Press Release

Weichert Relocation Resources Survey Uncovers New Hire Relocation Benefit Trends

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — With home prices continuing to appreciate throughout the country and competition for the best available talent intensifying, real estate assistance has become an important benefit for landing critical new hires, according to a survey conducted by Weichert Relocation Resources Inc.

Senior Human Resources professionals from 86 companies were asked if, in the wake of increased competition, they’ve implemented enhancements to their new hire relocation policies. Thirty-two percent said that they have or will be, with the most added provisions including covering a portion of employees’ home sale costs and increasing ? or in some cases, adding ? closing assistance for new home purchases. When asked what relocation benefits they felt were most important to new recruits, more than 75 percent cited home sale and home purchase assistance.

“Staffing and recruitment are among the biggest challenges facing today’s HR executives,” said Jennifer Connell, Manager of Consulting Services for Weichert Relocation Resources. “Our survey results indicate that home selling and home purchase assistance benefits are helping companies overcome these hurdles and attract critical new hires.”

Connell added that, based on policy reviews that Weichert Relocation Resources has conducted for over 100 U.S. multinational corporations in 2005, companies are continuing to provide incentive programs to encourage new hires to sell their homes quickly, which translates into lower costs for the company and a quicker return to full productivity for the employee.

“There are three fundamental principles to keeping relocation program costs low: pricing the home competitively from the outset, completing repairs and improvements prior to listing, and marketing the home while it’s still occupied,” said Connell. “Savvy companies will lace their new hire relocation policies with incentives that reward employees who sell their homes quickly by following these principles.”

Weichert Relocation Resources Inc. (WRRI) is one of the world’s leading global relocation and assignment management firms, delivering turnkey mobility solutions to corporations and their employees. With a service reach encompassing over 120 countries, WRRI serves 500 clients throughout the world. The company’s service offerings include domestic relocation services, international assignment services, real estate management and resale services, financial services, payroll and tax services, household goods move management services, consulting services and group move management services. WRRI has offices worldwide and more than 500 employees. For more information, visit www.wrri.com.