Relocation allowance

I'm wondering whether we'll see more employers offer relocation packages across a wider range of roles given the current climate [?]

Or in some companies and for some roles, no relocation at all because people might be able to work more remotely?!

Or in some companies and for some roles, no relocation at all because people might be able to work more remotely?!

Indeed... and we've had discussions about that, too - e.g. London weighting.

Hi, I'm jumping on this thread as I have a question about international relocation assistance. What is the usual HR policy for internal senior transfers in global corporate multi-nationals?

My spouse and I re-located/repatriated from Singapore to London in May last year (2021), during the pandemic. He is very senior and was an internal transfer within one of the top media agencies in the world. He told me that the company was paying for our Shipping, via the 'Global Mobility team' based in Paris. I have checked via LinkedIn and this team does exist. I thought this was reasonable and true. I understood the shipping to Singapore the few years before had been covered by his old company, another well-known media agency. I thought this was standard corporate practice for internal transfers, especially those senior. I am from a Civil Service background and international relocation assistance is offered to employees and their families, regardless of grade.

On arriving back to the UK, I discovered serious issues my spouse had keeping from me for years. He had a mental breakdown. He displays very high traits of Autism and has mentally withdrawn (and actually left me) and is in a perpetual state of shutdown. Refuses to engage in any personal issues, remaining silent. I never received the shipping and he refuses to communicate an explanation of what has happened.

When I contacted the company HR to clarify in December, the HR Manager said it was something to do with his contract. I pointed out he received his contract only on arriving in the UK. I believe it is not unusual for an internal employee assuming the relocation to be covered and dealt with at some point. He kept saying it would be sorted out with the London office receiving the shipping invoice. I confidentially sent the HR legal & health documents, explaining that my spouse has serious problems regarding administration and organisation (there was another matter which led me to get in touch). I clarified that he displays traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder and was in a state of shut down (with an NHS letter). I then left it and heard nothing since he refuses to engage with me.

I picked it up in February with the HR Director, stating the shipping includes essential legal documentation and personal items. My spouse was copied in, and it was clear to all he is in a state of mental dis-engagement as he remained silent. Initially, she said she would look into it. Then she came back with a very awkward response, refusing to answer my reasonable questions of if he was offered relocation, and if not, why not/eligible etc? Ie. what is the company policy? She and the CEO refuse to answer my reasonable questions on what is the company policy on re-location (ie. why did he lie?).

He is mentally unstable yet very highly functional, and high performing at work. My HR friends say re-location is offered to internal employees, often up to £20-30k for families. My spouse said our shipping was under £5k. The company did not pay for flights. He transferred into a new role that was created for him, without an external competitive recruitment process. Furthermore, there was only 3 months left on his Singapore 'Employment Pass' which is the defacto residency permit. Singaporean law requires companies to repatriate employees home, paying for flights etc to confirm exit.

I fully understand he is the employee not me, data protection laws etc. I am totally disgusted that a) they did not handle the re-location? b) refuse to state their policies and explain why. I believe the HR stuffed up in regards to the employee assistance /'duty of care' (if such a thing exists in corporate media agencies) and they are using this against him. He is extremely non-confrontational and has anyhow dis-engaged from his wife and matrimonial home. Ie. He doesn't care he doesn't have his or our personal goods. He has walked away in the most brutal manner (as apparently happens in some Autism/Asperger's' individuals when they cannot emotionally cope).

This company made billions out of the Pandemic, have PRed this heavily and the CEO likes to put herself in the media as caring for employees' mental health. The Evening Standard has described her as 'the Most Powerful woman in Advertising.' My spouses' manager reports into her and is on the C-Suite. Yet, they are quibbling over shipping that was less than £5k for an employee who had almost three years tenure. Longer than both the CEO and manager. A lifetime for media types.

My HR and other professional friends are really shocked and disgusted they refuse to meet or engage with me on the issue. It is clear their employee is in a poor state of mental health. Re-location is one of the very few 'touchpoints' where the family is also concerned in addition to the employee. I don't believe my interest is unreasonable.

I would be grateful for any knowledge on international internal employee re-location assistance, or opinions etc. Is this really standard global MNC corporate practice?