ESG is a hot topic these days. And regardless of how you feel about it, the truth is that businesses are being evaluated – by Wall Street and their customers alike – on a wide variety of measures these days. Gone are the days that quarterly earnings tell the entire story of any business. But that doesn’t mean we can ignore the financial impacts of the decisions we make for our businesses. On the contrary, we have to learn a thing or two from improv and take a “yes and…” approach to developing initiatives that are good for the environment, good for our people, and good for our financial profitability. We know that a company's impact on the environment and the well-being of its employees plays a pivotal role in defining its long-term sustainability, and that both should contribute to the long-term financial success of the business, as well.

As businesses evolve to meet these new challenges, one area that holds significant potential for positive change is the way employees commute to work. Offering a holistic commuter benefits program can not only transform your company's bottom line but also contribute to a greener future and improved employee satisfaction. This article delves into the rationale behind such programs, outlines their criteria for success, and introduces what you should look for in a partner to help you implement a customized commute solution tailored to your specific needs.

Understanding the ROI of Commuter Benefits

A holistic commuter benefits program encompasses a range of initiatives designed to incentivize employees to choose alternative transportation options over single-occupancy vehicles. This includes options like public transit, biking, walking, corporate shuttles, vanpooling, and carpooling. The return on investment (ROI) of such programs is multifaceted, impacting an organization's triple bottom line:

• Tax incentives: Depending on your area’s tax regulations, providing commuter benefits can lead to tax savings for both the company and employees.
• Lower overhead: By offering employees shared mobility solutions, your organization can improve retention and lower the cost of employee turnover, as well as reducing parking space requirements and the associated costs.
  

• Reduced carbon footprint: Fewer single-occupancy vehicles mean decreased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to your corporate sustainability goals.
• Improved air quality: Reduced traffic congestion leads to cleaner air, benefiting both your employees and the communities in which you operate.
  

• Reduced stress: Commuting is a significant source of stress for employees. Offering alternative transportation options can lead to happier and more engaged staff.
• Health benefits: Encouraging active transportation like biking or walking promotes a healthier lifestyle among employees.

Planning for a Success

Like with most things worth doing, a developing, launching and maintaining an effective commuter benefits program requires insight and planning. To ensure your success, consider these key criteria as you build your set of offerings:

Finding Your Partner for Commuter Transformation

flexigo stands as a trailblazing partner in helping organizations establish and maintain successful holistic commuter benefits programs. Through our state-of-the-art flexiCommute analysis and planning tool, we partner with businesses to tailor a set of mobility solutions that align with their unique needs. 

flexigo's Offerings

• Demand-based shuttles: flexigo offers on-demand shuttle services that cater to your employees' commuting schedules, enhancing convenience and reducing the reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
  
  
• Vanpools and Carpools: These shared transportation options reduce traffic congestion and promote collaboration among employees.
  
  
• Customized Reporting Tools: flexigo provides insightful data on employee commuting patterns, enabling you to track the success of your program and make informed decisions.

Benefits of flexigo's All-in-One Mobility Platform

• Comprehensive: flexigo's platform offers a broad suite of solutions, ensuring you have everything you need in one place.
  
  
• Mature and Reliable Technology: With a proven track record, flexigo's platform is well-established in the market, offering stability and reliability.
  
  
• Ease of Use: Users report that both employees and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) administrators can easily navigate and utilize the platform's features.

 
It’s clear that the transformative power of a holistic commuter benefits programs extends far beyond a simple change in transportation habits. By reducing costs, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing employee satisfaction, these programs contribute to a thriving triple bottom line. flexigo, with its innovative solutions and user-friendly platform, is an ideal partner to help you bring your commuter transformation goals to life. As you embark on this journey towards a profitable, greener and more employee-centric future, remember that the road to success is paved with smart choices, and flexigo is your trusted guide in the search for your best mobility future.

By Dave Gallon - Managing Director US, flexigo