So you have agency in theory but not in practice? I don't know many coworkers who can afford to live anywhere near our office aside from management and people far along on the technical promotion path. Every state, city and area is different but I can't imagine these circumstances are rare. Homes without commutes tend to have a much higher price or rental cost than those further away. If 80% of your workers have to commute to get to your office what agency do they really have? The agency to live in a van parked a few blocks away?