How to build the business case for relocation and resettlement support.

The savvy international recruiters and HR teams we work with know the value of providing a professional resettlement programme for international talent relocating to take up roles in New Zealand companies. The benefits for wellbeing and speed to effectiveness are evident to professionals working on the frontline with international talent, and it removes hours of candidate care from their workload.

But managers will demand a rigorous business case to allocate a budget for an additional employee benefit like this.

Here’s a summary of key insights from the Impact Group’s new ‘2023 People Perspectives on Relocation’ research, building a compelling data-driven rationale for investing in getting migrants and expats settled in New Zealand quickly and efficiently.

Expats and migrants tell us that resettlement support is crucial. A significant 70% of respondents would have benefited from additional assistance to help settle in and feel at home again.

International relocation has a significant impact on employee wellbeing. 56% of employees experienced emotional or personal challenges that lasted three months or longer following the move.

Engaging external resettlement support is more effective. 41% were uncomfortable or very uncomfortable sharing personal challenges related to the move with their manager/HR.? Problems that aren’t evident can’t be solved, and a skilled resettlement provider knows how to build a ‘fast trust’ relationship that will address issues before they become major.

Addressing family needs boosts employee success. Employees and families were four times more likely to consider their relocation a success if they had access to family support services, like help with finding housing and schooling.

Supporting wellbeing improves performance. ? of international assignees said the emotional challenges of moving affected their ability to focus on work. One out of five said the effect was significant or very significant. Investing in professional support reduces this risk.

So, if your business has budgeted for relocation costs like airfares, shipping or temporary accommodation, doesn’t it make sense to protect this investment by also investing in a resettlement support programme to ensure the expat or migrant employee can actually perform optimally once they are on the ground in New Zealand?

Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements (Kiwi Launch Pad) through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

Learn more about how we can help you.

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Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.?After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.