Global Mobility: Challenges & Solutions

In today’s globalised business environment, managing employee accommodation presents a complex array of challenges. From aligning housing availability with demand to ensuring compliance with diverse legal regulations, companies face numerous hurdles in providing suitable living arrangements for their workforce. According to Mercer’s 2025 Talent Mobility Outlook, organisations must navigate cost management, employee experience, regulatory compliance, and flexibility, all while responding to shifting expectations and mobility models. At Cityus, we understand these intricacies and offer comprehensive solutions to streamline corporate housing management in Switzerland, France and Luxembourg.

The Top Corporate Housing Challenges and How Cityus Provides Solutions

1. Matching supply with complex demand

With roles becoming more diverse and international, no two employee housing needs look the same. Seniority, family status, location, and lifestyle preferences all influence accommodation requirements. Without the right infrastructure, mismatches in supply can lead to delayed onboarding and employee dissatisfaction.

Cityus solution: Beyond simply matching availability, Cityus ensures consistency and high standards across all our serviced apartments. Our portfolio includes a wide range of accommodation, from studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments, to suit individual travellers, couples, and relocating families. Regardless of city or country, employees can expect a uniform quality of accommodation, ensuring a predictable and comfortable living experience. This standardisation reduces uncertainty, aligns with company expectations, and creates smoother transitions, reinforcing brand trust across mobility programmes.

2. Balancing comfort & cost

As NEI Relocation points out, one of the most common challenges in global mobility is “striking the right balance between the cost of global mobility programmes and providing an enriching employee experience.” This challenge has only intensified in recent years, as companies face tighter budgets alongside rising employee expectations. With relocation and travel policies being reassessed in the post-pandemic landscape, achieving both cost-efficiency and a seamless, high-quality experience is more essential than ever.

Cityus insight: By clarifying your objectives, whether prioritising sustainability, proximity, flexibility, or family accommodation, you can narrow down your options and focus on the services and providers that align with them. At Cityus, we support this strategic alignment by offering transparent pricing, flexible booking options, and real-time reporting tools that help clients stay in control of spend while maintaining a high-quality experience for their employees. In addition, Cityus holds the ISAAP Quality & Comfort Certification with a rating of 4.4/5, the highest available so far for serviced apartments, confirming that our apartments meet high standards of quality, comfort, safety, and customer service, as independently assessed. But what do furnished apartments come with? Think comfortable beds and couches, ample storage, and quality furniture including a proper desk to work efficiently while on assignment.

3. Compliance in a complex world

As global mobility evolves, so does the regulatory landscape. With talent now working remotely, on short-term or hybrid assignments, organisations must navigate an increasingly complex web of tax, immigration, employment, and housing regulations. Governments are also sharing more data across borders, increasing the risk of exposure and penalties for non-compliance. Add in regional data protection laws, such as GDPR, and the stakes become even higher.
According to Tracy Figliola in her article “The Growing Challenge of Compliance in Global Mobility”, the pressure on organisations to keep pace with heightened regulatory scrutiny and varying international standards continues to grow, especially as companies expand into more diverse markets and jurisdictions.

Cityus solution: At Cityus, we understand that compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about safeguarding business continuity and employee wellbeing. Our in-depth knowledge of local and regional regulations ensures every accommodation meets the necessary legal and operational standards. From short stays to long-term relocations, we manage all compliance-related aspects, including local rental laws, documentation, and reporting requirements. Through close coordination with HR, legal, and mobility teams, and by leveraging our digital systems, we offer transparent and traceable processes that reduce compliance risks and ease the operational burden.
Cityus has also been awarded the ISAAP Compliance Accreditation confirming that our properties meet rigorous standards for safety, security, and regulatory compliance. This accreditation also recognises that we are “ISO 31030 Ready,” assuring corporate buyers and travel managers of our commitment to duty of care, consistency, and quality across our serviced apartment portfolio.

