New Hire Has Not Relocated Despite Company Expectations
A company faces challenges with a new employee who has not moved near the company's headquarters as initially agreed upon, raising questions about commitment and expectations.
Inc.com columnist Alison Green addresses workplace dilemmas, including a case where a new hire has failed to relocate as expected by the company.
The company, which had largely operated remotely, returned to a hybrid model requiring employees to be in the office three days a week. The new employee was informed of the expectation to move closer to the office to facilitate training and in-person collaboration. Despite starting under this understanding, the employee has not made concrete plans to move nearly six months later.
The employee currently resides with family and is not bound by a lease. While expressing a desire to move and acknowledging the benefits of office presence, the employee has also cited the demanding nature of apartment hunting, requesting breaks from the search. Other recent hires have reportedly secured housing before their start dates.
The employer is seeking guidance on how to clearly communicate the necessity of relocation without appearing unreasonable. The aim is to establish a firm expectation without immediate threat of termination. Green suggests the employee may not have grasped the urgency or seriousness of the relocation requirement.