How to Use Onboarding to Share Commute Benefits

5 Easy Ways to Discuss Commute Benefits in Employee Onboarding

A strong onboarding process is the best way to welcome and retain new employees. As you introduce your new employee to the team, show them around the office, or review policies and benefits, take advantage of the many opportunities to naturally incorporate a discussion about commute options throughout the onboarding process.

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1. Introductions

   While you introduce your new employees to the team, connect them with your office’s smart commute advocate, colleagues who may live nearby to carpool with, and any employees who are already smart commuting and could act as a mentor.

2. Office Tour

Expand your office tour to include amenities important to smart commute: bike storage areas, showers, lockers, priority parking areas for van/carpoolers, nearby bus stops or Boise GreenBike hubs. Also, show on-site or nearby services (e.g., coffee shops, mail and dry cleaning services, childcare, etc.) that reduce the need for driving alone.

3. Benefits Policy

When introducing your benefits package, present your organization’s commute benefits as well. Pre-tax transportation payment options through an FSA, vanpool or bikeshare subsidies, and employer provided incentives/rewards are important ways to highlight how you encourage smart commuting.

4. Hands-On Training

As you instruct new employees on completing their timesheets, demonstrate how to log their smart commutes on www.sharetherideidaho.com, too. Share your intranet site, bulletin board, or other internal communication areas where employees can find commute events or challenges, such as May in Motion or Bike to Work Day.

5. Orientation Materials

Before you send your new employees off into their new role with a folder full of orientation materials, include a brochure or flyer about their commute benefits for reference. Check out these great samples if you don’t already have one.