Would You Like Some Cheese with that Whine?

The pressure on employers to retain and attract high level talent requires a comprehensive approach, focusing on all areas of both compensation and relocation benefits.  As such, more and more employers are looking to deliver a differentiated corporate housing product and experience for their high level employees.

While most providers will offer some type of basic welcome basket, the ‘executive level’ welcome basket may include fresh fruit, meats, crackers, chocolates and a very nice bottle of real wine to go with that cheese.  This is just one simple, but effective, way to welcome your high level employees to their new temporary homes.  After all, they are most likely tired and weary- a few tasty snacks and treats will go a long way in making them feel at home.

However important one’s dietary needs may be, there are additional services that can be addressed for the executive as well. Two obvious areas of concern are the comfort of the family and the comfort of the family pets.  Executive product offerings that go beyond traditional methods of addressing the needs of the family and/or the family pet(s) are growing in demand.

For example, children offered age appropriate welcome baskets including games, books, toys and even bedroom décor, can make them feel at home.  Pets can be provided with pet food, food and water dishes, litter boxes and extra cat litter, and even a pet bed can make the first days in the new accommodations much less stressful for all involved.

Additional offerings and amenities which are gaining in popularity may include; a stocked refrigerator, cultural food and cooking packages, executive furniture upgrades, upgraded linens and bedding, personal unit orientations, property tours, airport pick- up, rental car management and/or car service assistance.

Understanding the unique needs of your high level employees is critical in making sure that you are able to deliver a differentiated housing experience that exceeds the expectations of your employee and is friendly to the bottom line. Working with a corporate housing provider, such as SIRVA Corporate Housing, that has the ability to design and deliver such personalized products and services is essential to delighting- and retaining- today’s relocating executive.

For more questions, feel free to reach me at david.strate@sirva.com or click here to visit our web site.