No one likes to be “the new kid”—the one who doesn’t have friends or know their way around.
Even physicians. Registered nurses. High-level specialists. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how impressive your credentials.
That’s why some healthcare professionals decline career-defining job offers that require relocation. And why others agree to relocate, but don’t end up sticking around.
And that’s why savvy healthcare organizations are taking extra steps to enhance the employee experience for their newly relocated professionals. By easing and speeding up their employee’s transition, they set the “new kids” up for success, which leads to stronger performance and long-term retention.
What do those extra steps look like? Here’s our top five.
1. Start Strong with Extensive Pre-boarding Support
Don’t wait to start onboarding. Start early with pre-boarding. Because the best relocation experiences begin long before the moving truck shows up.
What’s pre-boarding? It’s introducing new hires to your organization, workforce and community as soon as they say yes. This not only helps them make informed decisions—such as where to buy a house—it gives them time to prepare, logistically and emotionally. All while confirming that you’re a caring employer.
Digital relocation platforms like UrbanBound make this process seamless by putting all this key info in one easy place. Pair it with a warm, welcoming interview experience, and newbies get off on the right foot.
2. Assign a Peer Mentor (Ideally, Another Transplant)
Acclimating is hard enough without flying solo. That’s why assigning a peer mentor is one of the smartest moves employers can make.
Ideally, choose another professional who’s also relocated for the job and knows what those first days feel like. They can show new hires around, broker introductions, and answer the most pressing questions, even before they’re asked—serving as a reassuring resource in those early overwhelming days.
3. Create Social Connections Early
Few professions are as demanding as healthcare. Without meaningful relationships, employees are more likely to burn out, disengage or leave. After all, camaraderie is a proven buffer against burnout in healthcare settings.
That’s why social integration should be a key component of your new employees’ experience. Plan coffee meetups. Spring for a department lunch. Host a welcome reception. Every interaction helps new hires feel like part of the team.
4. Embrace the Whole Family
For newly relocated workers, family well-being—or the lack thereof—can be a real problem. If a spouse or child is struggling to adjust, it affects the employee’s happiness and focus as well.
The solution: take steps to help the whole family acclimate. Host family-oriented events, and broker introductions. Encourage them to connect with one another.
At UrbanBound, we also offer a Destination Services option to support relocating families. It can include cultural orientation, language training and in-depth settling-in services—all designed to help family members feel they belong, too.