Navigating change, moving forward: The future of workplace mobility
In recent years, remote working revolutionised how businesses and employees operated. Today, Governments and corporations are bringing about changes to policy balancing productivity, culture, and oversight.
Whether popular or not, organisations worldwide are increasingly mandating return-to-office (RTO) policies, opening new avenues for relocation specialists to deliver tailored solutions that ease transitions for both businesses and employees.
Navigating office attendance trends in Europe
According to CBRE’s European Office Occupier Sentiment Survey (July 2024), office utilisation across Europe has been steadily increasing:
61% of companies report average utilisation of 41-80%, up from 48% last year.
75% of companies have attendance policies, with half enforcing them.
43% of employees attend the office at least three days a week, reflecting a 6% increase.
These trends highlight growing demand for relocation services as businesses and employees adjust. Relocation specialists can support this transition by offering flexible, hybrid-focused moving solutions and strategic consultation on urban relocations.
Paris: A model for RTO success
Paris has become a global leader in RTO due to its affordable, efficient public transport. Short commutes reduce stress, encouraging office attendance. Relocation companies can leverage this success by:
Facilitating moves to similarly well-connected urban areas.
Promoting proximity to public transit as a key benefit for businesses and employees.
Offering customised relocation packages supporting urban accessibility through public transport incentives or bike to work schemes.
Corporate relocations and urban workforce shifts
Industries like finance, technology, and retail are spearheading RTO, with companies such as Amazon and Goldman Sachs leading large-scale office returns. Employees are increasingly moving closer to urban hubs, driving demand for:
Residential moving services in metropolitan areas.
Tailored relocation solutions balancing proximity to work and quality of life.
Hybrid work packages that accommodate flexible attendance policies.
Adapt to regional variations in RTO
RTO policies differ across regions. For example, Amazon’s five-day-a-week RTO policy shows more flexibility in Europe compared to the U.S. Relocation specialists must stay attuned to these nuances, customizing services to align with local regulations and cultural expectations. This adaptability ensures competitiveness in diverse markets.
Addressing storage demands
The return to in-office work often leads to surplus office equipment requiring temporary storage. Your relocation partner can support you in this by:
Offering integrated moving and storage packages.
Providing scalable storage solutions for businesses downsizing or reorganizing.
Catering to individuals needing short-term storage during transitional relocations.
Economic and managerial considerations
Economic factors such as commercial property prices and urban vibrancy influence RTO policies. Some companies may use RTO mandates as indirect workforce reduction strategies. Your moving and relocation specialists can support your business by:
Offering strategic consultations on space optimisation internal office reconfigurations.
Providing seamless relocation experiences that align with workforce retention goals.
Assisting employees in navigating personal relocations influenced by economic pressures.
Providing expertise in handling sensitive IT infrastructure.
Relocations involving co-working spaces or satellite offices.
Relocation companies with these capabilities will maintain a competitive edge in the evolving RTO landscape.
Overcoming new industry challenges
The RTO movement presents both opportunities and challenges, including:
Short Lead Times: Businesses may demand rapid relocation turnarounds.
Employee Reluctance: Resistance to relocation can complicate timelines.
Logistical Complexities: Cross-border relocations require compliance with varied regulations.
To address these, movers must prioritize:
Clear, proactive communication.
Efficient project management.
Scalable, adaptable relocation solutions.
Embracing flexibility in the future of work
While RTO policies dominate certain industries, others, like tech, continue embracing remote-first models. For example, Veeva Systems’ “Work Anywhere” policy allows employees to choose their work environments, offering lucrative remote opportunities.
Relocation specialists must recognize these divergent trends, tailoring services to niche markets and offering flexible solutions that cater to both office-centric and remote work models.
Conclusion
As businesses navigate the complexities of returning to the office, the moving and relocation industry stands at the forefront of this transformation. By providing strategic, tailored solutions and adapting to evolving workforce needs, relocation specialists can position themselves as indispensable partners. Success lies in understanding diverse client requirements, embracing flexibility, and consistently delivering exceptional service in the new era of work.
Fortune’s December 2024 insights into employer-driven RTO dynamics.