Emily Mellwood
Innovative HR professionals are constantly seeking new ways to enhance employee engagement and wellbeing within their organizations. One inspiring initiative that has gained traction in Canada is National Commuter Week, a celebration that promotes sustainable commuting practices and recognizing the importance of transportation in our daily lives. This observance offers valuable lessons for U.S. organizations looking to foster a more engaged and satisfied workforce.
Understanding National Commuter Week
National Commuter Week, observed in early June, encourages individuals to explore alternative commuting options such as biking, walking, carpooling and public transportation. The week serves as a reminder of the environmental impact of our commuting choices and the potential benefits of adopting more sustainable habits. It also highlights the importance of work-life balance and the role that commuting plays in employee satisfaction.
Observing NCW, even without an official NCW
1. Promote sustainable commuting options
Encourage employees to consider alternative commuting methods. This can be done through initiatives such as providing incentives for carpooling, offering subsidies for public transportation, or creating bike-to-work programs. By promoting sustainable commuting, organizations can contribute to a healthier planet while also enhancing employee morale.
2. Create a commuter-friendly culture
Foster a workplace culture that values flexibility and work-life balance. Consider implementing flexible work hours or remote work options to accommodate different commuting schedules. This not only helps reduce stress, but also demonstrates that the organization cares about its employees’ wellbeing.
You could also offer commuter benefits, like subsidies for public transportation or parking expenses, pre-tax programs or micromobility, for eScooters or eBikes and the “first and last mile” stretches of a commute (the distance between home and a public transportation stop, and that between the final stop and the office). These types of benefits ease the financial burden of commuting to be on-site in the workplace – and, for hybrid offices, can even increase the on-site headcount, which boosts community through opportunities for on-the-fly connections and conversations that are more difficult (but not impossible!) to facilitate remotely.
3. Host commuter challenges
Organize friendly competitions among employees to encourage participation in alternative commuting methods. For example, you could create a week- (or multiple weeks)-long challenge where employees log their sustainable commuting practices, with prizes for highest participation or most creative solution (or anything else you like). Consider rewarding not just use of public transportation, but also electric vehicles and carpooling arrangements. This not only promotes engagement, but also builds camaraderie among team members.
4. Celebrate commuter achievements
Recognize employees who actively participate in sustainable commuting practices. This could be through shout-outs in company newsletters, social media recognition or awards for those who log the most sustainable or most creative commutes. (Someone might arrive on a unicycle, after all!) Celebrating these achievements reinforces the importance of the initiative and encourages others to get involved.
By promoting sustainable commuting practices, fostering a supportive culture and recognizing employee efforts, we can enhance engagement and improve wellbeing while striving to reduce our collective environmental impact.
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