The Commuter Challenge is taking place from June 2-8, 2019, so it’s time to get your workplace ready.
Want to get a leg up on the competition? We’ve got some tips for you!
Leading up to the annual Commuter Challenge event is the perfect time to implement changes within your workplace. The Commuter Challenge helps motivate and incentivise sustainable commutes, but it can be difficult for employees to keep the motivation going year round if the proper policies, programs, facilities, infrastructure, and promotions are not in place.
Sustainable commuting has many benefits for employees and workplaces, such as;
- Employees see improved physical and psychological well-being
- Employees have higher productivity and take fewer sick days
- A workplace can attract and retain a talented workforce
- Employees save money on commuting and employers save money on parking
- Everyone benefits from reduced GHG emissions and improved air quality
To help your workplace be Commuter Challenge all-stars and sustainable commuters year round, follow these tips to make your workplace sustainable commuter friendly!
Policies
Implementing policies that support sustainable commutes can make a huge difference to accommodate active commutes and changing bus schedules.
This may include:
- A compressed work week
- Flexible start and end times
- Working from home
- Casual dress code
- Preferential parking for carpoolers
Programs
If single-occupant driving is the most desirable option, then many employees will choose that. The implementation of programs is intended to de-incentivise single-occupant driving and incentivise sustainable commuting.
This may include:
- Create a GoManitoba customizable sub-site for your workplace
- Subscribe to the Winnipeg Transit EcoPass program
- Implement an Emergency Ride Home program
- Replace subsidized parking with a monthly transportation allowance
- Offer cash-in-lieu of parking for employees willing to give up their spot.
- Include work-related bicycle mileage or transit reimbursement in the same manner as mileage reimbursement for driving on work-related trips.
Facilities
Proper facilities at the workplace or in close proximity to the workplace help make it easier for employees to choose walking, biking, busing, and carpooling to work.
This may include:
- Secure bike parking (bike racks, indoor bike storage, or bike cages)
- Showers
- Lockers
- Change rooms
- On-site bike fleet
Infrastructure
When choosing a site location it is important to consider factors of infrastructure and proximity to make sustainable commuting feasible for many employees.
This may include:
- Transit service levels
- Transit shelters
- Sidewalks
- Protected bike lanes
- Proximity to amenities
- Proximity to residential areas
Promotion
If you’re doing good things for the health of your employees and planet, make sure people know about it! Make it part of the recruiting program and have commute planning as part of orientation.
To keep employees informed, this may include:
- Posting a commuting board on your intranet site
- Sharing to social media
- Email bulletins
- Internal newsletters
- Posters on bulletin boards
- Participation in events like Commuter Challenge and Bike to Work Day!
- Create your own workplace events throughout the year
If you need extra help, consider a commuting survey or book a presentation with our GoHappy consulting team. We’d be happy to help with your workplace commuting options and get your workplace ready for Commuter Challenge 2019!
Psst, if you haven’t already registered your workplace for Commuter Challenge, do so here.
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