The world of work is changing fast. Traditional jobs are vanishing as the move towards a more service-based, digitally focused and globalised economy gathers pace. Advances in technology mean that remote working is becoming a viable option for many, and more organisations are requiring their staff to work across geographical boundaries.

These changes bring opportunities and challenges for employers and employees, and for partners accompanying their other halves on assignment.

Is money too tight to mention? Are relocation support services suffering? The time has come to rethink the emphasis on cost control at the expense of employee support. The right balance is needed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Sue Shortland explains.

In the current economic squeeze, we are all only too familiar with tight budgets and the need to do more with less. Budgets are being cut continually, and cost reduction has become the mantra of business activities.

Working from home will become an option for thousands of Londoners this summer, as they seek to avoid the disruption that millions of extra people visiting the capital to enjoy the Olympics will inevitably cause.

But are the London’s employers really prepared for, or even aware of, all the implications of having employees working from home?”

Laurence Finger, partner at accountancy and professional services firm SRLV, says, “It might sound like a great idea to have thousands of Londoners working from home during the Olympics. It would lessen the burden on transport and infrastructure in the capital.

"However, employers should be aware of, and prepared for, the implications of having large numbers of employees working remotely when they aren’t properly geared up for it.”

SRLV has come up with five top tips to help London’s businesses during the Olympics.

A new report on how economic upheaval is affecting Britain's cities may have implications for relocation.

Cities Outlook 2012, from the Centre for Cities, found that, as public-sector job losses continue into 2012, those cities that will see the largest public-sector job cuts will find it most difficult to generate net new employment in the short term. Based on these factors, some cities, such as London, Aberdeen and Milton Keynes, are well placed to support the creation of the jobs and growth that will address the challenge of unemployment.