Posted on Monday, September 08 2025
Corporate housing gives relocating employees and their families a furnished, flexible home base in the new city – without requiring them to immediately give up their existing home or commit to a permanent neighbourhood. This reduces relocation stress and improves the likelihood of a successful long-term move.
70% of failed relocations are linked to family conflict and stress
Premiere Suites offers 1,500+ furnished suites, homes and townhomes across Canada
There are 10,000+ properties in Premiere Suites’ extended Canadian network
Even under favourable conditions, employee relocation comes with a significant number of unknowns: Will the transition work for the employee and their family? Is the move permanent or temporary? Will the organization’s needs shift in the next year or two? What are the true costs of a permanent move versus a phased one?
In times of economic uncertainty, these questions become even harder to answer. And the human cost is real: experts agree that relocation, particularly for employees with spouses and children, is one of life’s most stressful events. Studies suggest that as many as 70% of failed relocations can be attributed to family conflict rather than the employee’s professional performance.
One of the biggest drivers of that conflict is the sense of permanency. When families sell or leave behind their home to be placed in an unfamiliar city, without an existing support network or community ties, the transition can feel overwhelming – particularly for children.
Corporate housing serves as a practical and lower-pressure transitional option – a furnished, home-like environment in the new city that gives employees and their families time to adjust before committing to permanent arrangements.
Families don’t have to immediately give up their existing home
Many organizations offer to purchase or lease a property for relocating employees, but only once the employee has permanently surrendered their current home. For families, especially those with children, this forced finality can be destabilizing. Corporate housing removes that pressure, providing a comfortable base in the new city while the family retains their connection to what is familiar.
It creates a familiarization period before committing to a neighbourhood
Choosing the right neighbourhood for a family required knowing the city – its schools, commutes, communities, and character. Relocating employees cannot be expected to make that decision before they arrive. Spending a few weeks or months in corporate housing gives families the time to explore and make an informed choice, rather than committing based on limited information.
Corporate housing is flexible and scalable as circumstances change
When relocating employees have access to a wide range of suites, homes, and townhomes, they are not locked into a single solution. They can extend their stay, try a different location or housing type, and identify which amenities and neighbourhoods work best for their family. That flexibility reduces anxiety and keeps the relocation on track, for both the employee and the organization.
Reduced relocation failure risk: A phased, lower-pressure transition gives families time to adjust, directly addressing the leading cause of relocation failure.
Cost flexibility: Organizations avoid the significant upfront cost of purchasing or leasing a permanent property before it’s clear the relocation will succeed.
Scalability: If the relocation scope changes – additional team members, extended timelines, or a change in location – corporate housing can adapt quickly.
Consistent quality: Accredited corporate housing providers maintain high standards across their properties, so there are no unpleasant surprises for the employee or their family upon arrival.
Why do employee relocations fail?
Research indicates that up to 70% of failed relocations are tied to family conflict and stress rather than the employee's job performance. The pressure of permanently leaving a familiar home and community — without time to adjust — is a leading factor.
How long should an employee stay in corporate housing during a relocation?
There is no fixed rule. Some families need a few weeks to get their bearings; others benefit from several months before choosing a permanent home. Reputable corporate housing providers offer flexible stay lengths with no requirement to commit to a long-term lease, making it easy to extend as needed.
Is corporate housing suitable for families with children during a relocation?
Yes. Corporate housing options range from studio suites to multi-bedroom homes and townhomes, making it practical for families of any size. The home-like environment — with full kitchens, living spaces, and room to spread out — is considerably less disruptive for children than hotel accommodation.
Can corporate housing be used for both temporary and permanent relocations?
Yes. Corporate housing is particularly well-suited to the early phase of any relocation — temporary or permanent — because it provides stability while the longer-term situation is still being determined. For temporary assignments, it can serve as the entire housing solution. For permanent moves, it serves as a transitional bridge.
As Canada’s largest corporate housing provider, Premiere Suites has helped thousands of organizations and their employees navigate relocation, from short-term assignments to long-term moves. With more than 1,500 furnished suites, homes, and townhomes, plus a network of over 10,000 properties across Canada, we can find the right fit for every employee and every family. Contact us today to learn more.
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