Mobility has always been tied to the wider world. The choices employees make about moving roles, families and futures are shaped by the economic and social forces of their time. Today, rising costs, financial caution and the pursuit of purpose are already influencing how the workforce approaches relocation.
Cost of living pressures
According to Bank of America, almost three-quarters of Generation Z have adapted their spending in response to higher living costs. Non-essential purchases are down, essentials take priority. For mobility, this signals a generation entering senior roles with a cautious mindset. Will they see relocation as risk or as opportunity — and how can policies help tip the balance?
Financial security as expectation
The Financial Times reports that 69 per cent of Generation Z worry about outliving their savings. This caution does not have to be a barrier; it can be an opportunity. Employers who design relocation benefits that provide clarity and stability may win the trust of tomorrow’s leaders. Could secure, transparent mobility policies become a differentiator in attracting and retaining talent?
Purpose as a driver
Research from People Matters shows that most Generation Z and millennials see purpose as central to their job satisfaction. Many change roles based on sustainability and values. What does this mean for relocation? Simply put, programmes that ignore inclusivity or sustainability risk being seen as outdated.
Learning from the past
We have seen before what happens when efficiency is prioritised above experience. Lump sum packages once promised freedom and cost control, but for many employees they created confusion and stress. The lesson for mobility is clear: socio-economic signals must not be reduced to spreadsheets. They need to be interpreted in the context of lived experience.
Closing thoughts
Socio-economic factors are already shaping how mobility is experienced today. The challenge for leaders is to respond to these signals with programmes that feel both supportive and resilient.
Download our guide: Next Horizon: Shaping Global Mobility for a Changing Workforce