How much did it cost to fill your tank of gas last time? Chances are it was more than you'd like to spend. As gasoline prices continue to burden customers, many workers are changing their commuting habits. In fact, 44 percent of professionals surveyed by Robert Half International said higher gas prices have affected their commutes, up from 34 percent two years ago.
Thankfully, many employers have launched initiatives to help their staff cope with high gas prices. According to workers polled by Robert Half, the most common benefits companies are implementing are increased mileage reimbursement for travel, ride-sharing or vanpooling programs, and telecommuting.
Here are five ways you can combat the rising costs of commuting:
1. Make 'travel buddies'
If you know of other people at your company who live nearby, consider arranging a carpool schedule. You'll not only save on gas money but also have the opportunity to get to know your co-workers better during the drive to and from the office. Camaraderie with co-workers may even have a positive impact on your work performance: Nearly two-thirds of workers polled by Robert Half said that office productivity improves when colleagues are friends outside the office. With more than one person in the car, you'll also be able to take advantage of high-occupancy vehicle lanes and, in some cases, bypass road tolls, saving you time and money.
2. 'Tap internal resources'
Many companies have programs to ease their employees' commutes, such as discounts on public transportation, free shuttles and ride-share programs. You may not be aware of every initiative your firm offers. Let your manager know you're interested in programs that could help. Your supervisor might be able to offer suggestions, like working from an office closer to home.
3. 'Spread the word'
If you've identified gas-saving strategies -- either those you use or those you've heard about from others -- offer to compile the information and share it with your group. You might schedule a short brown-bag meeting where you can present your findings and discuss other best practices in a casual setting. Doing so will help your co-workers with their commuting costs and demonstrate initiative.
4. 'Evaluate a compressed workweek'
A compressed workweek -- in which you work four 10-hour days rather than five eight-hour days -- may be an option to consider, depending on your job. Many government employees around the country, for instance, are being given this choice by their employers. If a compressed workweek is offered by your firm, keep in mind that this arrangement may only be successful if your manager and co-workers can reach you on your day off. For instance, if deadlines frequently fall on Fridays -- the day you typically don't work -- you may need to be available should your team have questions regarding a certain project.
5. 'Make a case for telecommuting'
If you'd like to work remotely, you'll need to show how the arrangement is not only good for you but also for the business. Start by contacting your human resources department or consulting the employee manual to determine whether your company has a telecommuting program in place. If one exists, you can build your proposal on actual policies. Also cite any personal characteristics, such as a history of dependability and excellent organizational skills, that could help make your case. If your firm has no formal policy concerning telecommuting, tap your professional network to identify people who have worked remotely and ask them what steps they took to secure the arrangement.
You can't control gas prices, but there may be actions you can take to cut the cost of your commute. A simple change could save you money and improve your on-the-job satisfaction.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.
Thankfully, many employers have launched initiatives to help their staff cope with high gas prices. According to workers polled by Robert Half, the most common benefits companies are implementing are increased mileage reimbursement for travel, ride-sharing or vanpooling programs, and telecommuting.
Here are five ways you can combat the rising costs of commuting:
1. Make 'travel buddies'
If you know of other people at your company who live nearby, consider arranging a carpool schedule. You'll not only save on gas money but also have the opportunity to get to know your co-workers better during the drive to and from the office. Camaraderie with co-workers may even have a positive impact on your work performance: Nearly two-thirds of workers polled by Robert Half said that office productivity improves when colleagues are friends outside the office. With more than one person in the car, you'll also be able to take advantage of high-occupancy vehicle lanes and, in some cases, bypass road tolls, saving you time and money.
2. 'Tap internal resources'
Many companies have programs to ease their employees' commutes, such as discounts on public transportation, free shuttles and ride-share programs. You may not be aware of every initiative your firm offers. Let your manager know you're interested in programs that could help. Your supervisor might be able to offer suggestions, like working from an office closer to home.
3. 'Spread the word'
If you've identified gas-saving strategies -- either those you use or those you've heard about from others -- offer to compile the information and share it with your group. You might schedule a short brown-bag meeting where you can present your findings and discuss other best practices in a casual setting. Doing so will help your co-workers with their commuting costs and demonstrate initiative.
4. 'Evaluate a compressed workweek'
A compressed workweek -- in which you work four 10-hour days rather than five eight-hour days -- may be an option to consider, depending on your job. Many government employees around the country, for instance, are being given this choice by their employers. If a compressed workweek is offered by your firm, keep in mind that this arrangement may only be successful if your manager and co-workers can reach you on your day off. For instance, if deadlines frequently fall on Fridays -- the day you typically don't work -- you may need to be available should your team have questions regarding a certain project.
5. 'Make a case for telecommuting'
If you'd like to work remotely, you'll need to show how the arrangement is not only good for you but also for the business. Start by contacting your human resources department or consulting the employee manual to determine whether your company has a telecommuting program in place. If one exists, you can build your proposal on actual policies. Also cite any personal characteristics, such as a history of dependability and excellent organizational skills, that could help make your case. If your firm has no formal policy concerning telecommuting, tap your professional network to identify people who have worked remotely and ask them what steps they took to secure the arrangement.
You can't control gas prices, but there may be actions you can take to cut the cost of your commute. A simple change could save you money and improve your on-the-job satisfaction.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.
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