Relocation assistance allows your company to attract qualified candidates beyond the local area. When writing the job offer, include the details of the relocation package so that the candidate understands exactly what you'll cover. This gives the candidate a full picture of the offer so that she is able to determine if it is acceptable.
Relocation includes numerous expenses for your new employee. The move itself, including the moving truck and transporting vehicles, is the most obvious expense. You may choose to pay for a premove trip so the new employee is able to look for housing, day care and other necessities. Other potential moving expenses include the cost of temporary housing after the move, storage fees for belongings until a permanent home is found, transportation for the family and assistance for the candidate's spouse to find employment. If the potential employee currently owns a home, you have the option of helping with the sale of the home. For renters, consider paying for the fees incurred to break the lease in order to move for the job. The specific costs you cover depend on your budget and the employee's situation.
Advertisement Article continues below this adOnce you determine what to cover, you need to set the limits. Calculate the amount of money available in the budget to cover the moving expenses. You have the option of giving the candidate a specific amount that he can apply to expenses as needed. Another option is to calculate costs for the specific expenses you plan to cover and designate a cap for each. If you're paying for temporary housing or similar expenses, designate the amount of time you'll cover the costs.
A relocation package costs your company a significant amount of money, so you want to protect your investment. Setting terms for the relocation assistance is one way to get the most out of your money. An option is to specify that the amount paid for moving expenses must be paid back if the employee leaves the company before a specific time period. For example, require the new staff member to stay with the company at least a year to avoid paying back the costs.
Advertisement Article continues below this adOnce you determine the details of the relocation offer, you need to put it into writing in the job-offer letter. Open the letter with the specific job title, starting date, supervisor, salary and other relevant information. In a separate paragraph, state that you will offer the relocation package, along with the terms and limits, such as the following sample: "Our company will cover relocation costs up to $2,000, plus monthly housing costs of $800 for the first three months after your move. You are responsible for reimbursing us the amount paid in relocation and housing costs if you do not work for us at least one full year." Ensure that the terms you include in the letter are accurate, as the employee could attempt legal action if you try to change the offer later. Consult with your attorney before sending the offer letter to ensure that your wording is appropriate and to understand the legal ramifications of the letter.