4. Coordination overload & housing availability

Finding suitable and affordable housing in the destination city remains one of the most pressing challenges in global mobility. According to Relocate MENA, citing the Global Mobility Trends Survey by Cartus, “61% of companies identified housing availability as a critical issue in the relocation process”. This becomes even more complex in high-demand locations, where limited supply makes it difficult to secure appropriate accommodations in time. Add to this the logistical complexity of managing move-in/move-out schedules, furnishings, utilities, and cleaning, and the burden on HR and mobility teams quickly multiplies.

Cityus solution: By combining logistical expertise with flexible housing solutions, Cityus helps clients overcome both availability bottlenecks and operational headaches, reducing downtime and ensuring a smoother experience for all involved. We provide access to a wide portfolio of verified serviced apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, tailored to each employee’s role, preferences, and family situation. Our team manages the full coordination of leases, furnishings, utilities, cleaning, and move-in logistics, ensuring every property is ready on time. Where needed, we arrange comfortable temporary housing to bridge the gap before a permanent home is secured. We also take into account the needs of accompanying families, ensuring proximity to schools, public transport, and essential services to support a successful transition.

5. Communication & clarity

Misaligned expectations about what’s included in corporate housing can damage trust, especially for international assignees unfamiliar with local living standards or rental practices. A lack of clarity can create stress and unnecessary complications for both employees and HR teams.

Cityus solution: At Cityus, we believe that a successful relocation hinges on clear communication and consistent support. That’s why we break down the entire accommodation journey into four key stages: booking, pre-arrival, during the stay, and post-departure. Each stage is designed to deliver clarity, responsiveness, and peace of mind. Our guest portal provides employees with detailed, transparent information: what’s included in their apartment, nearby services, and how to access support. Meanwhile, our dedicated team accompanies both the corporate client and the relocating employee throughout the process. We support HR teams with structured updates, documentation, and real-time data, while offering multilingual, personalised assistance to employees to ensure they feel supported every step of the way. By managing expectations and providing end-to-end service, Cityus helps reduce friction, enhance satisfaction, and deliver relocations with a human touch.

6. Location & lifestyle fit

Ensuring the right location isn’t just about convenience, it directly impacts wellbeing, engagement, and retention. Being placed in the wrong neighbourhood or too far from schools, transport, or community services can leave employees feeling isolated and disconnected. As highlighted by INEO Mobility, helping employees feel “happy, supported, and well-integrated into their new environment” is essential to boosting overall satisfaction and retention.

Cityus solution: Our diverse property portfolio spans a range of neighbourhoods, ensuring we can match employees with locations that reflect their lifestyle preferences, family needs, and commuting requirements. We take individual circumstances into account, from proximity to international schools and public transport, to walkable areas and vibrant expat communities. This tailored placement doesn’t just help employees settle in, it enhances their long-term engagement. By streamlining housing logistics and reducing administrative burden, Cityus also frees up valuable time for both employees and mobility teams, so everyone can spend less time on paperwork and more time building meaningful connections in their new surroundings.

7. Admin & tracking chaos

Managing occupancy status, lease contracts, maintenance requests, and usage history across multiple locations can be administratively burdensome. Creating new vendors for each different supplier within large corporations can cause frustratingl internal delays. As teams juggle relocation timelines and property readiness, the risk of errors and inefficiencies increases, stretching already limited HR resources.

Cityus solution: With Cityus, admin no longer needs to be a bottleneck. Our platform provides real-time dataon key metrics such as occupancy rates, vacancy costs, lease timelines and conditions, guest satisfaction, and maintenance activity, helping clients stay in control and plan ahead. We offer custom dashboards and usage tracking tools, giving both corporate clients and property teams the insights they need to make data-driven decisions. Automated alerts and consolidated views reduce manual tasks, flag inconsistencies, and ensure timely renewals or terminations. We can deal with all your individual suppliers offering you a one bill solution. We also provide solutions to reduce costs, such as optimising occupancy, volume discounts, provider negotiations, and automation through technology.

