Based on thousands of hours of conversations with businesses, corporate accommodation suppliers, and team members, Chelsea Costa, AltoVita’s client development manager, names the 10 trends that she expects to influence corporate accommodations in 2025.
1. Workforce Transformation to Address Global Talent Shortages
With an estimated global labor shortfall of 85 million people in the next five years, businesses prioritise agile HR transformation. Talent mobility programmes can align closely with workforce strategy to help ensure the right talent is in the right location at the right time. As businesses compete for top talent, aligning corporate mobility with broader workforce planning has become a strategic priority for ensuring long-term success.
Client Insight: “With an $ 85 million global labor shortfall in the next five years, businesses must help ensure they have the right talent in the right location at the right time. This has never been more poignant. There will be a need for Global HR Transformation programmes to align Talent and Mobility even more closely than today.” — Debbie Barclay, Director of Supply Chain Management, Sirva
2. Community-Oriented Accommodations
Co-living and community-focused accommodation solutions are gaining traction, especially among younger professionals and couples relocating. These spaces balance privacy with social interaction, fostering connection and collaboration. Modern co-living spaces are expanding their appeal by offering tailored events and amenities that encourage networking and build a sense of belonging.
Client Insight: “Shared amenities like kitchens and gyms appeal to modern, relocating households seeking community.” — Michela Pittaluga, Senior Business Development Manager at Ariv
Download the report: Asia Pacific’s Corporate Accommodation Landscape Supply & Demand Insights from Industry Leaders
3. Corporate Mobility Shifts Amid Return-to-Office Mandates
Return-to-office policies could reverse the decline in employee relocations, driving increased demand for mobility programmes and corporate accommodation. This shift is also expected to influence regional mobility patterns, with certain urban centers experiencing a resurgence in business travel and relocations.
Client Insight: “Heading into 2025, one of the key trends that could have a big impact is the return-to-office mandates and how they might influence the mobility industry. If more companies adopt this approach, it could reverse the declining volume which we've seen decreased in recent years.” — Bret Wall, Vice President of Client Engagement at Bristol Global
Download the toolkit: The A-Z of Planning a Group Move & Group Travel
4. Decentralisation of Corporate Accommodation Markets
The rise of remote and hybrid work is shifting demand toward secondary and emerging cities. These secondary cities offer cost-effective solutions and lifestyle appeal for employees and corporates alike. In regions like the Middle East, rapid economic diversification, high standard of living, and large-scale infrastructure projects are further accelerating the demand for extended-stay options in cities such as Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha.
Download the report: The Middle East Corporate Accommodation Landscape: Supply & Demand Insights from Industry Leaders
5. Tightened Corporate Accommodations Supply in Key Markets
Cities like Toronto face inventory constraints that could result in availability challenges and price hikes during peak periods. Following market trends, peers benchmarking and negotiated pricing will be critical. The interplay between housing supply, political developments, and financial uncertainty in 2025 will make strategic planning more important than ever for businesses operating in high-demand regions.
Client Insight: “Toronto inventory supply has yet to reach back to pre-pandemic levels...causing availability issues in key periods.” — Cliff Norton, Partner at Sky Views Suites
6. Global Mobility Policy Changes Drive Longer Stays
Companies are extending corporate accommodation benefits to address global housing complexities. A shift from relocations to short-term assignments creates demand for flexible, long-term accommodations with home-like amenities. This evolution reflects a growing need for accommodations that support hybrid work arrangements and offer both flexibility and stability for employees.
7. Focus on Information Security and PII Protection
With the rise of smart apartments and connected accommodations, data privacy has become a top concern for corporate clients. Properties offering advanced cybersecurity measures and secure networks are preferred. Businesses increasingly require their accommodation providers to comply with stringent data protection regulations like GDPR.
8. Technology-Driven Growth and Workforce Collaboration
Entering the “Intelligent Age,” businesses prioritise technology to enhance corporate accommodation strategies. Smart apartments with IoT integration, co-working spaces, and hybrid work-ready environments lead the charge.
The integration of real-time data insights and AI-driven tools is empowering companies to streamline accommodation sourcing and elevate the employee experience.
Client Insight: “Early indications ahead of the January Davos meeting indicate that world leaders and government officials are going to be focused on the idea of ‘Collaboration for the Intelligent Age’ and reimagining growth. What does this mean for businesses given growth is a top priority for CEOs closely followed by technology and then workforce in the 3rd place?” — Debbie Barclay, Director Supply Chain Management at Sirva
9. New Exposure to Leisure Demand by Corporate Accommodation Providers
Corporate accommodation providers are expanding to cater to blended business-leisure travellers, offering properties with flexible terms and upscale amenities in prime urban and resort locations. By combining the comforts of home with access to premium leisure facilities, providers are reshaping the traditional boundaries between business and leisure travel.
10. Sustainability Ranks High on the Agenda: ESG and Carbon Reduction Take Center Stage
Sustainability remains a critical focus for corporate travel programmes. Carbon reduction initiatives and ESG commitments are driving demand for eco-friendly accommodations. Properties integrating renewable energy and waste reduction practices will be market leaders.
Corporations are increasingly using ESG credentials as a decisive factor in their accommodation procurement processes, making sustainable practices a competitive necessity.
Client Insight: “Continued focus and investment into ESG and carbon reduction across mobility programs will be mainstream.” — Debbie Barclay, Director of Supply Chain Management at Sirva
Download the report: The Future of Corporate Travel: Smart, Safe & Sustainable Accommodation in Focus
