Only four per cent of German firms plan to introduce new staff housing within the next five years, according to a study by the German Economic Institute (IW). About nine per cent already provide their employees with direct accommodation, while another 21 per cent offer indirect support, such as internal housing marketplaces or covering agent fees.
The research also shows that 58 per cent of companies see staff housing as a means to simplify the recruitment of skilled workers, and 55 per cent report benefits for long‑term employee retention. Nevertheless, many businesses are reluctant to roll out new schemes. Two thirds point to unfavourable rental conditions as the primary barrier, roughly 45 per cent fear difficulties in finding suitable partners in the housing sector, and nearly 40 per cent consider the financial and organisational costs too high.
IW expert Philipp Deschermeier argues that employee housing can become a decisive location advantage in the battle for qualified talent. He stresses that firms need clearer information and that municipalities should streamline the approval of housing developments on company grounds. “Tighter cooperation between employers, the housing industry and local authorities would win everyone a lot: companies secure skilled staff while the housing market eases up” he said.