A company's success is very often the result of happy employees. Some of the most thriving companies in the world have done well because they keep their employees in "benefit bliss". They have attracted and retained the most elite talent because they offer something many companies do not; an above average benefits package.
So what is the hot new trend in employee benefits? Many employers have started to provide commuter benefits, and those who have previously offered some benefits are expanding their options. The New York Times reports that Google is now providing their employees with free shuttle bus service to work. Other companies are jumping on this bandwagon as well; keeping their employees from the stress of a morning commute and the burden of a $4.00 per gallon fill up. As a result, employees have more time to relax and get some extra work done. It seems like everyone wins.
In an effort to avoid soaring gas prices, commuters in the Metro DC Area are exploring new ways to get to work and employers are helping. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced in the beginning of May that Metro ridership has seen an enormous increase even after fares went up in January. Bicycle shops have reported a solid jump in sales. Carpools and vanpools are becoming more prevalent and teleworking and compressed work weeks are being experimented with by organizations throughout the area.
Employers can help an employee's commute by providing transit benefits, compressed work weeks, a formal telework program, carpool and vanpool options, shuttles and bike racks.
Your employer may already offer some of these benefits. Find out if your company provides transit benefits. If you feel like biking to work, but have no where to keep your bike, talk to someone about it. Learn more about compressed work weeks and teleworking and see how you can make a change in your organization. Tell your employers it will keep YOU happy.
Kristin Howard works for Arlington Transportation Partners providing transportation expertise and services to businesses in Arlington County. She is a Metrorail commuter.
oops - I'm an idiot. I didn't even finish reading the article - I missed the second page. Duh.
Sorry!
Posted by: Peter | June 14, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Google has been providing this free shuttle service for quite a while now - at least months, if not years. They charge contractors a small fee, though. I just wanted to mention that, because you used the word 'now' when describing the program.
Yahoo does some of the shuttle thing, too. Not sure if it's free or not. I guess Yahoo never gets the attention because Google's program must just be a lot bigger, and/or free.
I also like the idea of corporations being rated for 'bike friendliness':
http://googlemapsbikethere.org/2008/05/25/the-big-initiatives/#17
Glad I found y'all's blog!
Posted by: Peter | June 14, 2008 at 09:19 PM