Mortgage benefits are the new 'must-have' for Gen Z employees

Two people celebrating moving into a new home
Adobe Stock

Owning a slice of real estate is becoming increasingly far-fetched for many Americans today. Yet emerging support for homebuying and mortgage benefits may make that dream a reality for employees. 

For Gen Z workers in particular, financial stability is top of mind, and homeownership remains a key milestone. Yet rising housing costs, high interest rates and low savings are making that benchmark increasingly difficult to achieve. 

Today, nearly 43% of employees live paycheck to paycheck, and almost one-third have less than $1,000 in savings, according to data from Multiply Mortgage, a mortgage solution platform. For Gen Z, who are still early in their careers and often managing student loan debt, homeownership can feel entirely out of reach. Only 20.8% of survey respondents feel "very confident" navigating the homebuying process, with many citing confusion about mortgage options and difficulty finding trustworthy professionals.

Read more: Homeowner assistance as an employee benefit

These challenges bleed into employees' personal and professional lives: Two-thirds of employees say that the stress of buying a home negatively affects their productivity at work, and over one-third admit to spending more than four hours a week distracted by housing concerns. For employers, this presents a unique opportunity to support younger generations within the workforce in a deeply meaningful way.

"Gen Z is redefining the employee-employer relationship," says Michael White, CEO of Multiply Mortgage. "They're not afraid to ask for what they need, and they view benefits as a reflection of a company's values. For them, a paycheck isn't enough. They're looking for companies that help them thrive in all aspects of life, including their financial future." 

What Gen Z wants from mortgage benefits

Gen Z workers are looking for practical, personalized support that goes beyond traditional financial wellness tools. According to the report, 67% of employees say access to lower interest rates through employer-provided benefits is "extremely valuable." That kind of direct financial impact can make the difference between "someday" and "now" when it comes to buying a home.

"A mortgage benefit helps employees get better rates, avoid costly mistakes, and receive trusted guidance," White says. "That's real financial value — not just in the short-term, but in the long run." 

Read more: Essential benefits that support women's financial wellness

Educational resources are also high on the wish list. One in three employees rate homebuying education as a top priority, highlighting a need for tools that demystify the process and offer step-by-step guidance. With many Gen Z workers relying on social media or friends for mortgage advice, employers have an opportunity to fill that gap with trusted, expert-backed solutions.

"Once someone goes through the homebuying process with the right support, they're better equipped to make future financial decisions with confidence," White says. "In today's market, where affordability is a challenge, this kind of support doesn't go unnoticed. It builds loyalty and sets companies apart as thoughtful, forward-looking employers."  

A strategic advantage for employers

Mortgage benefits aren't just about helping employees buy homes — they're also a powerful recruitment and retention tool. The Multiply Mortgage survey found that 75% of employees would be more likely to join a company that offers mortgage benefits, and 23% say these benefits could be a deciding factor in accepting a job offer.

The impact doesn't stop at hiring. A third of employees say mortgage benefits significantly improve their job satisfaction, and nearly 35% say they strengthen loyalty to their employer. More than a third also say they'd be more likely to recommend their company to others if mortgage support were offered — an indicator of deeper employee engagement and loyalty.

"It's a powerful message: We see your whole financial picture, and we're here to help you build long-term stability and wealth," White says. "That can translate into stronger engagement, retention, and advocacy from a group that's just beginning their careers."

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Mortgage rates First time home buyers Home prices Employee benefits
MORE FROM EMPLOYEE BENEFIT NEWS