Having traversed the landscapes of the UK, Europe, USA, and the Middle East as an experienced contractor, I understand the challenges and nuances that come with working away from home. At Rooost, we recognize the importance of not just providing accommodation but creating a comprehensive experience that supports the well-being of our valued guests.

With a wealth of experience in individual and cohort assignments, I bring a unique perspective to Rooost. Our mission is to go beyond the conventional approach to business accommodation. We aim to offer a holistic solution that encompasses not only lodging but also essential resources and unwavering support for our guests during their assignments.

Over the last eighteen months, it has become increasingly clear that some companies view business accommodation merely as a cost to be minimised, overlooking its potential as an investment in their workforce. This oversight can impact talent recruitment, employee happiness, productivity, flight risk reduction, and team synergy aligned with strategic company goals.

In this article, we shed light on some experiences encountered in the past year without explicitly naming names. Our goal is not to shame but to illuminate areas for improvement. We provide constructive solutions, offering insights on how companies can enhance the experiences of their employees and contractors. Join us in redefining the standard, ensuring that every assignment becomes an opportunity for growth, satisfaction, and success. Stay tuned for valuable insights and actionable steps to elevate the working away from home experience. Together, let's build a future where accommodation is not just a space but a supportive environment that empowers every professional on their journey.

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Client A

A well-established construction firm with a robust multi-million revenue stream, specialising in the construction of commercial properties – engaged in diverse projects across multiple sites throughout the UK.

The corporate culture and practices are to routinely assemble teams of four to six individuals on short notice for projects requiring them to work away from home. The company allocates a modest budget to each contractor, expecting them to independently secure their accommodation.

The consequence to this approach results in individuals frantically attempting to locate cost-effective accommodation within tight timeframes. Unfortunately, they often struggle to find suitable lodgings, leading to an unsettled and anxious workforce before the commencement of their assignments. The situation is further exacerbated by accommodation changes during contracts, resulting in reduced productivity, heightened flight risk, and additional recruitment costs to fill vacancies.

We proposed that instead of relying on this decentralised approach, entrust Rooost with a consolidated budget for the entire cohort. By doing so, we can take charge of the entire accommodation process, from sourcing suitable lodgings to managing check-ins, maintenance, exits, and billing. Additionally, Rooost provides comprehensive support to both the group and individual members, ensuring a positive and seamless experience. This approach not only streamlines the accommodation process but also elevates the overall well-being of the workforce, leading to a happier, more productive team that aligns with the strategic goals of the company. On average, Rooost consistently delivers accommodations within or below the specified budget, contingent on location variations.

*Note: This holistic approach also eliminates VAT costs borne by the contractor, effectively enhancing the budget and quality of accommodation provided. 

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Client B 

A prominent telecommunications infrastructure provider, operates with a dynamic approach, constantly mobilising small cohorts for urgent and high-value remedial projects across the UK. This fast-paced operational culture places the responsibility on team leaders to secure last-minute accommodations, often receiving short-term inquiries on Thursdays or Fridays for assignments beginning the following Monday. Compounding the challenge, team leaders are not initially provided with a budget and must personally fund accommodations, hoping for reimbursement in an expenses claim at the end of the following month.

The ramifications of this practice extend beyond the operational challenges of urgent client issues. Team leaders and their cohorts grapple with financial stress, the strain of sourcing accommodations, and the responsibility of managing the team's well-being throughout the entire contract, not just their contractual obligations.

Rooost proposes a transformative solution by establishing long-term contracts with suitable accommodation providers in key towns and cities across the UK. This strategic move alleviates the stress on team leaders, providing consistent and reliable accommodations. Over time, this approach fosters peace of mind for the teams as they become acquainted with the properties and local environments through continual usage. While there may be occasional needs for additional properties, the smaller volumes will be more manageable.

The proposed solution not only enhances efficiency but also ensures cost predictability. By negotiating fixed costs based on historical evidence, Rooost guarantees accommodations within or below budget. This approach simplifies financial management on a weekly and monthly basis, freeing team leaders from the burden of uncertain and last-minute accommodation logistics. 

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Client C

A prominent talent acquisition provider that holds contractual obligations to furnish specialised international workforces for extended engineering contracts in the UK. While excelling in talent acquisition, their teams find themselves navigating unfamiliar terrain – sourcing accommodations on top of their regular responsibilities to meet the needs of the acquired talent.

The consequences of this dual role are significant, with teams stretched beyond their limits. The burden of supporting the recruited talent extends beyond contractual obligations, requiring a 24/7 commitment to managing their entire experience.

Rooost proposes an innovative solution: a centralised provision of accommodations and a holistic experience for contractors. By managing aspects such as talent acquisition support, check-in procedures, maintenance, and exit processes, Rooost aims to streamline the entire accommodation journey, relieving the talent acquisition team of these additional responsibilities.

The envisioned approach promotes efficiency by allowing the talent acquisition team to focus exclusively on their core competency – talent sourcing. By outsourcing the accommodation management to Rooost, the team can allocate their energy and resources where they excel, ultimately enhancing their overall effectiveness in securing top-tier talent for long-term engineering contracts.

This solution not only optimises the utilisation of resources but also ensures that the client can provide a seamless experience for their recruited talent, fostering satisfaction and retention. Rooost is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of talent acquisition processes, allowing Client C to excel in their core function without compromise. 

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In conclusion, Rooost stands as a beacon of innovation and support in the dynamic landscape of accommodation management for professionals working away from home. As I am responsible for Strategy at Rooost, my experiences as a seasoned contractor have fueled the commitment to redefine the standard and create an environment that empowers every professional on their journey.

The narratives of Client A, Client B, and Client C underscore the prevalent and diverse challenges faced by businesses when it comes to accommodation logistics. These challenges ripple into various aspects of operations, affecting well-being, productivity, and strategic alignment.

Our proposed solutions for each client reflect Rooost's commitment to comprehensive, tailored support. For Client A, we advocate a consolidated budget approach, offering streamlined processes and unwavering support for both group and individual needs. The result? A happier, more productive team that aligns seamlessly with strategic company goals.

For Client B, the emphasis is on long-term contracts and cost predictability, freeing team leaders from the burdens of last-minute accommodation logistics. Rooost aims to foster peace of mind for teams, ensuring that occasional needs for additional properties are manageable and efficient.

Client C's talent acquisition teams face a unique challenge, juggling responsibilities beyond their core competency. Rooost proposes a centralised provision of accommodations, releasing teams from the 24/7 commitment to managing the entire experience. This allows them to focus on talent sourcing, enhancing their overall effectiveness and satisfaction for the recruited talent.

At Rooost, we do not just provide accommodations; we offer holistic solutions that elevate well-being, streamline processes, and contribute to the success of our clients. We invite you to join us in this journey of redefining the standard, ensuring that every assignment becomes an opportunity for growth, satisfaction, and success. Stay tuned for more insights and actionable steps to elevate the working away from home experience. Together, let's build a future where accommodation is not just a space but a supportive environment that empowers every professional on their journey.