How to Build Staff Housing Developments That Help Retain Staff

Across BC, employers are facing an ongoing challenge. In many communities, the lack of attainable rental housing is making it difficult to attract and retain staff. Resort municipalities, rural towns, tourism communities, and island regions feel this pressure the most.

Purpose-built staff housing provides a practical solution. When planned with intention, these developments support long-term stability for employers and create better living conditions for workers. We have delivered staff housing projects across BC, and understand what it takes to deliver housing solutions that help you retain staff.

Where Staff Housing Is Most Needed in BC

Certain regions experience higher housing pressure due to cost, availability, or geographic isolation.

Resort Municipalities

Communities like Whistler, Tofino, Revelstoke, and Sun Peaks experience seasonal demand, tourism-driven rental pressures, and high real estate values. Frontline workers often struggle to find stable long-term housing.

Remote and Island Communities

Places like Salt Spring Island, Bowen Island, and northern BC towns face limited rental supply, long travel times, and infrastructure challenges. Essential services rely on stable staffing to operate.

High Cost-of-Living Cities

Squamish, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Victoria continue to see rising housing costs. Employers competing for skilled workers benefit from providing dedicated options.

In every region, staff housing is about more than providing a place to sleep. It is about creating long-term living conditions that support well-being, productivity, and stability.

Key Considerations When Designing Staff Housing

Purpose-built staff housing must balance cost, function, practicality, and resident needs. NDY Development focuses on the following pillars when guiding clients through planning and design.

1. Know Your Workforce

The building design should reflect who will live in the units. Examples include:

• Healthcare workers who need quiet spaces, strong sound separation, and good sleep environments for shift work

• Seasonal tourism staff who need generous storage for gear such as skis, bikes, or surf equipment

• Hospitality workers who benefit from shared amenities that encourage community

• Long-term employees who require stable, well-equipped suites suitable for year-round living

2. Balance Budget and Specifications

Cost efficiency is essential, but so is durability. Staff housing should last decades, which means planning for:

• Materials that withstand high turnover

• Efficient unit layouts that reduce construction and ongoing maintenance

• Energy-efficient systems that reduce long-term operating costs

• A design that remains flexible for future use

3. Prioritize Soundproofing and Privacy

In staff housing, noise control is one of the most important success factors. Quality sleep directly affects job performance and quality of life.

For shift workers such as nurses, cleaners, hospitality staff, and trades, this includes:

• Superior wall and floor sound ratings

• Mechanical systems that reduce operational noise

• Thoughtful placement of bedrooms away from high-activity areas

• Quiet building operations and durable finishes

4. Include Functional Shared Spaces

Well-designed common areas help create a sense of community and support well-being.

This can include:

• Shared kitchens or dining areas

• Lounges or quiet rooms

• Secure storage for outdoor gear

• Laundry rooms

• Covered outdoor spaces

• Fitness or recreation rooms, depending on the project scale

Each amenity should be justified by the needs of the users and the project’s budget.

5. Plan for Site-Specific Challenges

Many staff housing sites in BC have unique conditions; these must be taken into consideration early in the project's lifecycle, as they can make or break your project:

• Limited access on island communities

• Steeper topography in mountain towns

• Sensitive ecosystems

• Municipal servicing constraints

How NDY Development Supports Staff Housing Projects

NDY brings practical experience from staff housing and multi-family projects across BC. Our approach is grounded in clarity, collaboration, and long-term value.

We support clients with:

Project visioning and feasibility

Understanding what is possible on your site and what aligns with your workforce needs.

Financial planning and funding strategies

Developing clear proformas and identifying relevant programs, including BC Housing and CMHC initiatives.

Team building and design coordination

Assembling the right consultants and ensuring the design meets functional expectations and community needs.

Municipal approvals and permitting

Navigating rezoning, development permits, and building permits across municipalities, resort communities, and island regions.

Construction administration

Overseeing the build to maintain project quality, cost alignment, and schedule clarity.

Completion and handover

Ensuring the project is ready for occupancy with all documentation, inspections, and warranties completed.

Building Staff Housing That Works for People

Staff housing is more than an employer benefit. It is infrastructure that supports stable communities, reliable staffing, and sustainable local economies. With the right planning, it becomes a long-term asset that improves retention and enhances operations.

NDY Development delivers staff housing with a focus on practicality, liveability, and long-term value.

Explore our services on the NDY Development page or reach out to discuss a project in your community.