The process of choosing which temporary accommodation is most suited to your assignee is simple if you’re able to work out their requirements, but how is it done? This is achieved through asking the right questions, which cover the noticeable details and the specifics that may be overlooked by the assignee. The most important aspect of choosing temporary accommodation is always bearing in mind that this will be your assignee’s home for an extended period of time.

When assignees are satisfied with their accommodation, productivity and motivation in the new role is likely to progress much quicker. By providing them with the space and quality of living they have at home, they’re more likely to embrace the relocation process. This may see them adapt to their new office earlier than expected, and it can improve your company’s overall efficiency. It’s the intricate, personal details that are imperative to making an assignee’s relocation as comfortable as possible. Every assignee will differentiate what they need and what they want, so asking probing questions that are personalised will provide you with all of the information you need to choose the right accommodation.

So what requirements should you establish before providing your assignee with their options? A majority of professionals prefer to separate their work from their home life, so it’s vital to know how much distance they want in between, and whether they desire the same arrangement as they have at home. Does your assignee want to be in walking distance of work, schools, supermarkets, and restaurants? Does your assignee want to be close to colleagues or people of the same nationality, or are they keen to embrace an authentic local experience? Schools are paramount to a family’s relocation and if your assignee is planning on relocating with their partner and children it’s essential to form an idea of where the local primary and secondary schools are situated in the particular area.

Having the convenience of being able to access the city and the countryside is a prerequisite that many assignees will require. This may be because the assignee is a light sleeper and will require an area that promotes complete silence; but they may also thrive in an urban environment, so it’s important for them to feel they have the best of both worlds. Assignees may possibly be looking for permanent housing options during their stay, so the area must be suitable for the immediate and the foreseeable future - many serviced apartments are located in and around residential areas.

To save on costs and potentially wasted space, ask the assignee to specify how wide-ranging they need the kitchen layout and facilities to be; and what size of dining area they need if they are to entertain friends and family. Does the assignee love creating their own cuisine, eating out or both? Would an extensive kitchen be vital, or will a kitchenette be adequate for their daily needs? Assignees may also prefer access to full onsite gym facilities, as opposed to specifying being close to a fitness centre.

Onsite parking may be a requirement, as many assignees will bring their own vehicle or use rental cars. Will your assignee need their own parking space inside the building or are they happy to park offsite? There are also plenty of apartments that will accommodate pets, so it’s essential to make sure every member of the family is accounted for whilst conducting the search for accommodation. Policies on pets vary from operator to operator – whilst many make allowances there are some that don’t, so make sure you know the ones that do.

If more than one of your assignees is heading to the same location, it can be worth considering the option of them sharing an apartment. This could be invaluable if they’re both travelling alone, as they may settle quicker in to the relocation if there’s a colleague who’s sharing the same experience. The advantage of this is that assignees will still have their own space - with their own bedroom and bathroom. Your assignee may also require more room for books, files or clothes and could ask for their accommodation to contain certain pieces of furniture that they’re used to at home, which may require a more extensive configuration.

Choosing the right temporary accommodation for an assignee can sometimes depend on a complex list of variables, but thinking like the assignee and asking the right kind of questions will soon form a solution for both parties.

Post by Stuart Winstone, SilverDoor