New ways of working and residing: Towards temporary arrangements in large city regions in Germany

The acceleration of everyday life, increasing mobility and the individualization of society are giving rise to postmodern living and working arrangements that are often designed to be temporary. For the last decades, permanent and full-time employment relationships have increasingly been replaced by atypical forms of employment, characterized by flexible working hours and temporary employment. Such working relationships are often associated with the implementation of the New Work concept from a company perspective. With the results of the representative standardized survey, which took place in two large city regions in Germany in spring 2023, we analysed the spatial and social effects of temporary forms of working and residing and their interdependence. We see that temporary employment is directly related to self-assessments of temporary residency. While the diversity of working arrangements is increasing, many regional specifics, such as distressed labour and housing markets, significantly influence employees' location decisions. Our findings will enable more precise planning of both working and living spaces across entire city regions. • The paper examines the connection between temporary employment and temporary residing, which often require flexible arrangements. • Younger workers feel less uncertainty, see more career opportunities, and are more likely to consider relocating after their contract ends. • Flexibility and mobility are gaining importance, potentially leading to long-term changes in work and housing norms. • Companies should support temporary employees, providing housing options and measures to reduce risks and uncertainties. • Urban planning must integrate temporary work and housing to develop sustainable and inclusive city concepts.