As gasoline prices soar into the stratosphere, millions of Americans are wondering how they can alter their commutes to work in hopes of driving less and lowering their cost of living. Employers can do their part to help employees beat the rising costs of commuting—and help the nation conserve natural resources—and many businesses are already stepping in to assist employees in this era of $4-plus gas prices.
Learn the legal and practical ins and outs of setting up a telecommuting program with our exclusive Employer Guide. Download now.
According to a new poll of HR executives by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 57 percent of employers are offering at least one type of program to alleviate commute costs. What are your options? Many employers offer flexible or compressed workweeks—such as four 10-hour days. Telecommuting arrangements are also popular. Other ideas include helping employees to organize carpools, arranging priority parking for carpool vehicles, providing public transit information, subsidizing public transportation costs, and awarding gas cards to employees for good performance.
For more on flexible workweeks and telecommuting arrangements—and the wage and hour risks with both that you need to watch out for—pick up the upcoming July issue of California Employer Advisor.
Alleviating Commuting Costs Poll
We’d like to know how the soaring cost of gas is affecting your workers. Please take a moment to answer the following questions:
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Have any of your employees left your company because of rising gas prices in the last six months?
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Have any of your employees requested alternative arrangements to deal with high gas prices?
If yes, please describe.
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Are you implementing alternative arrangements to help employees handle the rising gas prices?
If yes, what measures are you taking?
If no, what is your reason?
Setting Up a Telecommuting Program
If you are interested in setting up a telecommuting program or retooling the one you have, be sure to first consult our exclusive Employer Guide, “Telecommuting: A Guide to Effectively Managing Employees and Staying in Compliance.” This newly revised Guide will help you decide if telecommuting is right for your organization, explain the legal risks you need to be aware of, and provide the information you need to effectively manage teleworkers and ensure your program’s success. You’ll find sample policies, a checklist, a detailed telecommuting agreement, and a case study, all designed to help simplify your job.
Click here to download this Employer Guide.