What to Consider Before Relocating for a Job?
posted:3 years agobyAwatef Hamdiin Work Life
It can be exciting to start a new job and move to the next level. Many employees consider relocating to another branch or department. This professional decision requires some points to consider. Like, what would be your rights if you change your workplace? What kind of questions to ask about the relocation package. Since you aim to make the best career development path, here is an article about doing things before relocating for a job.
Relocating for a Job; When and Why Does this Happen:
Relocation is the process of moving to another state to pursue work. Despite Its various reasons, there are two types of relocation:
- External: The employer’s choice to move the whole project to another joint location elsewhere
- Internal: The employee’s decision to change his workplace by requesting relocation towards another branch in another state.
Since this situation depends on the origin of change, be it external or internal motives, modifications can occur in your work life. So what would you do to get ready for them? Join Fratres to find out how.
As an employee who is going to start a new chapter in your work life, here are some points to consider:
1.Claiming benefits:
When relocating for a new job, make sure you understand the benefit programs, including health care, allowances, and savings plans. It is better than the benefits are included in your work contract, as they clarify everything about your insurance, leaves, and pension. If your former employer has previously set your retirement savings plan or any other employee benefit program, make sure to inform your new employer about your benefits after relocating. It is essential to understand your rights and duties before moving to the next level. Here is How to Build a Successful Career in Qatar?
2. Negotiate the change of workplace
This tip is essential for those who are going to relocate for external motives. When employers announce that all the team will be shifted elsewhere, arrangements will change. Many will not appreciate this news, as they have already settled in their work and lives. This will open the door for negotiating additional benefits such as paid accommodation, the possibility to bring your family, additional bonuses, etc. In this case, employers will put the effort to convince you about relocating and not the opposite. You may also read; 5 Questions to Ask from Employer During Interview
3.Suggest a period of trial for the new workplace:
How can you tell that relocation was a good decision for you? What would guarantee your success in the new working conditions? You can only find out through trying the new job. Inform your employer about your intention of spending a probationary period or a testing period for the new place. By doing so, you can establish a fair comparison between your new workplace and your older one to choose what you want finally.
Questions to Ask Employers before Relocating for Work:
Relocating to another workplace can be a serious decision that requires communicating with managers. If you have submitted a request to move or employers informed that the whole workplace would change, you should clarify your professional future through asking these questions:
What would my work contract include under a relocation process?
It is important to highlight every move in a work contract, as this is the sole reference you have for your professional situation. The location of your workplace is often mentioned in the agreement. Depending on this address, you can have transport benefits, free accommodation, or a permit to bring your family with you if you are not living with colleagues in a hostel. You may also read; 5 Questions to Ask from Employer During Interview
What is the impact of the new geographic area on my salary and benefits?
The cost of living varies from one area to another. This fact will impact the overall salary; are employees affected by this place or not? Would they be able to make ends meet after relocation or not? These questions should also be studied by employers who are responsible for the relocation process to see whether they will need a change in salaries or not.
What are the rights of employees under a relocation program? Are all employees obliged to follow? What would I risk if I refuse to change my workplace?
These questions highlight employees' rights and the possibility of opposing the relocation process. Employers should be aware of the professional expectation of employees. They should evaluate the relocation program and assess it through a survey or a periodic meeting. That is, employers should inform employees about this process a few months before. So that employees get ready for this relocation. Now, the problem is not about the sudden relocation announcement. It is rather about imposing this plan on employees. In case of refusal, employers can suggest:
- Keeping the work from home: remote work is still recommended, especially during this pandemic disease. Freelancing and Remote Jobs in Qatar
- Suggest your position to another employer: employers can write a recommendation letter to help you get a career change in the same, while the rest of the team will relocate.
If employees did not agree with these solutions, they could resign, as there is no obligation to follow the relocation plan. Take a look at; 5 Reasons Why Candidates Fail to Impress During Interviews.
What are the possible actions for an employee wishing to relocate with his/ her family?
When relocation is from the employee’s side, the possibility of bringing their family, depends on the sector’s abilities to provide the requirements of this employee. In case of not covering the expenses of getting the family to the new location, the employee can bear the expenses alone, as family joints are not included in the professional arrangements mentioned in the contract.
These were the possible relocation occasions in your work life. Relocation can be an external or an internal plan. It is based on changing the workplace to another state. This process can be expensive depending on the standards of living in the new geographic area and can affect the lives of many employees, who cannot move due to personal reasons. That’s why employees have the right to discuss the whole program and look for alternative solutions to relocating.