Duty of Care...Without the Drama

Let’s be honest. Moving between houses is already a logistical headache. Now imagine moving across the world instead of across town. Think about having to adjust to different laws, a new language, and new potential natural disasters. Depending on where you're moving, relocating abroad can turn an exciting career opportunity into an episode of Survivor: Expat Edition.

This is where duty of care is essential. In the business world, duty of care is the legal and ethical responsibility of an organization to prevent foreseeable harm to its employees. For your mobility program, this means it’s your job to ensure your assignees and relocating employees don’t end up lost, unsafe, or woefully underprepared for their new surroundings. 

Duty of care is messy, because life is unpredictable for everyone. Fortunately, there's a lot you can do in advance to avoid drama and make sure you and your employees are all prepared. 

Be the Safety Net

Duty of care is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. Every country (and even every city) has its own set of risks, from geopolitical instability to local customs that could trip up even the savviest traveler. Your company’s duty of care plan should be more than a vague “call us if you need help” approach. It should be proactive, comprehensive, and tailored to each relocation. 

• Track Your People: Know where employees are at all times. You need to know that they're safe in all situations.
• Secure the Journey: Arrange secure travel from the airport to their new home so their first experience in a new country isn’t an overpriced taxi ride with questionable directions.
• Get the Right Paperwork: Immigration problems are frustrating. Make sure visas, work permits, and other paperwork are in order to prevent legal issues down the road.
• Insurance is Non-Negotiable: Travel, medical, and emergency insurance should be set up before an employee steps foot on a plane.
• Educate, Educate, Educate: Brief employees on safety risks in their new location. Depending on the destination, this could cover political unrest to extreme weather conditions.
• Find Safe, Reliable Housing: That cute loft downtown might look great in photos, but if it’s in an area prone to frequent blackouts and water shortages, it might not be the best choice. Employees need a secure home while they're abroad, so investing in safety and security can alleviate stress.
• Have an Exit Strategy: Medical emergency? Natural disaster? Local unrest? Employees should know the evacuation procedures before they need them.

Engage Your Mobility Partners 

Duty of care is a collaborative effort that includes your company's resources and all of your relocation support partners. Every organization's network is different, but your partners will usually include:

• Relocation Management Companies (RMCs): RMCs serve as a central hub of employee support, coordinating various aspects of the relocation process. They manage everything from policy development and emergency supplier management to expense tracking and compliance. 
• Destination Service Providers (DSPs): DSPs offer on-the-ground support in the host location. They assist with home finding, school searches, local orientation, and settling-in services, helping employees and their families acclimate safely and comfortably to their new environment. 
• Immigration Specialists: Navigating the complexities of visas and work permits is crucial for legal compliance and employee safety. Immigration partners ensure that all documentation is handled efficiently, reducing the risk of legal issues that could jeopardize the employee's well-being. If you have an entire family moving abroad, this is doubly important!
• Household Goods (HHG) Movers: Taking care of your employees also means taking care of their stuff. Trusted HHG partners manage the safe packing, transportation, and delivery of employees' personal belongings. Their expertise minimizes the risk of loss or damage, providing peace of mind to employees during their transition. They also ensure that the items being moved are not crossing any legal lines while crossing country borders!
• Cultural Trainers: Understanding the cultural nuances of a new location is vital for employee safety and successful integration. Cultural trainers educate employees and their families on local customs, social norms, and potential risks, empowering them to navigate their new environment confidently.

While many mobility programs prioritize cost management and efficiency, it's essential to recognize that partnering with a comprehensive team of experts not only enhances duty of care but also contributes to cost savings by proactively addressing and preventing potential challenges. For instance, RMCs can identify cost-saving opportunities within mobility programs without compromising the employee experience.

Lean on your partners, because this can prevent issues that might lead to higher costs down the line. Solid collaboration also lets you build tailored relocation strategies based on your company goals. These lead to more efficient and cost-effective mobility processes. Investing in a robust network of mobility partners ensures that employees receive the care and support they need, leading to smoother transitions and long-term savings by mitigating potential challenges before they escalate.

Duty of Care Done Right

You don't just need a plan. You need the right plan for guaranteeing employee safety. Companies that take duty of care seriously create a structured approach that combines security, education, and proactive problem-solving. And with the right partners, you can rest easy knowing your employees are safe, prepared, and set up for success in their new roles. No drama needed when you're ready to respond without last-minute scrambling.

If your organization sends employees across the globe, make sure duty of care is more than just a checkbox on a to-do list. A well-prepared employee is a happy (and safe) employee. And that’s a win-win for everyone that will maximize the ROI of your moves.