Commuting is unavoidable in many people’s daily routines, but it has a real impact on their productivity, finances, and overall well-being. For employers, understanding the commuting challenges employees face can uncover opportunities to create a more satisfied, engaged, and effective workforce.
Commuting Challenges Your Employees May Face
1. Transportation Deserts
When bus routes are scarce, schedules are inconvenient, or public transportation coverage misses key neighborhoods, it creates a gap that hits transit-dependent populations the hardest. This is often referred to as a transportation desert. For employees, this makes the act of getting to and from places not-so-simple. For employers, it isn’t just a community issue—it’s a workforce problem. In short, poor transit options make it harder to hire and keep employees.
Employers who take a closer look at where their employees live compared to the availability of reliable transportation can identify where transportation deserts exist and develop strategies to make commuting less burdensome and more attainable for their workforce.
2. Unreliable or Shared Personal Vehicles
For many employees, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation, but not everyone has consistent or reliable access to one. It’s estimated that 8.7% of households in America do not have access to a working vehicle. Some may share a vehicle with family members or roommates, creating scheduling conflicts that make it difficult to arrive at work on time. Others may own older or poorly maintained vehicles that are prone to breakdowns.
These challenges aren't just frustrating for employees—they also have negative impacts on employers. Late arrivals and missed workdays disrupt workflows, strain team dynamics, and ultimately affect a company’s productivity and bottom line. Furthermore, employees who shoulder the constant worries of unreliable transportation may be more likely to leave their roles.
3. High Gas and Vehicle Costs
The time and costs associated with commuting in a personal car since the pandemic began have increased by 39 hours and $2,000 a year. From the increased cost of buying a vehicle to rising fuel prices and maintenance costs, employees are feeling the pinch. Parking fees add yet another layer to the financial strain. For employees who commute long distances, these costs can add up to hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each month.
This isn’t just a logistical challenge; it’s a psychological one. For many workers, the expense of simply getting to and from work can feel like taking a pay cut, with significant portions of each paycheck eaten up by gas, vehicle maintenance, and parking fees. Employees may start to question if their job is worth the financial strain of commuting.
Thus, the burden of commuting has a direct impact on recruitment and retention. Employers who address these commuting challenges proactively can not only support their workforce but also gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent.
4. Long Commute Times
For workers, a long commute to and from the workplace each day can also take a toll on their mental and physical health. Studies show that employees with long commute times are more likely to experience higher levels of stress, fatigue, and frustration. Over time, this prolonged stress can contribute to a multitude of health issues.
Beyond health impacts, extended commutes directly affect job performance. Employees who spend a large portion of their day commuting often have less energy and focus when they arrive at work, leading to reduced productivity and morale. Long commutes also increase the likelihood of absenteeism. Without a solution, employees may become more inclined to look for more convenient work opportunities.
5. Inadequate Support for Disabilities
Commuting can pose challenges for employees with disabilities, particularly in areas where public transportation systems lack accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, or auditory and visual signals. The lack of reliable and accessible public transit options can make getting to work a daily struggle. This inequity often results in limited employment opportunities, as workers with disabilities may face difficulty securing jobs that align with their skills but require a commute they cannot manage. Inaccessible transportation not only marginalizes these individuals but also deprives organizations of the diverse perspectives and talents they bring to the workforce.
Employers committed to inclusivity should evaluate how accessible transportation is for their workforce and explore ways to address gaps to ensure equitable access for all employees.
6. High Carbon Footprint
Traditional commuting methods, especially single-occupancy vehicles, are among the largest contributors to carbon emissions in the transportation sector. Each day, millions of employees drive to work in individual cars. This reliance on personal vehicles increases an organization's overall carbon footprint, reflecting a missed opportunity to align with growing societal and corporate emphasis on sustainability.
To address this challenge, organizations can adopt greener commuting options, such as shared transportation services, carpool programs, or incentives for public transit use. For instance, implementing a corporate shuttle service can consolidate employee travel, significantly reducing emissions per employee. By making sustainable commuting solutions a priority, businesses can reduce their environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for meaningful climate action.
Problem-Solve With Comprehensive Transportation Solutions
While these commuting challenges may seem too big to effectively address at first glance, they present opportunities for employers to dig in and find innovative ways to support their workforce. At Share Mobility, we specialize in solving the commuting challenges essential for building a reliable and engaged workforce.
One of our key tools is Commuter Analysis, a software solution designed to provide employers with a clear picture of their workforce's commuting needs. Through working with SHARE, businesses can gain key insights into commuting patterns, average travel times, proximity to public transit, and even potential CO2 savings. Employers can upload anonymous employee data to generate detailed reports, allowing for strategic planning—whether by optimizing hiring strategies or pinpointing and problem-solving for underserved regions.
A Simple Way to Start Improving Employee Commutes
Understanding the unique commuting challenges your employees face is the first step in creating a more satisfied, engaged workforce. To learn more about how Commuter Analysis can improve your workforce’s transportation experience, contact Share Mobility today for a personalized consultation. Let’s work together to better understand your employees' commuting challenges and create smarter commuting solutions.
