Gas Acts: Commuting Changes as Fuel Costs Rise
According to a press release on the survey results, among those who said they have altered their work arrangements, the most common changes cited were increased carpooling or ridesharing (46%), driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle (33%), and telecommuting more frequently (33%). Three in 10 respondents said they are looking for a new job closer to home.
So what are companies doing to help workers out and keep them on the job? Not much, according to the survey; almost six in 10 respondents (59%) said their companies are not offering programs to alleviate higher gas costs.
Those who reported their companies are doing something to alleviate the pain at the pump cited increased mileage reimbursement for travel (18%), ridesharing or vanpooling programs (17%), and telecommuting (11%) as the most common benefits being offered.
Respondents who said their commutes have not been affected by rising gas prices were asked how much more per-gallon gas prices would have to rise before impacting their work arrangements, and they gave a mean response of $1.14.
The national survey developed by Robert Half International included responses from 539 workers 18 years of age or older employed full- or part-time.
" Which, if any, of the following changes have you made because of higher gasoline prices? "
Increasing carpooling or ridesharing……………………….. | align="right"> 46% |
Driving a more fuel-efficient car…………………………….. | align="right"> 33% |
Telecommuting more frequently…………………………….. | align="right"> 33% |
Looking for a new job closer to home………………………. | align="right"> 30% |
Working from office locations closer to home……………..….. | align="right"> 29% |
Working fewer days of the week………………………………. | align="right"> 26% |
Asking for increased compensation…………………………… | align="right"> 25% |
Taking public transportation more frequently ………………... | align="right"> 23% |
Walking or biking to work…….………………………………. | align="right"> 18% |
Driving more conscientiously (e.g., slower)…………………... | align="right"> 5% |
Cutting back on spending……………………………………… | align="right"> 2% |
Other…………………………………………………………… | align="right"> 4% |
None of these…………………………………………………... | align="right"> 10% |
* Multiple responses were allowed
" What benefits, if any, is your company implementing or planning to implement to offset the rising cost of commuting? "
Increased mileage reimbursement for travel.……………… | align="right"> 18% |
Ridesharing or vanpooling…….…………………………….. | align="right"> 17% |
Telecommuting……………………………………………….. | align="right"> 11% |
Subsidized transportation…………...…………………………. | align="right"> 8% |
Relocation assistance………………………...……………..….. | align="right"> 7% |
Bike-to-work program…………………………………………. | align="right"> 4% |
More flexible work schedules…..……………………………... | align="right"> 1% |
Other…………………………………………………………… | align="right"> 1% |
None of these………………………………………………….. | align="right"> 59% |
* Multiple responses were allowed
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