Employers and organizations frequently ask us, “what motivates employees to try a smart commute and stick with it?” Often, they assume it will take a very generous budget and sweeping policy change, but the truth is - it doesn’t really take much to support a smart commuter. Many “amenities” and “benefits” are free, low-cost, and simple to implement. ACHD Commuteride is prepared to help plan, prepare, and even fund smart commute benefit programs through the Commuteride Workspace Mobility Grant. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Take a look at how Your Health Idaho, an online health insurance marketplace for families and small businesses, promotes and sustains smart commute options at their worksite in southeast Boise.
Break Room / Kitchen Amenities
Your Health Idaho has an on-site kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, water supply, and more - common workplace amenities that allow employees to bring and prepare their lunch and coffee, rather than needing to leave during the day. An inviting kitchen and eating space supports commuters who vanpool, carpool, take the bus, bike, or walk to work.
Bike Storage / Showers
The first thing most people who are interested in walking, running, or biking to work say is, “Ew, I don’t want to be hot or sweaty all day at work after commuting into work in the warm months.” We don’t blame you! After riding in to work, Your Health Idaho employees can safely lock their bikes to the provided bike rack and take a quick shower, if needed.
Financial Incentives
Your Health Idaho recently relocated their office from downtown Boise to southeast Boise, which increased the commute distance and time for many of its employees. To continue encouraging smart commuting, Your Health Idaho doubled their employee bus and vanpool subsidies. Now THAT is true support!
The number one thing an employer can do to encourage smart commuting is subsidize the cost of a smart commute for its employees. What does that mean? Subsidizing a commute cost could be paying all or a portion of the employees’ bus fares, vanpool fares, carpool parking permit, etc. The total cost of implementing a subsidy is dependent on how many employees take advantage of it - so be sure to consider that when setting a budget - it may be less expense than you think, especially if you’re no longer paying for their parking space.
Ready to Build Your Own Smart Commute Benefit Plan?
Check out our Commuteride Works program - we are happy to help identify your organization’s needs, survey the employees, and help you build a custom plan to encourage and support smart commutes - free of charge!
The Commuteride Workspace Mobility Grant is open through Friday, August 6. Grant funds can be used to purchase an of the amenities or benefits mentioned above, and more! Be creative in how you could best use up to $3,000 in grant funding to support your employees’ smart commute options.