Why People Leave: Surveying the Factors that Impact Relocation Success

To make relocation truly successful, companies need approaches that prioritize both the employee experience and long-term retention. Insights from the 2024 survey by Researchscape and CRI, which gathered perspectives from 111 HR professionals, reveal a clear focus: the solution to common relocation challenges involves a thoughtful, employee-centered approach. By investing in supportive, well-structured relocation programs, organizations can foster smoother transitions, enhance employee satisfaction, and achieve a stronger ROI—making each move a win for both the employee and the company. 

Key Factors in Relocation Success 

Family support is one of the biggest factors influencing relocation success. Relocation impacts the entire family, and without adequate support, families may struggle with disruptions to routines, schools, and social networks. In fact, 28% of HR professionals in the report rank family issues as the top reason relocations don’t succeed. Companies can address this by offering comprehensive family support services, from school search assistance to spousal job search aid. Involving family members in the early decision-making stages can also foster smoother transitions, reducing stress and encouraging adjustment to the new location. When families feel cared for and included, employees are less likely to leave the company prematurely, resulting in higher morale and job satisfaction. 

Financial concerns, particularly differences in the cost of living between locations, are another significant barrier. This factor is highlighted by 20 percent of respondents, as relocating employees to high-cost areas without salary adjustments can create financial strain. To prevent this, organizations can provide cost-of-living adjustments or relocation stipends to ease the financial impact of the move. These investments, while initially appearing as added expenses, ultimately reduce the likelihood of financial stress leading to turnover and increase the chances of employees settling comfortably into their new roles. 

Cultural adjustment and social integration play a key role, especially in cases of cross-regional or international relocations. Cultural differences—from communication styles to local customs—can leave employees feeling isolated. According to the survey, 7% of HR professionals rank this factor as a primary challenge, as employees who feel disconnected or culturally out of place are more likely to consider leaving. Companies that offer cross-cultural training, as well as opportunities for social engagement through networking events and mentorship programs, create a welcoming environment that helps employees feel at home more quickly. When employees feel connected to their new surroundings, they are far more likely to remain engaged and productive. 

Equally important is ensuring clear alignment between job expectations and performance standards. Relocating to a new position without fully understanding the role can leave employees feeling confused or frustrated, particularly if they encounter unexpected job demands. Setting realistic expectations during the relocation process and conducting regular check-ins post-move allow HR leaders to identify and address any potential issues early on, providing the necessary support to ensure employees are comfortable and effective in their roles. 

Lastly, while language barriers may be less common, they remain a challenge for international relocations. Employees facing language limitations often struggle with integration, impacting their ability to adapt both socially and professionally. Providing language support, such as classes or mentorship from colleagues who understand the local culture, can greatly ease this transition. This investment enables employees to communicate more effectively and feel valued, enhancing productivity and overall job satisfaction. 

Moving Forward: Building a Relocation Program That Works 

Relocation is more than a physical move; it’s a comprehensive change that impacts employees’ lives deeply on multiple levels. When a relocation fails, the costs to the company can be high. But when companies address these primary factors, HR leaders can create relocation programs that not only retain talent but also enrich company culture and contribute to sustainable growth. 

Investing in family support, cost-of-living adjustments, cultural integration, and role clarity provides a foundation for success. When employees and their families feel supported and valued, the result is a stronger, more cohesive organization capable of thriving in an increasingly globalized marketplace.