For newly minted expats taking their careers (and sometimes their families) across borders, it can be both an exciting yet overwhelming process. Global mobility managers play a vital role here, as you shoulder the heavy responsibility of making sure these employees are able to make a seamless transition. With the modern workforce seeking more than just a job, a successful expat programme must prioritise holistic wellbeing to ensure the assignment is a success for everyone involved.
This comprehensive checklist is designed to help you build that support system by navigating the key elements of expat relocation — specifically, housing and wellbeing — so you can empower your employees to flourish from day one.
The nature of global mobility has changed. Employees now expect a higher level of support, and the success of an international assignment is directly tied to their personal experience.
Work-related relocations are expected to rise in 2025, as per Atlas’ annual Corporate Relocation Survey. Today’s expat is not just a senior executive on a short-term assignment. The landscape is rich with diverse talent, from digital nomads to younger professionals on career-defining placements.
In fact, 67% of Gen Z workers are willing to relocate for a “good job,” referring to a role that offers better work-life balance. This new cohort is highly connected and values a positive employee experience, making a well-structured relocation plan a competitive advantage for attracting and retaining top talent.
Global mobility managers are no longer just logistics coordinators. You are responsible for an employee’s productivity and satisfaction from the moment they say yes to the assignment. This means helping your talent mitigate the stress of relocation, ensuring compliance, and creating an environment where expats and their families can thrive in their new surroundings.
A successful relocation is built on a foundation of meticulous planning and proactive communication. Here's a breakdown of the essential stages:
This stage is all about setting the expat up for success before they've even packed a bag.
Make sure your employees are firmly aware of the legal and financial necessities.
This covers the practicalities of the physical move itself.
Appropriate housing is the foundation of an expat’s new life. It must be safe, comfortable, and, most importantly, compliant.
What qualifies as suitable housing for a relocation? This accommodation needs to adhere to corporate policies, be located in a safe area, and be comfortable enough to serve as a genuine home for the expat. Vetting providers is critical to ensure quality and security.
The choice between temporary and long-term housing will depend on the assignment's duration and the expat's personal circumstances. This is a brief snapshot of their distinct differences:
In 2025, technology is the game-changer for expat relocation management. Platforms like AltoVita streamline the sourcing, booking, and management of compliant housing. With a vast network of vetted accommodations, it simplifies a traditionally fragmented and time-consuming process, ensuring every option meets your company’s safety and policy standards.
An expat’s wellbeing directly impacts their performance and the success of the assignment, which is why proactive support in this area is critical.
Healthcare access is vital. Ensure they understand the local healthcare system, have access to a doctor, and know where to go in an emergency. Beyond that, provide information on local gyms, parks, and recreational activities to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.
Leaving behind the familiarity of your home country and community makes relocating a mentally draining process. To help alleviate any emotional distress, provide resources for mental and emotional support, such as:
For expats to truly thrive in these new spaces, encourage them to expand their social and professional circles. This can be done by connecting them with other expats or local groups to build a support network. Having a small budget for cultural experiences, like attending local events or visiting prime landmarks, can also help them feel integrated and connected, transforming a new location into a genuine home.
Through smart technology and a holistic approach, global mobility managers can enhance the expat experience, making it more efficient and personalised.
Use data to inform your relocation strategies. Predictive analytics can help you forecast housing costs, identify wellbeing-related preferences (e.g., proximity to gyms or schools for families), and pinpoint potential risk areas (e.g., high-crime neighborhoods, unreliable housing suppliers, or political instability). This data-driven approach allows you to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive, strategic support.
As a strategic partner in your expat programme, AltoVita offers a streamlined approach to global mobility. Our platform delivers:
The world of global mobility is always changing. Staying informed is the best way to ensure your expat programmes remain a success.
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