Business proprietors investing in residential properties for their workforce
In an effort to address the housing shortage in the region and retain valued employees, Dominique Lamballe, director of FenêtréA, has purchased a one-hectare plot from the municipality of Marolles-en-Brie and had a neighbourhood of 41 houses built for his employees. The houses, set to be completed in 2027, will provide a convenient living solution for workers like Maryline Poulizac, who will move into her three-bedroom home in Beignon, reducing her commute from 35 to 40 minutes by car to just 10 minutes on foot.
Maryline, a mother of two, is one of many FenêtréA employees who have struggled with the lack of housing in the area. The company records approximately 12 resignations per year due to this issue, and the training cost for new personnel is a significant concern. The new housing estate, with an investment of 7 million euros, aims to alleviate these problems.
The company's plans to hire 100 more employees by the end of 2026 on a brand new production site were previously mentioned. However, recruitment efforts have been hampered by the region's 200 unfilled housing units. Yann Le Breton, an employee, hesitated to work at the factory because he lives 35 kilometers away from it.
The decrease in new housing reservations in the second quarter of 2025, according to Boursorama, further complicates the situation. The article does not mention the houses being built for FenêtréA employees as part of the 15,700 new housing reservations referred to.
Yet, the company is not ignoring the issue entirely. They are considering the cost of mileage, car wear, and tear due to the lack of housing in the area. Furthermore, employees will have the option to buy the houses in the long term, providing a potential solution for both the company and its workers.
This initiative by FenêtréA underscores the importance of addressing housing shortages in areas with high employment demand. By providing affordable, convenient housing for its employees, the company hopes to reduce turnover, save on training costs, and attract new talent to its growing workforce.
