Young professionals are struggling to access ‘invisible’ housing sector, CIH says

Emma Gilbank, chair of CIH Futures, said: “We are proud to launch the CIH Futures survey findings, a vital piece of work that for the first time gives young housing professionals a collective voice in shaping the future of our sector.

“The recommendations are practical and actionable, and we urge organisations and sector leaders to consider them to ensure the next generation is supported and empowered. Our thanks go to Altair for delivering this research and to our sponsors for making this important report possible.”

Respondents flagged other issues and frustrations once in the sector, such as perceived ceilings on career progression, scattered training, feeling overlooked by seniors and regular burnout caused by heavy workloads and poor pay.

Less than half of respondents, 46%, felt satisfied with their salary, with over half saying pay fell below expectations. This compares to a UK-wide pay satisfaction rate of 52%, meaning the housing sector falls below the national average.

This did vary according to experience and role. Over half (60%) of people who had been in the sector for three years or fewer were unhappy with their pay, versus 44% of people with eight or more years of experience.

For those working in high-stress care and support roles, only one-third of young workers felt financially fulfilled. More than a third of respondents also reported regularly feeling extremely stressed, tired or overwhelmed in their roles.

Despite this, there were very high levels of job satisfaction across the sector. Seven in 10 young housing professionals said they were happy in their roles, compared to around one in 10 who said they were unsatisfied.

Seven in 10 respondents also said they hoped to build long-term futures in the housing sector. The report attributes this to an overwhelming perception that housing roles help others and contribute to the betterment of society.

In order to better support young people looking to enter the housing sector and address housing’s invisibility issue, the report has called on housing employers to actively target youth employment, reduce unnecessary barriers, remove inaccessible jargon from job postings and build presences in educational institutions.

Other recommendations included including improving career visibility, strengthening progression pathways, investing in leadership support and prioritising well-being.

Promoting the social housing sector as a place to work and supporting people in finding and developing careers is the mission behind Inside Housing’s Housing Hires campaign, launched last year.

Sarah Dunkerley, CIH’s director of membership and professional development, welcomed the report, noting that too many young people still “fall into” housing by chance rather than by choice, and can encounter avoidable barriers once in the sector.

She said: “This report by CIH Futures confirms what we already know: today’s early career professionals are passionate about making a difference. Their commitment to social purpose, residents and communities is inspiring – and it’s clear they want to build lasting careers in our sector.

“However, the findings also make clear that more must be done to do to support them. Too many young professionals fall into housing by chance rather than choice, and once here, can face barriers around visibility, progression, leadership support and well-being.

“As the professional body for housing, CIH is committed to working with employers, members and partners to ensure that housing is a sector where every professional can thrive.”