Rising fuel costs are having a huge effect on everyone’s pocket and the cost of commuting to and from work is becoming much more of a factor when deciding to switch jobs or moving within the same company to a different location. Many responsible and environmentally aware companies, both large and small, are starting to recognize the impact of quickly escalating fuel costs on their employees, and are supporting them in finding innovative ways to reduce both costs and traffic close to the office.

Many companies offer incentive schemes for employees who travel to work on public transport, such as discounted season tickets or free loans to purchase passes for train or bus. For cyclists, showers are sometimes provided as well as wardrobe space to allow people cycling to work to keep smart clothes at the office and change before leaving again on their bikes. Many will also offer cheap loans to buy bikes and will discounts on cycling equipment.

For those who have no alternative but to drive into work, car sharing schemes are the main way of helping employees to reduce their costs. A company who is proactive about car sharing will set up systems to allow employees who travel along the same routes to get in touch with each other and discuss sharing lifts. The arrangements will be up to the individual employees, but the reduction in the costs of fuel is usually incentive enough for car sharing schemes to be very popular. Many companies offer special parking spaces for employees who are car sharing as well as other incentives. Having employees who car share will reduce the company’s carbon footprint as well. All progressive companies will have an environmental management system which will assess their impact on the environment, and a company doing everything they can to encourage car sharing will be able to demonstrate their commitment to reducing their environmental impact.

For companies who have a small workforce or who lack the time and resources to set up their own car sharing scheme, there are many websites which will allow employees to find car shares with employees in other businesses close by. Sites such as LIftshare should be promoted heavily on company websites and employees should be encouraged to register as either a driver or someone seeking a lift. Companies can also use their participation in schemes such as Liftshare to produce positive PR or press releases which will enhance the reputation of the company in the area. It is important to keep track of what employees are car sharing and how often in order to accurately measure the impact of the policy on both the reduction in traffic on site and the employees’ pockets.

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