E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

Corporate relocation services are evolving from a simple logistical task into a strategic talent retention tool. This shift is driven by a growing post-pandemic trend of employees wanting to move back to their home states, requiring companies to offer more flexible, personalized, and empathetic support to retain top performers.

The Post-Pandemic Shift: More Than a Move, It's a Homecoming

For decades, the path to career advancement often meant moving away from home, chasing opportunities in major metropolitan hubs. The corporate relocation package was a straightforward tool to get talent from point A to point B. Today, that dynamic is fundamentally changing. The "Great Resignation" has given way to a quieter, more meaningful trend: the "Great Homecoming." Driven by a desire for community, family support, and a different quality of life, professionals are increasingly looking to move back to where they grew up.

This isn't just an anecdotal observation; it's a quantifiable shift in workforce mobility. Recent data shows the share of movers returning to their state of birth increased from 4.2% in 2019 to 5.0% in 2022, peaking during the height of the pandemic as a new priority took hold. This trend is particularly strong among prime-age professionals (25-44), the very demographic companies are fighting to attract and retain. This changes the entire conversation around employee mobility. The "why" behind the move is no longer just about the company's needs; it's about the employee's holistic well-being.

Redefining Relocation: From Cost Center to High-ROI Retention Tool

When a key employee wants to move home, a company faces a critical choice. Viewing the request through an outdated, purely logistical lens can lead to friction and talent loss. Embracing it as an opportunity, however, can build immense loyalty. Facilitating an employee’s move home is a powerful investment in their long-term happiness and productivity. A happy, supported employee is a dedicated one. This requires a new way of thinking about the relocation program itself.

• Traditional Relocation (Logistical Function): Historically, corporate relocation was a rigid, one-size-fits-all process. The focus was on the physical move: hiring movers, transporting household goods, and managing the core logistics. While this approach offers predictable costs, it is impersonal and often fails to address the human side of a major life change, leading to a stressful experience for the transferee and their family.
• Modern Relocation (Talent Retention Strategy): A modern approach to talent mobility sees the relocation process as a critical touchpoint in the employee journey. It's flexible, personalized, and designed to enhance the employee experience. This strategy recognizes that a seamless move builds morale, fosters loyalty, and ultimately protects the company's investment in its people. It requires more hands-on move management but delivers a far greater return in employee satisfaction and retention.
• The "Great Homecoming" (Post-Pandemic Trend): This new trend demands the highest level of personalization. Supporting a homecoming means leveraging the best aspects of a modern relocation strategy while adding a unique layer of empathetic support. It acknowledges the emotional weight of returning to a place that is both familiar and changed, and it requires a partner who can help navigate that specific journey.

What Top Talent Expects from Mobility Programs Today

Today’s employees expect more than a check and a list of approved movers. They seek a partnership that minimizes stress and acknowledges their personal motivations. To succeed, a modern corporate relocation services program must be built on four key pillars.

Ability to provide a personalized, supportive experience for the employee.

This starts with a thorough needs assessment to understand the employee's unique situation. Are they moving with a family? Do they need spousal support or school search assistance? A dedicated Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) can act as a single point of contact, guiding the employee through every step and ensuring their personal needs are met.

Flexibility to accommodate moves motivated by personal factors.

A rigid corporate relocation policy can be a deal-breaker. When an employee wants to move closer to family, the company's ability to support that move sends a powerful message. Flexible programs that can adapt to different circumstances, whether through managed budgets or a la carte destination services, demonstrate that the company values its people as individuals, not just assets.

Expertise in minimizing business disruption and downtime.

For any company, time is money. A successful move, whether for a single employee or an entire office, depends on meticulous planning and execution. This includes everything from detailed logistics management and professional packing to ensure the employee can get back to work quickly, without being bogged down by the moving process.

Comprehensive service offerings beyond simple transport.

Leading relocation providers offer a full suite of services. This includes secure, climate-controlled storage for items not needed immediately, real estate assistance through a network of trusted agents, and complete settling-in services to help the employee and their family acclimate to their new (or old) community.

Your Corporate Relocation Questions Answered

Navigating the complexities of employee relocation can be daunting. Here are answers to some common questions.

How do corporate relocations work?

The process typically begins with the company's human resources team establishing a corporate relocation policy. When an employee is approved for a move, a relocation management company or a full-service moving company is engaged. The process includes a needs assessment, budget creation, and assignment management. A detailed plan is created, covering everything from packing and loading (documented on a Bill of Lading) to transportation and unpacking, all managed by a dedicated coordinator.

How much do companies pay for relocation?

Costs vary widely based on distance, the volume of household goods, and the level of service included in the corporate relocation package. A domestic move can range from a few thousand dollars to well over $20,000 for a comprehensive executive relocation with real estate assistance. Government relocation provides a useful benchmark; for instance, between February 2019 and May 2020, the U.S. Postal Service's program authorized over 800 relocations and paid over $21 million in benefits, averaging over $26,000 per move.

Is 5000 a good relocation package?

A $5,000 lump sum relocation payment can be adequate for a recent graduate or a single person moving a short distance with minimal belongings. However, for a cross-country move involving a family, a home sale, and vehicle transportation, $5,000 would likely cover only a fraction of the total cost. A comprehensive package with managed services is often more valuable than a small lump sum.

How much does it cost to relocate a business?

Relocating an entire business or office is a much larger undertaking than an employee move. The cost depends on the size of the company, the amount of furniture and sensitive IT equipment, and the complexity of the logistics. Commercial movers provide a detailed estimate based on a thorough on-site assessment. Minimizing downtime is the primary goal, making professional move management essential.

Beyond Logistics: The Importance of "Settling In"

The most successful modern relocation programs understand that the service doesn't end when the last box is unpacked. This is especially true for a "homecoming" move. While the location is familiar, years may have passed. The employee may need help re-establishing local networks or finding their place in a community that has evolved.

This is where high-value settling-in services become critical. Offerings like area orientation tours can reacquaint an employee with their hometown, highlighting new developments and amenities. For companies, providing this level of support is a strategic decision that accelerates an employee's ability to feel settled and productive. This comprehensive approach is mirrored in federal guidelines, where U.S. law authorizes government agencies to contract for a wide array of relocation services, including arranging for the purchase of a residence, to ensure a smooth transition for their employees under a structured framework. The tracking of these expenses, as required by the Modernizing Government Travel Act, underscores their importance in effective talent management.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Selecting the right corporate relocation partner depends on your company's specific goals and priorities. There is no single "best" solution, but there is a right fit for your needs.

• For the HR Manager: Your priority is the employee experience. You need a partner who acts as an extension of your team, providing empathetic, personalized support that improves talent retention. Look for a provider with dedicated coordinators and a proven track record of positive transferee feedback.
• For the Operations Director: Your focus is on efficiency and continuity. You need a reliable mover with deep experience in commercial and office moves. Seek a partner with robust logistics management capabilities, modern equipment, and a clear plan to execute the move with minimal disruption to your operations.
• For the C-Suite Executive: You see the strategic picture. You need a partner who understands how talent mobility can be a competitive advantage. Look for a firm that can offer strategic relocation consulting, helping you develop a flexible policy that supports a distributed workforce and attracts top talent from any location.

Ultimately, a successful relocation balances strategic company goals with the personal needs of your most valuable asset—your people. With over 140 years of experience, EE Ward Moving and Storage understands this balance. As a trusted leader in the moving and storage industry, we specialize in creating seamless, stress-free relocation experiences that support your employees and your business objectives. For a personalized assessment of your corporate relocation needs from our Columbus, Ohio headquarters, contact our expert team today for a free estimate.

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