Workscape Institute

On your way home tonight, think about the time you are spending alone in your car with your thoughts.  Watch cars in the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes whiz past you, and contemplate the subways, commuter trains, buses, and vans carrying passengers efficiently to their destinations.  Does it seem so long ago that you were one of those commuters?  Weren’t you among those that took public transportation or at least shared a ride? 

Follow up:

In my career, I have taken ferries, trains, subways, buses, limos, vans to trains, trains to trains, trains to subways and trains to ferries.  The various combinations made my head spin, and I used to long for a private commute.  Looking back, I loved it.  I loved being able to get on a train and have someone else drive me to work, that I could sleep on the way home, read the newspaper, or chat with fellow riders.

Now, I live and work in suburbia.  There are no trains, buses, subways or ferries that can take me to work, so I have no choice but to drive alone… But, let me tell you a secret: I gave a colleague a ride to work a couple of weeks ago when his car was in the shop.  We had a great time, chatting like 2nd graders on the bus all the way to school, and I wanted to do it again the next day.  Unfortunately, with the car repaired my coworker was “free” to commute alone.

This story has an employee engagement moral.  Our 40+ hour work weeks (on average) offer little social interaction.  There’s the occasional group lunch, or a chance to grab drinks after work, and we may briefly catch up in the hallways or after a meeting, but this is rarely enough to form strong bonds with colleagues.  Carpooling provides a vital opportunity to strengthen peer relationships.

With today’s skyrocketing gas prices, why don’t we carpool?  Maybe all we need is a little help:

• Many companies started carpooling initiatives in the 1970s as a reaction to the “oil crisis”.  These practices are being revived today, including parking spaces at the front of the building, cash incentives, tax-free commuting benefits, and recognition awards.
• Carpooling is a great way to connect with peers, make friends and pass the commuting time.
• A carpooling initiative can demonstrate to clients and shareholders that you care about the environment.

With the right approach, even suburbanites can find ways to make carpooling work.  Here are some guidelines to encourage the transition:

• Provide a sign-up list in a public place; preferably in a high-traffic area, such as the company cafeteria’s bulletin board.
• Include a carpooling/travel tips space on an internal portal, or company forum where people can go to exchange information.
• Provide incentives for carpooling, such as preferred parking spots, logistical help in starting and maintaining pools, and cash incentives for participants including gas, tolls, or discounts on hybrid vehicles.
• Have senior executives pool to illustrate top-down support
  Offer prizes for the most carpooled days and corporate-wide recognition for the winners.

Initiatives can start out slowly.  Choose a carpooling day where employees are encouraged to find ways to collaborate to get to work together. Spread the message. With the right incentives and support, good pools will form as employees opt for a commute to save money, the environment, and build long-term friendships along the way!