Date Published: Feb 2026
Pre-Covid, relocation for Executives, particularly the C-Suite, was a given. At certain levels of leadership, candidates understood that acceptance of an offer meant moving to wherever Corporate was. Of course, there are exceptions; even pre-Covid there were a few lenders willing to employ remote executives – but it was more the exception than the rule.
Enter the Pandemic. Companies no longer had a choice as to whether to embrace a Remote workforce – everyone was remote. Lenders utilized technology to it’s fullest extent – the number of Zoom meetings more than quadrupled across the county, video calls were the norm and companies suddenly realized how cost effective (and efficient) remote work could be. Many lenders continued to embrace this culture long after Covid was in the rear view, especially in areas like Operations and Sales.
The Return-to-Office Shift Reshaping Mortgage Recruiting
However, in late 2021, many Financial Services firms began preparing staff for a return to the office after a long period of remote work. This started with planning and phased returns as the first practical workplace shift. By 2023, data from multiple surveys showed a large share of mortgage lenders required employees on site, or for at least the majority of the week.
In 2024-2025, major lenders and banks across Financial Services intensified return to office policies, with some firms mandating full time office attendance. Firms cited collaboration, training and productivity as reasons for bringing people back to the office – although individual policies still vary by employer.
In our recruiting experience, the majority of lenders want Executives at corporate. Some have a “no wiggle room” policy on this. Occasionally a lender will be flexible enough to allow a “hybrid remote” scenario, where a candidate can “commute” 3 days a week and work remotely for the other 2. This can get complicated and expensive; often times it involves an apartment in the city where corporate is located, weekly air fare and other expenses.
Why Physical Presence Still Matters at the Executive Level
As an Executive, working from corporate has a lot of upside. Officing down the hall from the CEO is certainly beneficial, for a multitude of reasons. I think one of our clients said it best, “Not only do I want my Executives at Corporate, I want someone who wants to be at Corporate.” True, technology is the best it’s ever been but it will never replace the impromptu strategy meeting down the hall, an executive lunch together or actually being a part of what makes up your company’s culture.
Most lenders understand that moving your family to a new city is a big ask. Many times, it involves selling / buying a new home, putting kids into a new school district and completely changing your routine and lifestyle. That’s not easy. Generally, offers will take this into consideration – there should be a compelling comp package that comes along with relocation, not one that merely keeps a candidate whole. Most companies will provide a separate compensation piece that covers the cost of relocation.
What are your thoughts on this? Would you uproot your family if it meant more money and an increase in Title? Or does your current way of life and location not have a price tag – meaning that you wouldn’t move regardless of compensation? Share your thoughts and let us know how you feel about this.
By Tami Coffey
