The simple answer is yes! By doing so, you’ll attract, retain and engage top college-educated talent at your company.
Twenty-six percent of the U.S. workforce and 69 percent of 2018 college graduates are encumbered by student loans, with the national total student loan debt total climbing steadily towards $1.6T. Student loan assistance has quickly become the #1 benefit desired by college-educated talent. For many, getting out from under student debt is a more meaningful accomplishment than:
● Graduating college
● Getting their first job
● Receiving a promotion
When employers offer student loan assistance, they quickly notice three improvements:
They Hire Top Talent 13 Percent Faster
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that August’s U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8%, and college-educated unemployment was even lower at 2.0%, continuing the trend where unemployment rates have reached their lowest point in over 50 years.
In today’s highly competitive market for talent, offering student loan assistance as a benefit is the best way for employers to attract the right people, and fast. The Millennial Benefit Preferences Study found that 85 percent of respondents would accept a job offer if student loan repayment was included.
Employee Tenure Increases by 36 Percent
Job hopping is high and replacing talent is expensive and time-consuming. Recruiters must spend both time and money on finding the perfect replacements, and there is often a decrease in overall company productivity after an employee departs.
Employers who make contributions to workers’ student debt engage them in a meaningful way, and in turn, save on costs of recruitment and turnover.
Gender and Cultural Diversity Improve
Did you know?
● ⅔ of student debt is held by women
● African Americans and Hispanics, on average, hold two times more student debt than their white peers
Companies that help pay down student loans can capitalize on a unique opportunity to engage these often underrepresented groups and accelerate the positive impact of gender and cultural diversity within their workplace and beyond. To know more contact us!
DISCLAIMER:
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. The services of an appropriate professional should be sought regarding your individual situation.
