As the global business community gets its pre-pandemic groove back, international relocations are on the rise. These help businesses grow in global markets, while allowing employees to advance their careers and expand their horizons. But before any of these good things can happen, employees must acclimate to their new environment. That’s where destination services come in.
Destination services are specialized relocation benefits offered in conjunction with complex moves—moves that typically entail a cultural shift. While sometimes included in white-glove domestic relocation packages, they’re most often included in international relocation packages. And for very good reason.
While all corporate moves are challenging, international relocations are tougher by far. Destination services not only help employees and their families master the logistical complexities of relocating, but adjust to their new world more quickly and fully—the key to setting newly-minted expats up for success.
For this reason, if your company offers overseas assignments—or is planning to in the not-to-distant future—adding destination services to your relocation program is one of the smartest moves you can make right now.
In the past, an employee’s decision to accept a job offer was often informed by two primary considerations: financial compensation and the impact on one’s career.
While these elements still matter, so do these pandemic-inspired factors: finding purposeful work, striking a healthier work/life balance and prioritizing the well-being of one’s self and family.
By offering strong destination services benefits, employers demonstrate that they care about these, too—and make it easier for relocating employees to achieve them.
Beyond providing employees with the highest levels of relocation support, destination services help ensure that employees and their families can weather the emotionally-draining adjustment cycle that’s part of acclimation and more fully enjoy their global adventure.
Destination services benefits are typically provided by the employer’s relocation management company—either directly or indirectly, via a third-party expert. While packages vary by provider, common components include:
Assistance with the Immigration Process
While each country’s immigration requirements are unique, they’re all tricky to navigate. Destinations services providers use immigration specialists to guide employees through the application process, diffusing stress while ensuring immigration requirements are met.
Cultural and Language Training
You can’t get very far in a foreign country if you don’t speak the language. Destination services programs nearly always include language training, not just for employees but their families.
Similarly, most destination services programs include cultural training, to help prevent social blunders and facilitate good communication. After all, what’s considered good manners in one country may be the worst kind of insult somewhere else.