Key Areas to Consider
1. Ensure your Relocation Policy addresses “international” issues.
2. Set-up a cost estimating process and approval procedure.
3. Are these going to be permanent relocations or temporary assignments? If “temporary,” define length (less than one year, one to three years). See tax below.
4. Are you sending a “group” all at once? If so, special issues apply to group moves.
5. Candidate Assessment – selecting the right employees and families for the job and for the relocation.
6. Home Finding for employees
a. Preview trips – focus on community first, then specific housing
b. Housing (buy or rent) – decide if you want to offer/encourage purchasing and all that implies
c. School systems - differ from province to province
d. Local Government regulations – from drivers’ licenses to parking permits there are many details to familiarize yourself with
e. Area Orientations – alleviate relocating families’ lifestyle concerns. From religious institutions, clinics, banks, or grocery stores.
f. Special Needs (children, eldercare) – consideration needs to be given to these issues as it may influence acceptance of the relocation or the community
7. Medical Benefits – a very different system and everyone will want to know what it means for themselves and their families.
8. Household Goods Moving – it is a van line move, but shipments need to clear customs. Also bringing a car across the border may require emission control checks which can be costly.
9. Cultural and Language – Consideration for some of the differences is a great investment. Training can pay big dividends and quicken acceptance and understanding. In Quebec an understanding of French would be considered critical in business and very helpful socially for the whole family.
10. Immigration can be a straightforward process but don’t “assume” it will be easy. There can often be surprises when employees have to share background information on themselves and accompanying family members.
11. Tax planning – A real must to review the cost differences and creating policy on how it will be handled. Employees will have a lot of questions on this topic!
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Rob Stone, CRP. Sales Manager Relocation Services
Rob Stone came to TheMIGroup initially in 1989, working as part time summer help in the Operations Department in Toronto while completing his university education. After graduating from the University of Toronto in September 1994, with a Bachelors of Commerce (Hons) in Economics, Rob became a full time member of staff. Starting his career as a Certified Move Manager, then on to various sales positions until 1998 when Rob was promoted to his current position of Sales Manager Relocation Services. Rob Stone can be reached atrob.stone@themigroup.com |
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