities than your needs, they likely will only accentuate your employee’s problem.

Consistency

One of the biggest stressors for HR professionals when it comes to relocation is tracking all the information associated with it. Things like entitlements, spending, exceptions (and reporting it all) can take up a lot of time and create issues when there isn’t consistency among everything. The right relocation partner not only can manage these areas, but also analyze it all to identify recommendations for your relocation policy. When this is done well, it can make your company more appealing for new hires and less stressful for transferees.

Compliance

Without fail, virtually every survey of HR professionals cites compliance as one of the most pressing relocation issues. What expenses are taxable versus non-taxable, are there any new immigration laws that might cause issue with a relocation? These are common issues that demand a lot of time on the part of HR professionals. Depending on how far-reaching your relocation plans are, finding time to monitor all of these issues is impractical – if not outright impossible. The right relocation partner will have a team regularly tracking compliance topics and making the right recommendations for your company.

Getting relocation “right” is incredibly important. It ultimately helps your employees get off to a good start, which has plenty of long-term benefits when it comes to retention. Whether you’re looking to partner with a relocation provider for the first time or re-evaluate your existing one, taking these qualities into consideration will go a long way in making sure your efforts go smoothly.

Onie Girton Author