People are on the move. Nearly 15% of the world's population moves every year across town, across country, or across continents. The primary reason for most people to move is a job transfer. Moving to a new city or continent can be very frustrating, time consuming and a highly emotional experience for a family.

Depending on the quality and amount of assistance the transferee has had, job related relocation can be an adventure for some and a nightmare for others. This applies to the company, the employees and families involved.

Preparing the family before the move to reduce stress and distraction, and making them feel at home in the new country while providing them with the best possible assistance and information, are essential factors in ensuring a smooth and positive transition.

Successful resettling of corporate gypsies involves more than just a change of scenery and packing a suitcase; it involves establishing a new way of life in the new, often totally unknown location. As with each new experience in life, it requires a period of adjustment. An executive who is worried about his/her personal affairs is prevented from operating at optimal effectiveness because of the constant concern with the adaptation and integration of their family into the local community

Many companies have recognized the need to be more "caring" of their executives and their families. Human Resource Departments cannot usually give the personal and in-depth support required to help their employees, nor do they have the time, resources or expertise to do so.

 
Therefore, they call on the highly personalized approach and the invaluable experience of an external Relocation Assistance Counsellor to assist the executive at this time of high stress.

The relocation consultant plays a critical role in preventing future problems by helping the transferee an the family through a successful move and helps to maintain a good company/employee balance. It is also a sure way to keep a tight control on costs and time, without tying up internal resources and it takes the pain out of moving personnel.

BRC’s long term experience, know-how and professional flexibility are essential factors in ensuring a smooth and positive transition. The practical and personalized support makes an employee adapt successfully to local conditions and obtain a sympathetic understanding of the cultural values and characteristics of the local community. It makes them feel welcome and protected and results in a much faster adaptation in the new home country.

Obviously everybody stands to win from a successful relocation: the company, the executive, the family and the local community.

We have found the perfect balance between keeping the cost down, the employee’s spirits up and make you and the company look good.

A happy employee.... is a  productive employee!

Viv Hermans is founder and president of the Belgian Relocation Center. She has been in the relocation and immigration industry for more than 20 years and this way gained a strong reputation as one of the longest leading relocation companies in Belgium. 

Viv is also a founding member of the European Relocation Association EuRA and was closely involved in establishing the rules and regulations for top quality relocation assistance throughout Europe. She served on the councel as a Vice President for the organisation.

She holds a degree in Pharmaceutics and International Management and has specialized in immigration and real estate laws. She has lived herself as an expatriate abroad and fluently speaks several languages