Relocation Services Outside North America
International Relocation Services
From supply chain management to fully-outsourced mobility programs, Paragon Relocation offers customized and scalable services for all relocation needs. Our goal is to provide “The Best Thinking in Relocation™” by sharing the experience and industry knowledge of our staff. We know relocation and what it takes to create effective policies to manage a successful program globally. From building policy components that are not only competitive but cost-effective, to providing key metrics and reporting that illustrate measurable success, Paragon Relocation is the partner of choice for your relocation program around the world. We focus on providing an extraordinary customer experience, one family at a time.
Relocation Services Outside North America Paragon offers a comprehensive suite of services for employees moving acrossborders. A leader in the global mobility industry since 1987, Paragon has always focused our attention on the expanding needs of clients and customers who are moving beyond the traditional, beyond the known and into the far-reaching expanses of the world. As global business expands on all continents, organizations need the expertise of a relocation company that is comfortable pushing the boundaries and delivering innovation.
Building Your Best In Class Program As a standard part of all of our partnerships, Paragon begins each engagement with a detailed policy and program analysis to ensure that your program is built to achieve your talent management goals while also delivering bottom line savings where possible. As thought leaders in the relocation industry, our Consulting group examines all program facets including administration, exception policies and practices, supplier requirements and plan segmentation to gain a complete understanding of where efficiencies may be gained. Armed with years of experience in designing effective and efficient relocation programs, Paragon will recommend updates or changes for your consideration. By starting each relationship with the best possible combination of policies and procedures, Paragon maximizes the time and investment you place in each relocation or assignment.
Taking Care of the Details Once your program is fine-tuned for today’s workforce and for the complexities that are inevitable when managing global engagements, Paragon will implement comprehensive program administration including employee reimbursements, extensive client reporting, an integrated suite of relocation, assignment, destination and immigration services. Additionally, we provide global supplier management, along with exceptional financial management of relocation spend. All of this is supported end-to-end through one fully automated, real-time technology platform, PRISM (Paragon Relocation Information Systems Manager).
Paragon’s benchmarking and policy consulting services can produce up to 20% annual savings for our clients.
Offering Technology that Works In the current global economy, there is simply no substitute for good data. Markets change and companies react so decisions are made quickly. You must be agile and prepared with the most current information possible regardless of time zone or location. With Paragon’s PRISM technology platform, there is no waiting on batching or uploads; all the detail is there, at your fingertips, whenever, wherever you need it, including through mobile applications.
Providing One Global Voice for You and Your Employees Utilizing a best practice service model, Paragon administers a full suite of services for your company through a single-point-of-contact. For our clients, a dedicated Account Manager is the steward of the relationship and, depending on the size of the account, may be supported by other account-dedicated staff working in region. Working for you, the Account Manager holds full responsibility for the overall success of the program. Additionally, the Account Manager has oversight of the team of International Assignment Consultants that delivers the services to your employees so that there are no disconnects. The International Assignment Consultant manages each assignee’s move in the same fashion, holding the overall success of the relocation or assignment in his/her hands. Paragon also offers choice and flexibility to our clients by offering both a home and a host country support model so that we do it your way, not ours. As an additional service enhancement, Paragon offers Gold Service on every relocation for Vice President-level and above at no additional cost. This ensures that your VIPs are well taken care of throughout the relocation process with more management oversight on the account and extra special touches like a gift basket at move-in. Gold Service can also be authorized for all employee moves, as well.
Because of our dedication to providing exceptional service to our clients and customers, all of our Account Managers and International Assignment Consultants carry mobile phones so that they may be reached after-hours for emergency situations – 24x7.
Delivering All-Inclusive Global Services u Pre-Decision Consulting The decision to send an employee on a global assignment or international relocation cannot be entered into lightly. Factors such as employee and family nationalities, and personal situations such as child custody and/or adult dependents will need to be analyzed before finalizing an assignment, since these factors can have a significant influence on the cost or the feasibility of the assignment. Through Paragon’s Pre-Decision Consulting services, we will analyze the various considerations and prepare an accurate International Relocation Cost Analysis.
u Candidate Preview Trip Coordination Selling an employee on an international assignment can be difficult at times. Justifiably, there can be trepidation and hesitation on behalf of the employee and family if they are unfamiliar with the host location and/or what benefits will be afforded to support them while on assignment. Paragon helps clients overcome any obstacles to assignment acceptance through our detailed counseling and coordination of a preview trip. As a first impression, the preview trip is paramount to the overall attitude toward the assignment. Setting the stage with meticulous management of the logistics, reimbursement of approved expenses and ensuring a proper destination orientation are Paragon’s priorities.
u International Cost Estimates For our clients, one of the most critical parts of the strategy behind international assignments is a comprehensive cost estimate. Corporations need to base their mobility decisions on facts to ensure that the benefits of the move or assignment are in line with the costs. Paragon can provide detailed assignment cost estimates that take into account not only the relocation costs and allowances, but also the hypothetical income, social tax, and tax equalization for the entire length of the assignment. Paragon’s cost estimates give our clients a complete picture of their overall investment.
