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Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) teams are popping up in all kinds of organizations as companies continue to embrace higher levels of social responsibility. These teams play a large and growing role in compliance, employer branding, community engagement, and corporate sustainability initiatives. Many new ESG teams are also making commuting part of a comprehensive ESG strategy.
ESG managers are often tasked with making high-impact, high-profile improvements on limited budgets. At the same time, there is usually a high degree of scrutiny on ESG program results.
When it comes to objectives like helping the fight against climate change and reducing carbon emissions, the commute is an easy win. Improving employee commutes gives everyone a chance to contribute to ESG initiatives, and reinforces a corporate culture of sustainability. For employees who don’t work from home, the commute may account for as much as 98% of their work-related carbon footprint. While this likely represents a much smaller share of the organization’s overall carbon emissions, too many ESG teams overlook simple solutions to this very addressable problem. But it turns out, there is no better way to combine sustainability with employee engagement.
Commuter-focused sustainability programs increase employee engagement
New surveys reveal that top talent expects greater alignment of their organization’s values with their own ideals. As more businesses are pushing for remote workers to return to the office, and stories of super-commuters are everywhere, more businesses are starting to consider commuter programs that mitigate environmental impact, save money, and reduce stress.
A growing number of organizations are recognizing the importance of providing tangible ways for employees to take climate action at work because it correlates with higher levels of job satisfaction. Creating an internal culture of sustainability drives higher levels of engagement, especially since commuters themselves stand to benefit. It’s a triple win.
Businesses can measure the impact of commute programs in real time
Businesses should always track the impact of investments in new programs to make sure spending is in line with priorities. But when it comes to ESG initiatives, there is an even greater level of scrutiny on results. To avoid the appearance of “greenwashing,” a term that means exaggerating or making misleading claims about sustainable practices for marketing purposes, organizations need to accurately measure the environmental benefits of any sustainability program closely. Fortunately, when it comes to commuting, technology allows employers to automate commuter behavior change programs and measure their direct impact over time.
To achieve ambitious sustainability goals, organizations can’t afford to ignore low-hanging fruit like the daily commute. The right program can create meaningful carbon reductions with very low operating costs.
Employees can help make commuting part of your ESG strategy
Most people are happy to buy into programs that fight climate change and promote environmental responsibility, but these initiatives take on greater relevance when they also measurably improve a person’s life. With high gas prices, worsening traffic, and greater awareness of the impacts of climate change, programs that making commuting easier and incentivize sustainable choices are great boosts for employee engagement. People participate in these programs at robust rates, giving ESG teams valuable data and insights to present to management.
A good commute management strategy can improve commuter experience and measurably reduce CO2 emissions from employee transportation. Our team works with leading employers around the world to power commuter programs that boost engagement, reduce parking demand and environmental impact, and help everyone improve their trip to work.
Connect with our experts to learn how you can make commuting part of our ESG strategy. Get started today by talking to our commute experts!
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