The Rising Cost of Commuting Travel Families.com

Did you know Americans spend more than 100 hours a year commuting to work?

If you spend countless hours in your vehicle driving to and from work each day then you know the affects a long commute can have on your wallet. Those hours on the road burn up time and money. And with the current state of our economy making headlines everyday many companies throughout the country are being forced to address the challenges associated with commuting.

A new survey just released found that 57% of companies in the United States are now offering at least one program designed to ease the cost of commuting. Human resource directors say the program joins retirement plans, medical coverage, and on-site daycare and gyms as a benefit for working with a specific company.

Employment recruiters say with the price of gas and food skyrocketing these days more and more workers are asking their companies for help and an increasing number of employers are responding, namely because they can’t afford to lose their best people.

Some of the solutions being offered by various companies include giving employees the option of working four 10-hour days as opposed to 5 8-hour days. Research shows a condensed workweek cuts down on money spent on gas and gives workers more time to spend with their families.

Other options include company organized carpools, subsidized public transportation, and telecommuting. Some companies have gone the extra mile by purchasing bicycles for employees who rather commute on two wheels rather than ride on four. Employers that offer the bike benefit say workers are encouraged to use the bikes to commute to the office, exercise during lunch breaks or pedal to a meeting.

If your company doesn’t offer gas-saving benefits yet, experts say to be assertive and suggest the idea to your human resources director. Even if your employer can’t afford to offer a company-wide program there is a chance that you can work out something individually.

Does your company offer a gas-saving benefit program? If so what does it entail? Gas card prizes, monthly transportation stipends, shuttle services?

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