It’s something more companies are hearing from applicants and employees:

“I live too far away to work here.”

About 23% of employers say they’ve had applicants turn down an offer because of the length of the commute, according to a recent survey by the Generator Group. Only 13% said the same thing a year ago.

Transportation costs are also negatively impacting retention — 18% say they’ve had employees quit over the commute, compared to just 5% last year.

In addition to fuel prices, the housing market has made relocation less of a viable option for people looking to change jobs. More than half (55%) of companies say candidates’ reluctance to relocate is one of their top three recruiting challenges.

As one way around these problems, the Generator Group recommends offering telecommuting as an option for desirable candidates who aren’t willing to move or suffer through a long commute.

Tags: housing market, relocation, telecommuting