Transferred employees: Overview, definition, and example
What are transferred employees?
Transferred employees are individuals who have been reassigned or relocated from one role, department, or location within an organization to another. This transfer may be temporary or permanent and can occur for a variety of reasons, including company restructuring, expansion, employee development, or personal preferences. Transferred employees retain their employment status but take on new responsibilities or work in a different environment within the same company.
For example, an employee working in a company's New York office may be transferred to the London office to oversee operations in that region.
Why are transferred employees important?
Transferred employees are important because they help organizations maintain flexibility and adaptability in their workforce. Employee transfers can help businesses optimize talent, promote internal mobility, and address staffing needs across different departments, locations, or projects. For the employee, transfers often provide opportunities for career growth, skill development, and broader exposure to the company’s operations.
In a globalized business environment, the transfer of employees across locations, such as between countries or regions, allows companies to strengthen their international presence and improve operational efficiencies. It also fosters knowledge sharing and strengthens relationships within the organization.
Understanding transferred employees through an example
Imagine a multinational corporation that has offices in several countries. One of the employees, John, is a senior marketing manager based in the company’s New York office. Due to his expertise and the company's growing interest in expanding its presence in Europe, John is transferred to the London office to oversee the launch of a new marketing campaign in the European market. While John’s role and responsibilities may change in some ways, he remains an employee of the same company and continues to receive his salary and benefits under the same employment agreement.
In another example, an employee working as a software engineer in the company's research and development department in Chicago is transferred to the customer support team to help resolve technical issues. This transfer may be part of the employee’s career development plan, offering them a broader understanding of the company’s operations and contributing to their skill set.
Example of transferred employees clause
Here’s how a transferred employees clause might appear in an employment contract or internal policy:
“In the event of an employee transfer, the employee agrees to relocate to the designated work location and assume the responsibilities outlined by the new department or team. The employee's salary, benefits, and other terms of employment shall remain unchanged, unless otherwise specified in the transfer agreement.”
Conclusion
Transferred employees are an essential aspect of workforce management, allowing organizations to adapt to changing business needs while providing employees with opportunities for growth and development. Employee transfers enable companies to utilize their internal talent, foster collaboration across departments and locations, and ensure business continuity in different regions or sectors. For employees, transfers can offer valuable career experiences, skill diversification, and exposure to new challenges, all of which contribute to personal and professional growth.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.