Benefits / Why develop a Workplace Travel Plan?
Cost savings
Due to the relatively high price of oil, your staff and company can save money by looking at the fuel and fleet situation at your workplace. Considering alternatives such as biofuels and LPG can save your company money in the long term and reduce your impact on the environment. Encouraging your staff to cycle or walk can save on petrol costs and reduce the demand on car parking spaces, which in themselves can be a substantial cost to a business. The use of public transport, cycling, walking or car clubs can significantly reduce the cost of business travel compared with paying car mileage allowances, with the added benefit that staff no longer need to drive to work.
Corporate Social Responsibility
At a time when impact on the environment is at the forefront of many people’s minds, your company can show to the local community and your potential customers that it is taking steps to mitigate the adverse effects of staff travel on the environment. There are also a number of accreditation schemes and awards available to businesses that display this level of responsibility and as a result you may find that your business is more attractive to environmentally conscious clients, future employees and the local community.
Health and fitness of staff
A travel plan can help to promote walking and cycling in the workplace and provide the infrastructure staff need to encourage them to cycle or walk a few times a week. This can improve the fitness and health of your workforce, resulting in less sick days, increased productivity and improved morale! In addition, staff walking and cycling to work are less susceptible to traffic problems and should arrive more punctually.
Environment
With the overall aim of a travel plan being to encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport, it is subsequently working to reduce the carbon emissions from staff travelling to and from work. So while your travel plan is improving air quality and reducing congestion, your business can benefit from environmental accreditations available to workplaces who are working to reduce their environmental impact.
Site access
A travel plan can improve your site access and in particular address parking issues by introducing priority schemes or charges or by simply giving staff alternatives to driving to work. Alternatively the travel plan could help to amend flexible or home working policies so there are less staff on site on a daily basis.
Recruitment and retention
The travel plan can help increase recruitment opportunities as well as retaining current staff. Providing improved transport options and better access to your workplace can help you become an employer of choice. We can also advise on staff benefits such as a salary sacrifice scheme for the purchase of bicycles and equipment.