Now think about the last time you moved and how much longer that list of distractions became. Utility setup, school registration, heating/air service call, new doctors for the entire family, soccer signup deadlines, gym memberships, specialty grocery stores. More importantly, how does your family build a social and support network in the new location? What if you have needs related to a special needs child or specific medical condition?  The list goes on and on, and many require time and attention during normal business hours.

Even beyond the practical time factor of phone calls and appointments, the stress of moving—after all, it is rated as one of the top five stressful experiences in life—is enough to result in a employee distraction. If you’re relocating employees, chances are high they’re suffering some degree of presenteeism.

So what are you doing to help your employees and families in transition? You can’t assume the spouse/partner is handling it all in today’s dual-career world, nor can you expect an employee to leave the stress at the front office door. Providing family assistance during the move can ease stress and get your employee fully focused on the job faster. Here are a few tips.