A guide to the importance of assignment managment within employee relocation projects

A pressurised and time centric environment is what awaits many of those employed within the HR (Human Resources) department.

With a number of crucial tasks to complete each day HR departments are constantly feeling the pressure – but what happens when the HR Department is assigned with the additional work of relocating an employee abroad.

HR managers and their departments have a number of different commitments which need to be fulfilled.

Besides taking care of the employment and recruitment processes HR managers are also expected to handle payroll services, solve problems and act as an ambassador for the company.

As the main department in charge of employees, any type of staff relocation programme will be primarily handled within HR.

The fact is that employees are rarely static beings and a number of opportunities can arise during a working career that offers staff the chance to take their skills to other countries on behalf of a company.

This means that HR managers are assigned yet another task to handle, potentially leaving them with stretched resources and inefficient workforces.

A study in July 2011 found that as many as one quarter of the British working population would be willing to transfer overseas for their career.

With odds like that it is therefore assumable that a HR manager will, at some point, be faced with the task of handling an employee relocation programme, but how can they do that in addition to their other duties?
Assignment Management

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to help facilitate the relocation process is by outsourcing some of the tasks to an assignment management service.

This will allow HR departments to continue to function at full capacity whilst still conducting the relocation process.

Using an assignment management service is advisable due to the sheer volume of work which is involved with relocation. Not only does the physical moving process need to be managed, but support systems need to be implemented and thorough research needs to be conducted.

Relocation procedures incur multiple costs and there are a number of important documents which need to be completed and managed for the process to be successful.

Things such as the economic climate of the new destination, the cost of living in the area, what tax approach should be used and the entry requirements needed, such as Visas, need to be addressed before the move.

Managing all of this can sometimes be difficult, especially with complex international relocations. Not only will companies be expected to foot the bill for most of the costs but they will also be expected to help their employee settle into their new surroundings.

This is important for ensuring good employee morale but can mean a number of financial allowances and expenses are incurred.

With businesses investing a lot of time and money into relocation it is vital that the process is handled effectively, as this will prevent the company’s performance from being disrupted in any way.

Assignment management is the main way for this to be done, outsourcing all of the tricky procedures to professionals who have expertise in the relocation field.

Professionals will manage the relocation procedure and provide direct support to employees for the entire duration of their assignment, whether it is for a few months or a few years.

 
Assignment management is designed to offer a seamless and integrated service that is beneficial to businesses.

Account professionals will work closely with staff members and the HR departments in order to make the relocation as smooth as possible, whilst keeping all relevant individuals informed of any progress or alterations which have occurred.

360’s Assignment Management
360’s assignment management service enables your business to have leading edge mobility programs in place with minimal outlay of resources on your part. 

Expert relocation professionals manage your relocation program and support your employees throughout the entire assignment cycle, coordinating all aspects of the assignment into one integrated, seamless service.

Tailored to meet the specific needs of your business, 360’s assignment management service allows you to outsource the administrative and management process. 

A dedicated Account Team provides integrated mobility services to your relocating employees and strategic advice and support to your HR Team. 

Reducing overall costs and streamlining communication, 360’s assignment management service is an effective solution for any organisation regardless of how small or large your requirement is.

By taking a holistic view of your entire assignment cycle and the underlying business needs of your organisation, 360 are able to identify service synergies and cost savings, without compromising a best in class service delivery.

What is Included
• Policy design and consulting
• Access to experienced Account Management Team
• Administration of relocation benefits
• Supplier selection and management
• Assignment cost projections
• Balance sheet calculations
• Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) data
• Tax advice and support
• Employee policy counselling
• Assignment tracking
• Bespoke reporting
• Assignment insurance (medical, personal liability etc.)

Benefits
• Advice and support from relocation experts
• Administrative burden on HR eased
• Cost savings through integrated service delivery
• Consistent service standards and application of your policies