Moving to a new city or across borders is more than just changing addresses and can be a highly challenging and emotionally charged time. Here at Situ, we know that behind every corporate relocation lies an individual or a family – people with unique goals, needs, and apprehensions. No longer an add-in, the wellbeing of assignees and their families is firmly woven into the fabric of today’s mobility programmes – and is something that Situ can facilitate.
Serviced accommodation – a first home
Choosing the right temporary accommodation allows employees and families to focus on their work, build connections, and adapt to their new environment. At Situ we understand that the right first accommodation isn’t just about the practicalities of employees having a roof over their head when they first arrive in their new location. Having a stable home base during this time provides essential support for assignees and their loved ones when managing the transition to a new and perhaps unfamiliar environment. That first accommodation is a critical part of a relocation assignment which can set the tone for the entire assignment – it’s essential to get it right.
Situ can connect your mobility programme with our established global network of serviced accommodation of all types, from apartments and aparthotels to single family houses. We can even set up bespoke accommodation solutions for mobility programmes, as detailed in this case study on Situ’s accommodation solution for a leading global tech company struggling to secure corporate housing for their assignees overseas. This is where Situ was able to step in with an innovative solution, showcasing our bespoke service capabilities in a demanding market.
Advantages of serviced accommodation
It’s essential to make the first stage of relocation as problem-free as possible. There are great reasons why serviced accommodation can be a less stressful option for assignees than most hotel rooms. First off is the fact that serviced apartments can offer assignees and their families their own front door and a greater degree of privacy.
Then, of course, a typical hotel room very much represents transient accommodation, where even in a larger room, people will only be able to sleep rather than live. But in accommodation such as a serviced apartment, assignees and their families have all the amenities at hand to recreate the familiar and comforting routines of home, such as cooking favourite dishes and having enough room to live and work without being cramped into a small space. Even something as prosaic as being able to put the washing in the machine without hauling laundry across town to a launderette makes a difference. Another benefit to companies and organisations of course is that costly room service isn’t an issue when assignees have their own kitchen, and with on-site laundry facilities, there is no extra cost for expensive hotel laundry services.
All the benefits that come as part and parcel of serviced accommodation reduce complications and gets assignees and their families off to the best start, allowing them to concentrate on assimilating into their new work or school environment, find connections and networks, and of course, explore the surrounding neighbourhoods to look for more permanent housing.
When it doesn’t work…
Failed relocation costs an organisation dearly. According to BTR, 40% of all global relocations involve the early repatriation of assignees (BTR International, 3 Reasons for International Relocation Failure). With each assignment costing an average of £90,000, this can cost the company in terms of both the bottom line as well as in the loss of future opportunities that arise from the assignment being cut short.
Research shows that one of the main reasons for the failure of an assignment is due to family members, such as partners and children, who are unable to settle and adapt to the new environment (Erogul & Rahman, The Impact of Family Adjustment in Expatriate Success). This shows just how important it is to cater to the wellbeing of all members of a family undergoing relocation.
The human element of Situ’s service
Here at Situ, we never forget the human element of what we do in getting employees and their families settled and comfortable in their new homes and neighbourhoods. Dedicated Hospitality Specialists are assigned to every programme to ensure that everything from arrival to departure runs smoothly. Situ also has strong relationships with those on the ground in the form of our local accommodation partners who enable us to provide a seamless experience for all of our guests.
We always try to stand in the shoes of the assignee to predict what they might find difficult, and we are careful to point out things in their new environment that may be different to what they’re used to – for relocatees to the UK, for example, air conditioning may not be as widespread as they are used to. We pride ourselves on doing whatever we can to find and reduce the pain points and stressors, from the big picture necessities of finding assignees and their families safe, homely accommodation and being on hand during their stay, right through to the small touches that create a real home-from-home.
Situ magic – the tech-enabled human touch
Technology-enabled solutions that help put the individual first in mobility programmes can include integrated solutions such as platforms for onboarding and communication, and the implementation of employee self-service models.
At Situ we combine our expert knowledge with the efficiencies afforded by tech-enabled searches to provide great accommodation in preferred locations. This harmonious blend of human interaction and innovative technology, where tech does some of the heavy lifting, means that our Situ specialists can spend more time in high-touch human interaction. Once on the ground, assignees and employees can themselves access our knowledge bank on travel networks and travel times to the office.
As industry experts, we know that successful relocation programmes extend beyond simple logistics and a place to stay. We understand the bigger picture – the needs of both the companies and organisations who design mobility programmes and the relocating individuals and families themselves. From facilitating programme design, right down to the smallest details, we ensure that our services align with your goals.
The Situ team combines commercial acumen with empathy and a human booking team assisted by great tech to help clients prioritise the health and happiness of both the assignees and their families, leading to a successful relocation experience.
Why not take a look at some of our great first accommodation options, suitable for relocating assignees and their families? Or get in touch to discuss your requirements with one of our accommodation specialists today.