The average cost for moving a home-owning employee is approximately $45,000, according to the 1993 Relocation Trends Survey by the Employee Relocation Council of Washington, D.C. With that type of cash outlay, employers need to protect their investment. To ensure that an employee's relocation experience isn't a bust, relocation companies have increased their support systems to help the employee and family make a smooth transition.
"It's the primary responsibility of our agents to make sure that our clients are comfortable with their move," said Joan Thomas, relocation director of First Charlotte Properties in Charlotte, N.C. "In our training program for agents, we emphasize the difficulties of relocating to a new job and community."
The support services that a realty company like First Charlotte can offer are many. Often, the first person whom a relocated employee meets in a new city is the realty agent, and this is when the agent's training and friendliness help.
"It's our policy to have our agents check back with people every month for the first six months after their relocation to make sure everything is going smoothly," Thomas said. "Sometimes, agents keep in touch with relocation clients even after the six-month period. In some cases, they have ended up close personal friends."
ALL IN THE FAMILY
In the majority of relocations, it is the family and spouse who have the toughest time adjusting to their new home. Relocated employees have the support of their job and new co-workers, but their families often have to fend for themselves.
"Work and family support was an emerging trend that all of a sudden has moved to the forefront," said Leonard Troutner, executive vice president of Coldwell Banker Relocation Inc. in Mission Viejo, Calif. "So, we have moved work and family issues into training programs for our agents."
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