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2010 Education Panel Discussion
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March 19, 2010 - 7:30 AM to 9:45 AM
Sponsored By:
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North Highland
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BTB Special Report – Fueling change
May 30, 2008
Feeling pressure at the pump, many workers are changing their commuting habits to ease the
financial burden of rising gas prices, a new survey shows. More than four out of 10 (44 percent)
professionals interviewed said higher gas prices have affected their commutes, up from 34 percent
two years ago when a similar survey was conducted.
Among those who said they have altered their work arrangements, the most common changes they
reported making include increased carpooling or ridesharing (46 percent), driving a more
fuel-efficient vehicle (33 percent) and telecommuting more frequently (33 percent). Three in 10
said they are looking for a new job closer to home.
The national survey included responses from 539 workers 18 years of age or older and employed
full or part time. It was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Robert Half
International, the world's first and largest staffing services firm specializing in accounting and
finance.
Workers were asked, "Have higher gasoline prices affected how you are commuting to work or
your work arrangements?" Their responses:
Yes
2008 - 44%
2006 - 34%
No
2008 - 56%
2006 - 66%
Workers whose commutes have been affected by higher gasoline prices also were asked, "Which,
if any, of the following changes have you made because of higher gasoline prices?" Their
responses*:
Increasing carpooling or ridesharing - 46%
Driving a more fuel-efficient car - 33%
Telecommuting more frequently - 33%
Looking for a new job closer to home - 30%
Working from office locations closer to home - 29%
Working fewer days of the week - 26%
Asking for increased compensation - 25%
Taking public transportation more frequently - 23%
Walking or biking to work - 18%
Driving more conscientiously (e.g., slower) - 5%
Cutting back on spending - 2%
Other - 4%
None of these - 10%
* Multiple responses were allowed
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.
The mean response was $1.14.
The survey also found that employers are launching a variety of initiatives to ease the
burden on employees. The most common benefits companies are implementing to offset the rising cost
of commuting, according to those interviewed, are increased mileage reimbursement for travel,
ridesharing or vanpooling programs and subsidized transportation. Almost six in 10 respondents
(59 percent), however, said their companies are not offering programs to alleviate higher gas
costs.
Workers were asked, "What benefits, if any, is your company implementing or planning to
implement to offset the rising cost of commuting?" Their responses*:
Increased mileage reimbursement for travel - 18%
Ridesharing or vanpooling - 17%
Telecommuting - 11%
Subsidized transportation - 8%
Relocation assistance - 7%
Bike-to-work program - 4%
More flexible work schedules - 1%
Other - 1%
None of these - 59%
*
Multiple responses were allowed
"Employers may be missing an opportunity to improve morale and reduce turnover by helping
their staff cope with the burden of rising gas prices. Often, it can be as simple as communicating
to employees what programs are already in place," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half
International. "Companies can build loyalty and motivation by showing employees that they are
empathetic to their concerns during challenging times."
Robert Half International has more than 360 staffing locations worldwide and offers online
job search services at www.rhi.com.
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