Work from anywhere, but where? Understanding knowledge workers’ work location selection

Abstract

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, knowledge workers have transitioned from passive occupants of corporate spaces to active agents navigating diverse workspaces. As organizations attempt to recall employees to central offices, they encounter widespread reluctance, as the company premises now compete with other locations. This study examines how knowledge workers navigate the growing array of work location choices and the resulting mobilities. Through 25 semi-structured interviews with knowledge workers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland who have flexible working arrangements, we explore the factors influencing employees’ location choices. Specifically, we examine the underlying drivers of location selection, work preferences, and the associated geographic mobility within the context of the ongoing remote work transformation. Our results show that employees experience flexibility as a daily negotiation shaped by personal preferences, resource constraints, and evolving definitions of “workplace.” From this, we develop a decision-making framework that maps how resource allocation shapes mobility patterns along a continuum—from micromobility through mesomobility to macromobility. Furthermore, we have conceptualized effective and ineffective organizational responses to shaping employee mobility. By bridging the gap between organizational policies and employee agency, this research advances the geographic mobility literature, offering actionable insights for firms grappling with hybrid work models. It encourages practitioners to reconsider “flexibility” as a strategic resource rather than a perk, suggesting that aligning spatial policies with employee-driven needs can mitigate attrition and support sustainable productivity.