With global relocation figures showing no sign of downturn, the role of the serviced apartment provider is more important than ever.

Increasing number of international assignees

According to the Cartus’ 2016 Trends in Global Relocation: Global Mobility Policy & Practices survey, the number of international assignments has increased in the last two years, and 81 per cent of respondents expect long-term assignment activity to remain stable or increase in the next two years.The survey noted that a key to success for relocation assignments is the ability of the employee to adapt to the host location, with one in five assignments failing due to the employee unable to successfully adapt, and 28 per cent of early returns due to the employee family’s inability to adapt to their new environment.Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, director of sales – national accounts at Quest, said the serviced apartment provider played a crucial role in the success of a relocation assignment.“Quest’s core market is the long-term traveller. Quest is not a hotel room experience where you eat your dinner on the bed, we are their home away from home,” Ms Dimitrakopoulos said. Quest has more than 150 properties located throughout Australasia and with Australia’s top 500 companies and a large number of international businesses to provide their employees with a variety of accommodation styles.Accommodation ranges from spacious one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom living quarters, all with fully functioning kitchens, living and dining spaces and laundry facilities.Location is also a key consideration, with Quest hotels situated close to central business districts, and within walking distance of tourist and entertainment amenities.The Quest franchisee model also enhances long-term guests’ ability to quickly adapt to their new environment, with the property owner also fulfilling the role of tour guide and advisor.“What differentiates Quest from other accommodation providers is the person who runs the business owns the business. Our hotel owners fulfil the role of concierge, advising guests about what movies are playing at the local cinema, or where to eat or where to shop. It is a more personalised service,” Ms Dimitrakopoulos said.

Overseas assignments can be isolating

Understanding that leaving behind the security of friends, family and colleagues to relocate to a new city or country can create feelings of upheaval and uncertainty. The staff at Quest is always available to answers questions or provide advice to help guests transition from one environment to another.Welcome packs are another added personal touch, with guests provided with local information, movies tickets and public transport passes.Partners and families travelling as part of the relocation process are also made to feel welcome, with Quest staff on hand to provide information and helpful suggestions to facilitate the orientation process. 

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Ms Dimitrakopoulos continued, “We know that if a person is happy at home, they are more likely to smoothly integrate into their new workplace. Relocation can be an expensive and stressful process, so we understand the importance of our role in helping to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.”The convenience of serviced apartment living can also assist to overcome any feelings of dislocation, with guests free from the added stress of rental costs, utility contracts and ongoing property maintenance.The security afforded by 24-hour access to front-desk staff is another reassuring factor, with someone always available to assist with check in or transport arrangements.Ms Dimitrakopoulos added, “At Quest, we understand service provision goes above and beyond providing a place to stay – it’s our warm welcome and personal touches that help to create a feeling of a home away from home to bridge the loneliness gap.”For more information about Quest Apartments, go to questapartments.com.auFor related news and features, visit our International Assignments section.

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