Corporate relocation, especially international relocation, can be an incredibly stressful experience. At NWI, we make sure that each and every one of the relocations we handle are as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are our top 12 tips for employees to reduce the stress of moving for work.

Establish Practical Expectations

This includes your new position requirements, the duration of your relocation, any additional compensation you’re qualified for, the location of the relocation, the move process, and timeline, the impact of the assignment on your long-term career goals and any support being provided before, during and after the move.

Think it Through

You need to ask yourself why you want to relocate and identify any possible issues that might hinder your success, including financial obligations, tax implications, care of elderly relatives etc.

Understand the Required Paperwork

Without a passport, visa and work permits, you can’t relocate. Understanding what to expect in terms of how long it takes to obtain visas, work permits and paperwork is critical for all relocation planning.

Take a Tour

If you can, visit the location in advance to get a sense of what it’s like, what the housing options are, the school system, and what everyday life is like. If travel isn’t possible, ask for an overview of the host location with pictures, maps, examples of housing, etc. from your employer.

Complete Cross-Cultural Training

You and your whole family should try to educate yourselves on the local culture, cultural values, and the impact of culture on business and social interactions, management styles and making friends in your new location.

Obtain Destination Services

These services often include ground support and “settling in” assistance by finding housing, setting up utilities, opening bank accounts, contacting schools etc.

Create and Adhere to Timelines

NWI will provide they employee and their company a detailed timeline that outlines what needs to be completed before, during and after the moving day. If adhered to, this timeline can reduce stress and opportunities for mistakes.

Obtain Temporary Accommodations

If your new housing is not yet available, you may need to be temporarily placed in an apartment when you arrive. These apartments are usually in convenient locations and allow you and your family to adjust to more of a “normal” routine than you would have been able to if you had to stay in a hotel while you wait for their final accommodations to be ready.

Understand Available Spouse/Partner Support

Some companies include support for career and non-career adjustment for partners and spouses of the relocated employee; this support includes coaching and planning, paying for classes, computers or job search activities.

Learn the Language

One of the most important ways to alleviate the stresses of arriving in a new country is to learn the basics of the local language. You don’t have to be fluent in order to gain some independence – start by being able to ask for help, order in a restaurant, and use public transport. We also suggest you obtain a basic understanding of greetings and phrases which will help you establish credibility and trust with new colleagues and clients.

Understand the Schooling Options

Navigating the international school application process can be difficult. Before you relocate, find out what paperwork and transcripts will be necessary to enroll your children in school and if any official translations into the host language are required.

Understand the Medical Care Available

Before you relocate it’s advised that you know what to expect when it comes to the host location’s medical care. Upon arrival, make a trip to the local doctor to understand what it’s like, what language the doctor speaks and if the local medical care is acceptable or whether they’ll need to travel to a nearby location. It’s better to know this information BEFORE you or a family member gets sick.

NWI

At NWI, we make sure the corporate relocation of employee is as seamless as possible regardless of industry or company size. By properly preparing employees for relocation by setting their expectations regarding housing and infrastructure, as well as training in cultural norms and language acquisition, relocating locally, nationally or internationally can be a breeze. Call 312-568-1249 for more information.