5 Things You Need to Know
About Supporting Assignees with Shorter Programs

In this month’s Mobility Matters podcast, we sat down to chat with Anna Dabrowska, Senior Destination Program Manager, Christina Miller, Manager of Global Client Solutions, and Renee Diaz, Destination Services Consultant in New York City. We discussed working successfully with less time and the challenges that come with shorter programs.

Here are the: 5 Things You Need to Know About…
Supporting Assignees with Shorter Programs

make every minute count

While shorter programs give us less time to work with our assignees, that does not mean the quality of support is any different. We encourage assignees to maximize their program time by using our proprietary app and the resources made available to them by their local Destination Consultant. Our Pre-Arrival Checklist helps give them an idea of what to bring, the City Guide gives them great information about their new city, and the Tips and Advice section tells them about the Social Security process, with additional resources like a US Education System overview and Cultural Insights to name a few. This will help assignees gain local knowledge and insight so they can “hit the ground running.”

as an authorizer, what can I do to help make this program effective?

Help set expectations from the start with aligned messaging to ensure assignees understand what can be realistically accomplished (and what can’t) with the time they have authorized. Send over key program information and details so we can focus on service delivery rather than information gathering. 5 key details to include with new authorizations are the arrival date, housing budget, family size, location preferences, and temp housing location and timeline.

prIORitize for success

With limited time, assignees need to decide what the most important priorities are vs. what’s nice to have. This will allow the Destination Consultant to support where most needed, and provide guidance for how assignees can do things on their own when time may not allow. For example: international assignees can open a bank account and unsecured credit card while still in their home country with one of our recommended expat banking programs. Having a US bank account set up immediately will allow their available funds to be in their account for housing application fees and security deposits from day one. The unsecured credit card will also allow them to start building US credit from the moment they arrive.

timely communication is key

The first thing assignees need to do is connect with their Destination Consultant and understand what can be completed and how they can work together for a seamless program. Communicate promptly when housing criteria or budget changes. We know assignees are busy, but things are time sensitive, especially with home finding. If you want to sleep on it, you may not sleep in it! The Consultant can best plan and advocate for the assignee with open and regular communciation.

which type of service delivery (virtual vs. face to face) is better for shorter programs?

For one day or less of service time authorized, IOR recommends virtual service delivery. This will allow the Destination Consultant to make the most out of the time authorized. While your IOR Program Manager will seek approval for virtual delivery, establishing expectations upfront with the client and assignee will ensure everyone is aligned and the program is set up for success. “Virtual” delivery may lead to the assumption that the assignee will not receive high touch support, however, IOR has a strong network of Senior Virtual Consultants across the US who consistently deliver quality support, expertise, and receive rave reviews from clients and customers alike. IOR is happy to provide more information on virtual delivery if you’re interested in learning more!