Top 5 relocation incentives to attract talent

With talent shortages affecting a lot of companies recently, attracting quality talent often requires thinking outside the box or, in this case, your usual search radius.

Fortunately, workers are increasingly open to relocating for the ‘perfect’ job. However, it’s your job as employers to motivate these potential candidates to move for your role by catering to their needs.

Here’s how…

The candidate’s perspective on relocation:

From a candidate’s perspective, relocation often involves significant financial costs, social disruption potentially moving away from family and friends, and potential career risks.

Addressing these pain points and proposing ways to help your candidates overcome these challenges in your job ads is the key.

Top 5 incentives for workers to relocate for a role:

Through surveying 6,500 employees across Australia and New Zealand, we identified the top incentives that would encourage people to relocate for a role.

1. Salary increases: 1 in 2 people would relocate for a salary increase. It may be the most obvious, but it still remains the biggest motivator for candidates, so do your research and ensure your offer is competitive.
2. Relocation assistance: For 28% of people, offering relocation assistance will encourage them to move. This could include a period of free rent, covering moving costs or handling logistics.
3. More opportunities for career progression: Relocating comes with career risks. Make sure development opportunities and clear pathways for career progression are evident in your job ad.
4. Receiving support to help provide a smooth transition: Provide insights into your local area, such as the best suburbs to live in, average rental costs, local events and the best food spots. Assisting with spousal income can also be beneficial.
5. More flexible working arrangements: Workers are prioritising work life balance, so you need to get creative with flexibility. You could offer flexible start and finish times, job sharing, part-time options or remote work opportunities.

Who’s looking to relocate?

Statistics taken from Frontline Feel Good Recruitment Insights Report 2024

Our expert candidate attraction and relocation advice

When incentivising people to relocate, ensure all of your perks and offers are clearly communicated in the job advertisements and throughout the interview process. But remember, it’s easy to make false promises, so be transparent and realistic about what you can offer.

To learn more about what candidates are looking for in a role, download our comprehensive 40+ page report on workplace wellbeing.