The Corporate Relocation Guide: Streamlining Employee Housing in the West Midlands

With the West Midlands being a central location for many different business events and temporary assignments, finding the right accommodation can be challenging. Finding accommodation at short notice can also be difficult, and employees now expect a better quality of living, rather than staying in the often dull, boring hotels that frequently come with rigid tenancy agreements and ridiculous prices.

Serviced accommodation is a practical solution, and businesses won’t have to turn to hotels to achieve this. A better solution is corporate serviced apartments, where signing up for residency is quick, all bills are included and employees can benefit from a range of included services and facilities.

Why Employee Relocation Can Be Challenging

Employee relocation occurs for a number of reasons. They may be moving to a new location for project-based assignments, training and personal development, supporting seasonal workloads, helping with large-scale events or to launch a new office, warehouse or facility.

No matter the specific reason, employees often have to overcome various challenges associated with corporate relocation. Moving to a new place for employees can come with lots of stress, which can affect productivity when working. Employees will also have to spend time away from partners, children and friends, so finding accommodation that has a sense of community is also quite difficult. Balancing work and comfort can be hard when the accommodation isn’t up to standards or inconveniently located.

Those organising the relocation also have to deal with administrative complexity, from sourcing accommodation in the current landscape of housing shortages to organising travel, expenses and payroll. Employers remain responsible for employee wellbeing and health and safety, especially during extended stays away from home.

These challenges are why many organisations use corporate housing or serviced apartments, as they can simplify logistics while providing employees with a more comfortable, home-like place to stay during temporary assignments.

Why the West Midlands Is a Growing Business Destination

So many businesses are choosing corporate relocation in the West Midlands because it has become a hub for a wide range of sectors to thrive. Home to logistics, engineering, manufacturing, professional services, the top universities and valued transport connections, it’s no wonder why so many organisations are setting up business and supporting their employees when relocating.

The city of Wolverhampton is just one location in the West Midlands that’s become a prime spot for business professionals. Social life is also vibrant and access to other areas like Birmingham is made easy. Wolverhampton is also currently undergoing several regeneration projects that are transforming the city for the better. Plus, compared to other areas in the West Midlands, Wolverhampton is far more affordable, making it a perfect location for corporate accommodation.

What Businesses Should Look For in Corporate Accommodation

Flexible contracts

One of the biggest challenges of sourcing corporate accommodation in Wolverhampton and the West Midlands is finding places to live that support temporary or uncertain timelines. Both employers and employees should look for corporate accommodation that supports project-based work and temporary living arrangements, without the rigid contracts and minimum stay requirements.

While giving sufficient notice when vacating the premises is standard, corporate accommodation should offer complete flexibility on length of stay, whether accommodation is needed for a few weeks, months or longer.

Fully furnished accommodation

Moving into a new place can be stressful, so you should look for accommodation that makes the process simple. The accommodation should be fully furnished, removing the expensive hassle of buying home furniture, and on-site support from staff can be a reassuring element of the moving in process.

All-inclusive pricing

Employers should source corporate accommodation that includes all bills in the monthly rent. Look for information stating that all bills including gas, electricity, WiFi and council tax are included in the rent. This makes organising the logistical side of things far simpler and more efficient, rather than trying to set up multiple accounts to cover all expenses.

Reliable WiFi

Hybrid working is now very much the standard for many employees, so finding accommodation that can support this is essential. Corporate lets often have many people living in the building, so they’re more likely to feature WiFi that can support multiple people working and for personal use.

On-site amenities

Next on our checklist of what to look for in corporate accommodation is the on-site amenities employees can use. Moving away from home for a lengthy time can be quite isolating, so it’s important to maintain employee satisfaction and uphold your duty of care as an employer by finding accommodation that has a community feel. This can be achieved through shared on-site amenities and communal spaces, such as a lounge and bar area, communal kitchens and even facilities like a gym or cinema room. Of course, privacy is still very important, so look for rooms with amenities like kitchenettes, private bathrooms and storage. Laundry facilities are also a great addition to look out for, helping employees know all their living needs will be effortlessly met.

Convenient transport links

When corporate accommodation is conveniently located to key transport links, it’s a win. Employees can easily travel to offices or other work locations via train, bus or car, and can also rest assured that travelling back home is quick and easy too. Convenient transport links are just one of the pros of living in studio corporate apartments, and Wolverhampton is a perfect city to choose to support this.

Hotels vs Serviced Apartments for Employee Relocation

While choosing a hotel for corporate accommodation in the West Midlands is a viable choice for very short stays, going for serviced apartments is the much better option for medium and long stays.

While hotels provide regular cleaning services, daily housekeeping, a certain level of comfort and reasonable costs for short-term living, serviced apartments offer much more for employees. For employees relocating to the West Midlands for several weeks or months, the limited living space and lack of home comforts can quickly become restrictive.

Serviced apartments offer a more practical alternative by combining the convenience of temporary accommodation with the comfort of a home. Employees benefit from separate living and sleeping areas, fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, making it easier to maintain a normal routine while working away from home. Having additional space also provides a quieter environment to work, relax and recharge outside working hours.

From an employer’s perspective, serviced apartments can also provide better value for longer stays. Rather than paying hotel rates over several weeks, businesses benefit from more cost-effective living accommodation that includes utilities, WiFi and housekeeping within a single rate.

How Serviced Apartments Improve Employee Wellbeing

Employee wellbeing plays an important role in the success of any corporate relocation. Serviced apartments provide a more comfortable living environment, giving employees the space and independence to maintain their usual routines while working away from home.

With fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas and laundry facilities, they can cook their own meals, relax after work and enjoy a better work-life balance. Feeling more settled in comfortable surroundings can also reduce the stress of relocating, helping employees remain productive, focused and engaged throughout their stay.

How TheStudios Supports Corporate Relocation

Now that you know the perfect checklist when planning corporate relocation in the West Midlands, you’ll want to find premises that ticks all the boxes.

You’ll find the perfect corporate accommodation here at TheStudios. Our story began in 2016 and ever since we’ve developed our tower to become an affordable, all-inclusive living space, all wrapped in community spirit. We’re located in the very centre of Wolverhampton, with short walks to rail and tram stations, perfect for those relocating for work. Discover the many benefits of living with us, such as all bills included in the monthly rent, flexible rental periods with no maximum stay, and a host of facilities to use like our lounge and bar, cinema room, gym, laundry and much more.

View our studios and find the ideal accommodation for employees.

Simplify Your Next Corporate Relocation with the Right Housing Partner

Finding corporate accommodation in Wolverhampton doesn’t have to be a hassle. Benefit from lower costs, less administration, ultimate flexibility in length of stay and fast moving in when choosing TheStudios. Explore our process and what it’s like moving in and give your employees the best start in the West Midlands.

Any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 01902 290 969 or send us your details to lettings@thestudios.com.