RelocationStressSyndrome (RSS) is defined as the physiologic and psychosocial disturbances that result from transfer from one environment to another. RSS was first identified as a medical condition associated with elderly people who had to move from their homes of many years and rather abruptly move into assisted or nursing care. There is a more recent correlation to RSS to people who are relocating outside of their communities and neighborhoods they live in and into new communities or cultures.
Your transferring employees and their families face very similar circumstances. They have to move very quickly and sometimes with little choice if they want to save their job, and the family is often in upheaval depending on lots of factors such as the spouse's employment, extended family, ties to the community, the childrens ages, and their financial ability (now impacted by the recession).
Psychologists agree that moving is a lengthy process of adjustment to changed circumstaces and a new environment. The stress associated with relocation can be extreme. The impact is heightened when the move must occur suddenly and results in the loss of lifestyle, friends, family and daily routine.
RSS Symptoms include:
- Loneliness
- Depression
- Anger
- Apprehension
- Anxiety
- Withdrawl
Other characteristics can include:
- Changes in eating habits
- Insecurity
- Need for excessive reassurance
- Physical signs such as backaches, headaches, stomachaches and high blood pressure
Stress can lead to absenteeism, tardiness, and the inability to focus on work. RSS continues until a sense of control is regained. The liklihood of having RSS depends on a number of variables such as age, stage of life, personality, amount of preparation and degree and type of support before, during and after the move.
What can Human Resource and Relocation Professionals do to help? Pay attention, ask questions throughout the process and offer assistance if problems arise. In situations where acclimation services make sense, offer them, do not minimize the effects of relocation on the employee and their family and therefore on the employee's work. Talk with the transferring employee about how the family is coping with the move, and how they are adjusting after they have moved. Symptoms can continue for as long as a year or more so be sure to stay close and check-in periodically.
NRI can help make your employee's relocation as stress free as possible,
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