Long commutes can be a major challenge for employees in the United States. According to the Census Bureau, the average commute time in the U.S. is just under 27 minutes. However, for many people, the commute is much longer, with some people spending upwards of an hour or more sitting alone behind the wheel of their vehicle both on the way in to work and on the way home. 

There are many challenges associated with long commutes, including increased stress, decreased productivity, and decreased job satisfaction. In addition, long commutes can lead to increased absenteeism, as employees may be more likely to miss work due to traffic or other issues. 

One way that companies can help alleviate the challenges associated with long commutes is by offering commuter benefits such as shuttles, vanpools, and carpools. These benefits can help employees save time, money, and stress by providing a more convenient and cost-effective way to get to and from work.

What are the benefits of offering shared mobility solutions?

There are numerous examples of companies that have implemented commuter benefits and seen positive results.

For example, tech giant Google offers a shuttle service for its employees, which has been credited with helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve employee satisfaction. Similarly, ride-sharing company Uber has implemented a carpool program for its employees, which has been successful in reducing the number of solo commuters and improving the company's sustainability efforts. 

Other companies outside of the tech industry have also seen success with commuter benefits. For instance, the healthcare company Kaiser Permanente offers a vanpool program for its employees, which has helped to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road and improve air quality. 

In addition to the benefits for employees, companies can also see a return on investment from offering commuter benefits. According to the Commuter Benefits Work for Us report, companies that offer commuter benefits can save an average of $3,000 per employee per year in reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and reduced turnover. 

As has become clear, painful commutes can be a major challenge for employees in the U.S., but offering commuter benefits such as shuttles, vanpools, and carpools can help alleviate these challenges and provide benefits for both employees and the company. Companies that have implemented these benefits have seen reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and improved sustainability efforts, as well as a return on investment.

Turn the challenge into an opportunity

US-based research finds that 23% of people leave a job due to a painful commute, and that rate jumps to 34% for those aged 18 to 34. In addition, countless more potential employees don’t consider positions due to the cost and trouble associated with the commute. And employees highly value commuter benefits. In a recent Newsweek poll, 58% of respondents stated that they believed their employers should pay for their commute costs. Therefore, by offering company-sponsored shared commute solutions, you can help your employees save money, reduce their stress levels, and improve overall company morale. And when these share mobility
services are included in job descriptions and job offers, they give you the ability to recruit talent from a larger geographic area than ever before.

So whether you’re already offering employee commuter benefits or this is the first time you’ve heard of it, developing an optimal set of solutions for your needs will help you find and keep your best talent while also saving you money. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the variety of employee commuter benefits available on the flexigo platform, and reach out to explore how we can help you plan for and provide the shared mobility solutions that are right for your organization.

By Dave Gallon - Managing Director US, flexigo