As an employer, it's up to you to make it easy for employees to continue the sustainable travel habits they acquired over the summer and keep them safe and motivated.
Since the pandemic and the increase in hybrid working, many companies have been faced with the challenge of getting their employees back to the office.
Those who cycled to work or used an electric scooter will likely need another alternative in the winter. And depending on weather conditions and cycling infrastructure in your area, employees may need alternative options.
But that doesn't mean it's safer to get behind the wheel of a car.
24% of weather-related car accidents occur on roads covered in snow, mud or ice. When you factor in the extra hours in the dark and the time it takes to defrost your car, many winter commuters will be correspondingly stressed when they arrive at the office.
Driving in winter is not only a safety risk but also more expensive as fuel consumption can increase by 35% in cold weather . If your team incurs fuel expenses or has company fuel cards , this can increase your costs.
Instead of driving to work, you can support your team by offering them perks that allow them to take public transit, ride-hailing, or a combination of both.
Instead of expecting employees to drive their own vehicles on icy roads, it is safer to give them a subsidy to use public transport. This also saves you the time you would otherwise spend defrosting your car.
With Bolt Business, your team can be picked up by one of Bolt's 3 million drivers and taken safely to their destination. This reduces the number of cars parking in front of your workplace and the need to provide so many parking spaces.
Taking the train or bus is a safe and often cheap way to travel. But depending on the weather there may be delays. That's why a sustainable travel policy that includes allowances for various mobility options gives your employees the flexibility they need this time of year.
Carpooling and ride-sharing are not car-free travel, but they are a step in the right direction. Carpooling with just one person can take a car off the road, which has a positive impact on pollution and traffic congestion.
Exercise is one of the best ways to stay motivated in winter. And the commute is the perfect time to be active. Whether by bike or on foot - either on the way to and from the office or between public transport stops - your team can get additional motivation for the day ahead.
Cycling in winter is not particularly attractive for many people, but it is possible. For anyone cycling to work in winter, it is important to take the correct safety measures by wearing reflective clothing and purchasing tires that are as wide as possible.
Apps like Bolt can be a savior for your team in winter. If members of your team want to continue actively commuting but conditions become too difficult, they can open the Bolt app and book a ride in just a few minutes. Likewise, sudden snowfall can surprise even the most prepared commuters, leaving them little time to put winter tires on their vehicles.
Whether your car breaks down, bad weather prevents you from actively commuting to work, or you simply want to stay car-free, you always have an easy way to get to the office. And you can bill your company for the trips without having to fill out expense reports. Get in touch today to find out how Bolt Business can support your team this winter.
