Shift from workplace to home office: Will it affect relocation decisions?

The expansion of information and communications technology (ICT) has significantly increased flexibility of telework, where employees do not need to commute to the office daily. This change could influence their decisions about where to work and live. Since changing jobs and moving residences are closely linked, as both require adjustments to commuting patterns, they should be studied together. This research from a 2022 survey of Luxembourg workers examines how teleworking has contributed to a stronger intention to relocate. Results from a multinomial logistic regression model indicate that higher teleworking frequency significantly increases the likelihood of considering home relocation. Meanwhile, interaction between teleworking frequency and country of residence shows that cross-border workers with higher telework frequencies are less likely to move home. Individuals living or working in densely populated urban areas are more inclined to consider changing their jobs and residences, highlighting the importance of location in housing and employment decisions. Older workers are less likely to change jobs or residences, possibly due to a desire for stability. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding teleworking within broader spatial and sociodemographic context. Further research is needed to explore how these intentions translate into actual residential moves or changing jobs.