Housing payment assistance offers a rare but highly valued benefit

25% of employees would consider switching jobs to gain access to housing payment assistance, according to a recent survey of 300 companies by insurance agency JW Surety Bonds. The survey revealed an overwhelming demand for this rare benefit, with nearly 33% of respondents preferring housing aid over a pay raise, and 43% favoring it instead of extra paid time off.

With rising rates pushing mortgages to be less economic than renting in many cases and housing costs rising 2x faster than wages since 2000, home ownership is an increasingly distant dream for millions of Americans. In response, employers in more labor competitive and lucrative sectors like finance and tech began considering introducing housing assistance programs in 2023. 

While only 13% of the surveyed employees currently receive housing benefits, those who do report higher levels of job satisfaction, better mental health, and stronger productivity compared to those without such support. With standard benefits changing to match covid’s readjustment to individual priorities, housing support presents leaders a tangible way to lock employees in and help solve an issue that’s hamstringing the American dream for over 20 million workers.