u International Relocation and Global Assignment Policy Counseling and Administration Paragon’s dedicated International Assignment Consultants provide detailed counseling to assignees ensuring their complete understanding of both the benefits that their policy provides, as well as the procedures and timeline of all activities associated with their assignment. With innovative, personalized technology through our powerful communications suite, our Consultants can seamlessly connect with assignees in time zone and in a mode of communication that fits their style including video, email and phone.
u Relocation Expense Audit, Processing, Payment and Reporting Another important aspect of an international relocation or global assignment is the overall expense management. At Paragon, we utilize one end-to-end technology platform to track, process, pay and report all transactional activity for assignee reimbursements, supplier payments and supporting tax documentation, including all reporting for tax equalization calculations and the appropriate home and host country tax filings. Our PRISM system delivers real-time information, anywhere in the world, and offers a comprehensive view into all financial data throughout the process to both clients and assignees.
u Global Immigration Services Navigating the sometimes complex waters of global immigration procedures and compliance takes an experienced, worldwide partner who can advise on the best practices that will keep your assignees and your corporation in line with local laws. Paragon GeoImmigration, a division of Paragon Relocation, provides comprehensive immigration services to include passports; visas; work/residence permits; assisting assignees with documentation procurement; and advising on health or security clearances. Paragon GeoImmigration also offers expert guidance on immigration program development and compliance. Through our extensive network of immigration specialists, Paragon GeoImmigration provides companies with more personalized service and greater cost efficiencies than many other firms.
u Worldwide Destination, Homefinding and Settling-In Services To ensure assignee satisfaction in even the most remote locations across the globe, Paragon has established a worldwide network of destination service providers and Paragon Authorized Representatives to supplement our own on the ground resources in delivering superior local support to assignees in the host country. Our services can be coupled for greater cost efficiency or provided a la carte based on company or assignee preference. All services are coordinated through the dedicated Paragon Consultant, who maintains responsibility for the overall satisfaction of the assignee. During Homefinding, Paragon’s Consultant meticulously manages the process of counseling the assignee and conducting the initial needs assessment to establish a thorough profile to provide to our local partner. Once the assignee’s needs are identified, Paragon will ensure that only properties that meet the assignee’s expectations and the company’s policy guidelines are shown. Additional aspects of our Homefinding Services include rental of furniture, lease negotiation and payment of security or other deposits.
Offering Settling-In Services to assignees can speed the process of getting back to life and back to work. When offered in varying increments, companies can choose what works best in each situation. For a seasoned assignee with global ties, a half-day of assistance may be all that is required; however, for an assignee and family on a first-time assignment in a tier-two or three city, several days of local help may be more appropriate. Paragon and our partners provide the support and resources to assist with school enrollment; registration with local authorities; auto lease/purchase and driver’s license requirements; city previews; and community resources. All combined, Paragon’s Destination Services lessen the chance of a failed assignment due to family or assignee adjustment issues and add value by allowing employees to be more productive in a shorter amount of time.
u Assignee and Family Concierge Services As an added benefit, companies may choose to offer extended access to a local representative for even greater assistance with personal services. Paragon offers a 90-day concierge program that offers services such as onsite assistance for the move into host-country housing, research for and scheduling of personal errands and of domestic helpers such as cleaning staff, lawn care professionals, or even chauffeurs.
u Language and Cross Cultural Training Often the criticality of the nuances in social cues or dialects of local languages is overlooked. Too many times, assignees are sent into an unfamiliar business environment without the proper training and cultural awareness they need to be successful. Knowing when to extend your hand for a firm handshake and when to refrain can make all the difference in establishing a positive working relationship with local leaders. With the assistance of experienced partners, Paragon offers services to better equip your assignees for their roles in the destination location. Both Language and Cross Cultural Training can be offered in a variety of settings and delivered through various methodologies depending on client and assignee preference.
u Temporary Accommodation Services Through a global network of temporary living providers, Paragon offers Temporary Accommodation Services to provide short-term stays that offer more amenities and greater cost savings than hotels. Paragon offers a turn-key solution that evaluates all considerations such as length of stay, type of accommodations required and level of employee and then delivers the most cost-effective solution for the company and the optimal accommodations for the assignee.
u Tenancy Management The goal of Tenancy Management is to offer ongoing assistance to the assignee in managing property-related payments. Our Tenancy Management services allow assignees to focus on their core work responsibilities and not be distracted by the day-to-day maintenance of their housing, utilities and furniture rental payments. Oversight is provided through Paragon to ensure timely payment of all invoices and comprehensive reporting of expenses for the length of the assignment.
u Property Management Services Property Management Services are one additional way that companies can ensure assignees are not burdened with ongoing distractions related to their home country residence and are fully focused on their new location and assignment. By handling all aspects of property management including finding a tenant (if desired), lease negotiation, rent collection, maintenance and lawn upkeep, Paragon takes the worry out of leaving the home residence. Paragon also ensures that the property is inspected and well-maintained during the assignment and reports everything back to the assignee for full peace of mind.
