The Negotiation of Relocation within the Workplace: How will it Benefit You?

Imagine this: You are comfortable in your current job role. You feel like you have a strong relationship with all of your colleagues, and that you work productively together. What if your managing director turned round to you and said that he would like to relocate you to another branch?

How would you react?

Will you react badly and suggest that you work well with your current team, and that you don’t think it’s fair to have to move?

Or will you take it as a business opportunity that will enable you to progress further within your career?

Whatever your response may be, the conversation can be controlled by listening to each other.

You’re more likely to get the result you want to gain out of the conversation if you are:      

·         Assertive

·         Calm

·         Rational

And most importantly, listen to what the other person has to say without jumping straight to conclusions.

I have to say that I’m quite bad at jumping to conclusions in certain situations. I’ve learned recently that it is most definitely more beneficial for both parties if you actually listen to what the other person has to say, rather than jumping in and saying what you think without actually thinking through what it is that you are going to say. This way the conversation will be worthwhile for both parties that are involved.

When presented with a conversation like this that what’s everyone wants isn’t it? – a successful conversation?

So before jumping to conclusions and perhaps thinking that ‘it’s not fair’ that you have to relocate, think about the benefits that could be in store for you. Make sure you bargain with your managing director to make sure you get the most out of the move. The move might be seen as a ‘bit of a hassle’ to you at the time, but you never know it could perhaps push you towards bigger and better things, which can include:

·         Pay rise

·         Advancing your position with the company

·         Meeting new people

So, before jumping to conclusions when asked to relocate think of the options and benefits that are in store for you. Think of what you want to gain from the conversation, and what you would like the outcome to be.

Also, remember that your managing director wouldn’t have asked you if they didn’t think you were suited to the position. So, think of it as a compliment! :)