8. Flexibility is the norm

From digital nomads to hybrid assignees, today’s workforce demands accommodation solutions that adapt to shorter stays, changing roles, and agile work models. Rigid housing options no longer serve modern mobility strategies, especially as office footprints shrink and the lines blur between business and lifestyle travel.
According to Rosie Stapleton Tapha from Situ, the rising popularity of serviced accommodation reflects a broader shift toward “flexibility and fluidity” in global mobility. Employees increasingly value housing that adapts to their evolving schedules, while employers seek scalable solutions that can flex with business needs.

Cityus solution: We offer flexible booking models and contract terms that can accommodate anything from a few weeks to several months. Our scalable portfolio of serviced apartments allows companies to respond quickly to new talent requirements, project timelines, or hybrid work plans. Whether adjusting to market shifts or employee preferences, Cityus helps organisations stay agile, without compromising quality or consistency.

9. Enhancing the employee experience

A poor housing experience can damage morale, productivity, and retention—particularly for new hires and families facing the stress of relocation. As noted by the article titled “Enhancing Employee Experience in Global Mobility” by Adleo (2023), enhancing the employee experience is no longer a luxury, it’s a strategic priority. When individuals feel unsupported or overwhelmed during a move, it negatively affects their ability to integrate, thrive, and stay committed to the organisation.

Cityus solution: At Cityus, we view accommodation as more than just a place to stay, it’s a key part of the relocation experience and we are often the first contact with arriving assignees as we welcome them to their temporary apartment. Our Cityus apartments are thoughtfully designed to support comfort and work-life balance, helping employees feel at home from day one. We provide comprehensive support throughout the journey: pre-arrival, employees receive clear, detailed information about their apartment; during their stay, our multilingual team offers 7/7 assistance for a reassuring and smooth experience; and post-departure, we manage check-outs and collect feedback to keep improving. We also assist both guests and corporate clients with any insurance-related claims concerning their apartment, ensuring swift handling and peace of mind throughout the process. While technology streamlines processes like booking and reporting, it’s our professional expertise, human support, and commitment to customer excellence that truly set us apart.

10. Supporting sustainability goals

As sustainability becomes central to corporate strategy, global mobility programmes are under pressure to reduce their environmental impact. Long hotel stays, frequent relocations, and resource-heavy accommodation models are no longer aligned with ESG expectations. As Coline Michaux explains in her article for Eres Relocation (16 May 2025), businesses must embrace greener alternatives and choose partners who actively champion sustainability.

Cityus solution: At Cityus, our apartments are plastic-free and designed with efficiency in mind, helping to reduce both water and energy use. We understand the complexities of driving sustainable change across a furnished housing portfolio, but we are fully committed to it. From guiding tenants and clients on eco-conscious living, to supporting our teams with clear environmental practices and engaging local communities, we ensure sustainability is embedded in everything we do. We are especially proud to have been awarded the Gold Ecovadis Medal in 2025, for the second consecutive time, a recognition of our ongoing efforts to uphold the highest environmental and ethical standards. With transparent reporting tools and a deep-rooted commitment to responsible living, Cityus is helping businesses meet their ESG goals while offering employees a smarter, greener, and more sustainable way to live.

The future of mobility starts with the right partner

As global mobility becomes more complex and employee expectations continue to evolve, companies need agile, data-driven, and people-focused housing solutions to stay ahead. Mercer’s 2025 Talent Mobility Outlook confirms what many already feel: the status quo is no longer enough. From compliance and sustainability to experience, flexibility, and cost control, businesses need partners who combine smart technology, operational insight, and human care.

At Cityus, we don’t just provide serviced apartments, we deliver integrated solutions designed for modern mobility. Our deep understanding of the challenges HR and global mobility teams face, paired with our powerful platform and personal support, makes us a trusted partner in navigating change.

Whether you’re looking to enhance the onboarding experience, meet ESG targets, or simplify administration, our team of experts is here to help, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.