Should we promote employers to provide homes for employees?

Question

I mean, what if every employer, or every business building had a apartment complex built on top of the business. And, if the employers got a huge tax break for each family living in the apartments built above their business. That would cut down on gas right?

Affordable housing for the poor, high tax breaks for employers, and cleaner air and less gas consumption for all.

Is there anything we can do to promote this?

Answer 1

Well, let's throw in private jets while we're at it.

Answer 2

God I hope not! Thats just one more thing they could use to control your life even more.Plus who wants to live where they work.Big nickle hit it rght on the head with that answer.

Answer 3

How about you set the example by taking in one family and let them live in your upstairs room? Now all you need is to set up the bathroom schedule.

Answer 4

I can just imagine GM in Detroit building apts on top of the factory for 5000 workers reality check

Years ago 1 town employers used to do this IE mining,forestry the employees were stuck buying all there supplies from the company store,paying the water bills to the company,paying there electrical bills to the company most workers barely made a living because the company controlled everything.Still think its a good idea

Answer 5

My place of work already provides this.   Its a 400 foot walk to work usually.   Never yet more than 900 feet.   Of course I'd have to fly into the ship every day if they didn't supply me with a place to live.    Usually good food too.

Answer 6

The Government can use tax breaks to affect the behavior of business and people.  Your idea is a good one.  It would save us money in building expanded bridges, roads, light rail, and other transportation needs; while also reducing our dependancy on oil.

Lots of employers already do this, without the tax incentives.  For example, Ranches often have housing on the ranch for the ranch hands.  This practice still exists today.  Camps (like summer camp) also house their staff.  Stables, that keep lots of horses, usually have someone living onsite that works for them (or the owners).  Lots of small businesses have condo's on the floor(s) above the business.  This is especially common in new cities, and popular for Real Estate Agents, Accountants, Consultants, hair stylists, and other small retail outlets.

Colleges use your model too.... with student housing on campus.

Some large corporations use your model, but most do not do it very effectively.  They may have large campuses and some own nearby apartment complexes.  They most often use these complexes for long term housing of staff they have travelling (e.g. for training at their headquarters, or for one year engagements for offshore resources doing time in the country).  It's more cost effective than paying the local Hotel's to house their employees; and this method enables them to cut their food costs (i.e. use the condo kitchens).