A relocation package is financial assistance that companies provide for both new and current employees to help them move to a new location. This support helps to facilitate employee mobility across the country and also from around the globe.
Like most other IT companies, Google offers comprehensive relocation support to its employees to manage their specific needs. Before you opt for a relocation package, it is necessary to take a closer look at the components and make sure that you are getting all the support that was agreed upon.
To be honest, data about the exact relocation packages offered by Google is hardly available online. But that is expected, as there are multiple factors that determine the exact amount mentioned in an individual relocation package. That said, similar to other IT companies there are some standard relocation benefits that Google offers.
Let’s take a closer look at the Google relocation packages and find out more.
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Google Relocation Benefits
You can get the choice of choosing between two basic options during the initial discussion with the HR team for the relocation process.
Note, all employer-paid job relocation assistances are taxable. So, keep that in mind when you work out your relocation budget.
Lump Sum
A lump sum or “cash out” package that Google offers covers all moving-related expenses. It is also termed a relocation bonus. Many employees prefer this one-time payment option as it gives them more flexibility to conduct the move as per their needs.
Employees include moving expenses, home sale and closing costs, lease breaking, child care, and household goods shipment to arrive at a number. The next step is a negotiation with the employer based on their move timeline and individual requirements.
While some companies offer a flat lump sum payment, most IT companies offer variable lump sum packages. The amount is determined by various factors like relocation distance, family size, level in the company, salary level, and more.
The lump sum can be paid directly to your account or the company can pay the bill of the service providers directly.
The other option is the relocation reimbursement process. Here, the employee bears the expenses for the relocation and the employer reimburses the expenses from the sum assured.
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Relocation Package
A relocation package includes a range of features that make the moving process stress-free for the employee. These include the cost of hiring professional packers and movers and also vehicle transportation. In other words, all the logistics associated with the move are outsourced to a third party arranged by Google.
Other expenses related to housing, mortgages, and familial support, are covered. Beyond that, benefits for free visits to the new location, temporary housing, and pay adjustments are also included in the package. In some cases, companies may add a payback clause as a part of their relocation policy to safeguard their investment.
A few companies have a capped allowance plan where they fix the maximum amount the employee can spend during the move. However, for higher-level employees, a fully covered relocation package that covers all possible expenses can be provided.
Top companies like Google have a well-structured relocation policy to make the entire moving process less stressful for the employee. Such a policy is a better option to prevent any drop in productivity or a feeling of dissatisfaction in the employee, after the move.
When it comes to relocation bonus vs relocation reimbursement, each has its pros and cons. Make sure to consider all the factors before making a choice.
How Much Does Google Pay for Relocation?
Since relocation is not a one-size-fits-all process, it is not possible to arrive at exact amounts. It also depends on what the company is willing to spend as a part of the relocation package.
In general, a typical relocation package can be anywhere between $15,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on individual circumstances. One aspect of it is how you negotiate the relocation package for your move.
Google benchmarks the average relocation package that they offer to stay in tune with industry standards. Usually, the amount will be higher for homeowners than for renters.
What Does Google’s Relocation Package Include?
Google offers a range of support and resources to its employees to make the relocation process as smooth as possible. You can get help from relocation guides, dedicated support teams, and online tools as well. Apart from paying for the moving expenses, the company also provides help to find housing, find schools, spousal job support, and more.
It goes without saying that the details of the relocation package will depend on employee needs and position. Here are some of the benefits that you can expect from Google’s relocation package.
- A relocation specialist who can guide you through the entire process.
- Assistance with a moving company and trucking of belongings to the new location. This includes unloading the belongings to the new place and reassembling the furniture.
- Assistance for selling the employee’s current home
- Temporary housing facility close to the new office
- One Way plane ticket for the entire family or fuel charges
- Transporting of car and access to a rental car for a fixed time period.
- Temporary storage of the belongings in a secure storage facility if needed
- A relocation guide to show you around the new area
- In some scenarios, incidental expenses during the move are also covered through a cash payment.
You may get special facilities beyond the ones listed depending on your specific needs. But for that, you will have to enter into a discussion with the relocation specialist or team in Google’s HR department.
Does Google Offer an International Relocation Package?
In 2022, the total number of employees in Google’s parent company Alphabet was 190,234, across the globe. This gives the employees the opportunity to make international moves..
However, international relocations are more complex and usually involve a lot more paperwork. You can expect Google to provide international job relocation assistance for getting a work visa and managing the sponsorship paperwork. Other than that, the company also arranges to book a container for shifting the household goods to the new country.
Most IT companies provide on-site assistance in the new country in case you do not speak the local language. Other benefits like free plane tickets to their home country to enjoy a vacation after a specific period of employment, are provided in some cases. Employees are also provided advice and assistance related to banking and insurance services.
How to Get a Google Relocation Package
Whether you are a new employee or an old one, you are eligible for a relocation package from Google as long as it is mentioned in your job contract. Once the decision to relocate has been taken, the company will enter into a discussion with you to finalize the details of the relocation package.
Google has a Work Location Tool that existing employees can use to compute their new salaries when they are moving to a new state. Depending on the rates of the local region, you might find your salary rising or dropping after the move. This means, if you are planning to move to a rural location and work from a remote setting, your income can drop.
Google Relocation Package- FAQs
What does a typical relocation package include?
The goal of any relocation package is to cover the expenses and reduce the stress on the employee. Generally, such a package includes expenses related to packing and unpacking, transportation costs for household items and vehicles, temporary lodging, mortgage assistance, car rental, and other incidental expenses.
How much does Google give for relocation?
It is hard to arrive at a specific number that Google will provide for relocation. The amount that will be given depends on multiple factors including the needs of the employee and their level in the organization.
Is Google relocation package taxable?
For the tax years 2018-2025, taxpayers cannot exclude reimbursements received for moving from their gross income and these are taxable. These include reimbursements for household goods transportation, housing and storage, and miscellaneous expenses. Deductions that were in place prior to 2017, are no longer allowed, except for active-duty armed forces personnel.
How long until I am eligible to relocate with Google?
For the first 18 to 24 months, relocation is not encouraged for a new employee who has chosen a specific location. However, you may need to relocate if the management decides to provide you with an opportunity.
Conclusion
For any employee, relocation is a complex process. However, Google has the necessary support system in place to help the employees during the process. You can choose between the various options and pick the best from the list of Google’s relocation packages to suit your need.
If you prefer to make your own arrangements for the move, you need the support of an experienced relocation company who are specialists in this field.
At ARC Relocation, we can help you make the most of your relocation package and ensure you have enough money to cover the cost of your relocation. Please contact us If you are feeling overwhelmed by the entire moving process.