u Homesale Services When applicable, homesale transactions are closed utilizing the Buyer Value Option or Amended Value Sale methodology. If the home does not sell during the prescribed marketing period, Paragon will purchase it as an Appraised Value Sale in the United States and certain other countries. Home Marketing Assistance can also be implemented for assignees not offered buy-out services to speed the sale of the home and reduce other relocation expenses. Outside North America, Paragon manages homesale services, provided by local suppliers, where available.
u Transportation of Household Goods From an assignee’s standpoint, one of the biggest questions before an assignment is, “What should I take versus leave?” Paragon can guide assignees through the logistics of international freight forwarding, but also the emotional aspects of the process as well. Throughout the move, Paragon provides counsel and assistance to the assignee to help them work through the issues of how to best prepare, what to take and how to ensure their goods clear customs with no issues. From a company’s perspective, international freight forwarding can be one of the largest pain points and costs in a move. To ensure a high level of satisfaction, we partner with only the best suppliers in the industry and manage their performance through extensive service level agreements. Additionally, we offer our International Partner Select program to guarantee competitive pricing on every move. And as an added safeguard to our clients, every household goods bill is audited by an outside company to guarantee cost containment and efficiencies.
u International Banking Services Working through an extensive network of financial institutions, Paragon can assist assignees in establishing local bank accounts while on assignment. Through our partnerships, we offer assignees reduced fees and preferential exchange rates along with 24-hour access to multi-currency accounts.
u Security Services Today’s world is fraught with emergency situations ranging from political unrest to terrorist threats. Unfortunately, these situations are hard to predict and can throw a seemingly perfectly orchestrated assignment into a tailspin. Knowing that these scenarios are a harsh reality, corporations can best prepare by offering Security Services to assignees who may be relocating to high risk locations. Paragon can coordinate Security Services throughout the world to provide peace of mind in turbulent times.
u Global Employee Assistance Programs Providing assignees a lifeline in times of crisis or stress can prove to be an invaluable tool, especially when in the midst of an international assignment. Global Employee Assistance Programs provide the assignee and family with services such as local emergency medical assistance, mental health or marriage counseling and other services to ease the burdens of everyday stresses that can be detrimental to an assignee’s wellbeing. Paragon works through a network of providers who offer these programs worldwide.
u Assignee and Family Transition, Spousal Support and Outplacement Services Dual-career households are now the norm not the exception, so when sending an employee on assignment, a key item of consideration must be the accompanying spouse/partner’s employment options in the host location. Most often, the opportunity for full-time employment will be limited; therefore, finding viable alternatives such as volunteer opportunities, or continuing education classes that can assist the accompanying spouse/partner with continued career development while on the assignment are of top priority. With assistance through expert partners, Paragon offers a variety of transition and spousal support services to aid the assignee and family.
u Travel Management Working through your preferred travel provider, Paragon offers meticulous management of travel-related expenses throughout the full cycle of the assignment. For all preview/homefinding trips, home leave and final move travel, Paragon delivers accurate payment of invoices, comprehensive reporting and compliance with all client policies.
u Tax Gross-Up and Reporting (Non-U.S.) Paragon offers a full array of assignee tax services through our affiliation with various international accounting firms including: pre-move tax planning and consultation; tax equalization; hypothetical tax calculation; tax gross-up; and reporting and filing assistance. Through advanced planning and timing of certain relocation and compensationrelated payments, tax equalization and/or gross-up costs can be greatly diminished. During implementation, Paragon will work with you to define your company’s overall expatriate tax management strategy. This would include developing “As Is” and “To Be” process maps for all countries involved. This better ensures country-specific taxing requirements are documented and that both home and host country tax compliance obligations are met.
u Global Compensation Services Complex. Intricate. Laborious. These are just some of the words that can often be used to describe the process of managing your employees’ global compensation. The time that it takes to track down all the sources, compile all the appropriate documentation, ensure compliance with country-specific regulations and reconcile the transactions from all payrolls and third-parties is just the tip of the iceberg when dealing with an expatriate population of any size. By trusting Paragon Relocation to take the lead on comprehensive global compensation management, you can better spend your time on other critical organization objectives.
Building Partnerships That Last
Paragon has more than two decades of solid, stable experience in the global mobility industry. We know what it takes to build more than just transactional relationships, but true partnerships based on mutual respect and shared vision. We invite you to experience “The Best Thinking in Relocation™” with Paragon.
About Paragon Relocation Paragon Relocation is the premier partner of choice in the global mobility industry providing innovative programs, value-added support, superior customer service and thought leadership to our clients and the families we relocate. Our mission is to provide an extraordinary customer experience, one family at a time. Paragon Relocation has been providing relocation services since 1987 and supports services in 150 countries. For further information, please visit www.paragonrelocation.com.
Global Headquarters 633 East State Highway 121 South Suite 520 Coppell, Texas 75019 USA +1.972.819.5100 International Headquarters Unit 1 First Floor College Business & Technology Park Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 Ireland + 353.1.811.6630 Services Worldwide The Americas Europe Middle East & Africa Asia Pacific www.paragonrelocation.com info@paragonrelocation.com
Š 2015 Paragon Relocation