Two key labor market trends of the early 2020s demonstrate the importance of employer-based sustainable commuting programs. They include the “Big Quit” and the increasing prominence of values-driven job-seeking.
The “Big Quit,” or “Great Resignation,” began in the United States in 2021 and subsequently spread to the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. The phenomenon, which saw workers voluntarily leave their jobs in record numbers, was driven by multiple factors. One such factor was a desire for a better work-life balance, which came into clear focus when commuters begrudgingly returned to their pre-pandemic daily grinds after months of offsite employment.
At the same time, labor market analysts also noticed an uptick in the number of people seeking to match their talents with employers who share their values. A 2021 international analysis found that as many as 60% of job-changers were actively seeking opportunities with employers whose values aligned with their own.
Pave Commute helps employers retain workers that are searching for better work-life balance by recognizing and rewarding their sustainable commuting behavior and also recruit new employees that are looking for employers that support their personal sustainability commitments.
Build a more balanced workplace culture with flexible commuting
Sustainable commuting primarily applies to smarter modes of transportation that shift people away from solo driving. Key examples include active commuting, carpooling, and public transportation. A large and compelling body of scientific research has linked these modes with better health, better mood, and higher levels of job satisfaction.
However, there’s another high-impact piece of the puzzle employers should not overlook. It relates to flexible arrangements that include off-site work and telecommuting.
A 2022 study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that a whopping 48% of respondents said they are “definitely looking” for opportunities to work remotely. Adding flexible arrangements that include part-time or full-time telecommuting will enhance your appeal to a huge cross-section of the modern labor market.
Telecommuting is also an ideal way to make life easier and more productive for your people team. The best way to get rid of commute-related stress is to eliminate the commute altogether.
Use sustainable commuting to help attract purpose-driven talent
Experts have characterized the “belief-driven employee” as the wave of the future. A globally focused 2021 survey found that nearly 60% of young people are “very worried” or “extremely worried” about the planet’s future due to the ongoing climate crisis.
A 2022 Deloitte survey of Millennial and Generation Z labor market participants identified four specific measures employers can take to align themselves more closely with the values of younger workers:
- Eliminating single-use plastics across the employer organization
- Offering sustainability-focused employee benefits
- Providing sustainability training to team members
Emerging generations have market-shaping power, especially in the employment arena. With climate anxieties rating so highly among their chief concerns, sustainable commuting initiatives are an excellent way for employers to build their appeal to people seeking to use their career choices as a means of making a positive community impact.
Sustainable commuting programs also help employers advance their own commitments to eco-conscious efforts. They boost organizational branding efforts and have a positive effect on companies looking to improve their ESG positioning.Â
Pave Commute provides employers with affordable access to award-winning sustainable commuting software
The Pave Commute app’s appeal to employees was recognized in 2023, when it won the Best Emerging or Innovative Tech Solution in Employee Experience at the HR Tech Awards. The prize recognized Pave Commute’s immense value as a money-saving, culture-building talent recruitment and retention tool.
Employers can launch Pave Commute in mere minutes, and with just a few clicks.
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