Smart commute management programs tend to have the most impact when they generate high levels of participant engagement. One of the best ways to achieve this is to build a social element into the program at the design level. This leverages the “network effect,” which is a behavioral science concept that is just starting to attract attention in the transportation demand management (TDM) world.
Businesses with socially connected workforces benefit in a number of important, and some not-so-obvious ways. Let’s break down the business case for making strategic investments in socially oriented smart commuter programs.
Defining Smart Commuter Programs
“Smart commute management” is more than just a collection of industry buzzwords. It describes an organization-wide commitment to sustainability that emphasizes encouraging team members to make increased use of sustainable alternatives to solo driving.
Smart commutes can include both individual and group trips. In the context of building organizational social networks, group trips have much more relevance.
Examples include:
- Ridesharing and carpooling programs
- Bikepools
- Transit pools
Incorporating these strategies into your commuter programs can encourage positive and supportive interactions among team members who might not otherwise have engaged with one another. Applied on a company-wide scale, these programs can improve social connectedness among team members, helping them network and form new friendships, and feel more engaged with the organization. This, in turn, can lead to a more positive and productive work environment.
The Bottom-Line Benefits of a Socially Connected Organization
High levels of social connectivity among a company’s employees can lead to indirect but significant and highly positive impacts on its bottom line. These impacts derive from three key benefits: improved job satisfaction, heightened organizational resilience, and increased productivity.
