Accommodation for workers: what you need to know

Every year, more and more companies offer their employees to relocate abroad. This can be a great opportunity to broaden horizons and better understand different cultures and approaches to business.

But relocating also comes with its challenges. If you are being sent abroad to work, you will need to find good staff accommodation. Corporate housing is always a great option, whether you’re travelling for work or relocating for a new project. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about workers' accommodation abroad.

Finding the perfect housing option

The first thing you will have to do, is choose between different housing options. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to assess what is most important to you and your company.

If your company is booking your accommodation, chances are they will think of hotels or comparison sites first. If you are the one looking for accommodation, you may move in the direction of an accommodation marketplace such as Airbnb, which offers more options with a wide range of property types and budgets. Corporate housing is another great solution, catering directly to employees for medium-term stays, often offering better quality for a better price.

Short-term holiday rentals

When staying abroad only for a short time, short-term holiday rentals can be an attractive option. You will have access to an entire property, whether that is an apartment or a house. Unlike hotels, short-term holiday rentals can include a kitchen, which is more convenient.

However, this kind of accommodation often lacks amenities. Housekeeping is usually not available, and the host might not be quick to answer your questions or solve issues. Since short-term holiday rentals are aimed at people on vacation, the accommodation isn’t always equipped with things that are necessary on a day-to-day basis, like an iron, dryer, etc.

When working abroad, it is always important to have a certain level of flexibility. Contracts can change. Sometimes you can be asked to stay longer than anticipated. By using short-term holiday rentals, it may not be possible to prolong the stay as usually they are booked well in advance.

Hotel stays

Who doesn’t love room service? Living in a hotel does have its benefits. For companies, it is convenient because everything is included in the price – water, power, phone, internet, garbage, cable, and so on. The moving-in process is also fairly simple. There is no need to fill out applications, pay security deposits, or a cleaning fee. A debit card and your signature usually are all that's needed. Of course, included daily housekeeping doesn’t hurt either. However, hotel stays for employees have their drawbacks too. At the end of the day, hotels are not homes. Unless your company decides to book an expensive suite, you most likely won’t have a kitchen or a separate living room. Hotel rooms often lack space and character, and are usually more expensive.

Corporate housing

One of the best options, when looking for workers’ accommodation, is corporate housing or monthly rentals. The idea behind corporate housing is simple – it is a full-service solution that includes full-service amenities. Unlike hotel stays or vacation rentals, with monthly rentals, you typically get a fully furnished apartment or house, which may also have access to different building amenities, like an on-site gym, pool, etc.

What makes corporate housing such an attractive option is that it offers plenty of flexibility. That, of course, is important in any business. Thanks to its temporary contract, it is much easier to lengthen your stay if needed. Furthermore, it is always possible to negotiate terms that work best for you. Agreement on a weekly or a month-to-month basis – choose your preferred option.

Advantages of corporate housing

Corporate housing solutions have evolved from business- and aparthotels to concierge type services with worldwide networks, accessible via online platforms. Corporate housing platforms feature hundreds or thousands of properties on their website, in many different locations. Some of the advantages corporate housing platforms provide:

Problem solving

One of the best things about working with a relocation agency or corporate housing platform is that you have a professional who does all the work for you. No need to worry about dealing with hosts and problem solving when issues arise, it will all get handled for you.

Wide range of choice

Corporate housing platforms including hundreds of properties across the country usually offer a much greater choice than hotels.These platforms have a great network of hosts listing their properties. Which means you get more choice in a wide range of locations.

Entire property

Unlike many hotels that only offer rooms, corporate housing providers deal exclusively with entire properties, so it is easier to accommodate any requests you might have. If you are relocating as a team, the layout of the properties could possibly be changed to suit your needs.

One bill

You get all the benefits of staying in your home away from home, without the headache of having to manage the property and take care of bills. Your company will receive just one bill, in which all the expenses are included. The relocation agency handles the entire process, so you and your company don’t have to worry about any hassles.

At Globexs, we also provide legal and administrative assistance. And if you have any questions or doubts, you can always contact your Globexs agent. All you or your company has to do is choose your ideal accommodation, sign the contract and pay the bills. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Save time

Working directly with a corporate housing provider or relocation agency can save you a lot of time. We understand that when you are travelling for work or relocating, you have more on your mind than just finding accommodation. You will probably want to spend less time finding a place to stay, and have more time to focus on other things. That’s when the help of a relocation agency comes in handy.

Price and quality

Corporate housing offers the best of both worlds when it comes to price and quality. You can have all the comforts of home, which you are unlikely to find at a hotel. And for a mid- to long-term stay, the price will definitely be more affordable than that of a hotel.

Basic requirements for workers' accommodation

• a bedroom with a window that can be opened
• a living room with chairs, a sofa and a TV or internet
• a wardrobe or cupboard for storing clothes
• access to a bathroom and toilet. For every 4-5 workers, there must be one toilet and one shower
• a utility room with a washing machine and clothes-drying facilities
• a dining room with cooking facilities, dining area, dining table and chairs
• access to cleaning equipment

Accommodation for large groups of workers

When looking for workers’ accommodation for a large group, a balance of personal and budget needs is required. At Globexs, we understand that finding an ideal fit is key. A serviced, fully furnished, entry-ready spacious house or apartment that suits the needs of your team as a perfect accommodation solution. When browsing our website for the ideal staff lodging, you can select the amount of people your team consists of. It doesn’t matter how large your group is, this way you can find just the right accommodation.

Workers' accommodation in Antwerp

If you are looking for workers’ accommodation in Antwerp, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer apartments and houses in and around Antwerp for large groups of people specially adapted for workers and companies and their needs.

Globexs offers furnished temporary rental properties for expats and companies in Spain, France, Belgium, and Holland. Whether you are looking for exclusive apartments or budget accommodation, we will happily assist! Reach out to our team to begin the exciting process of relocating abroad!