Employers have an increasing number of situations to respond to in 2019, as workplace culture and issues continue to change. A few of the main concerns include the rising cost of employer-provided health care, a job market that makes it difficult to attract and retain top talent, and the increasing need to demonstrate positive social practices. In addition, the workforce now consists of five generations, with Generation Z being the newest.
Businesses are using creativity to react to these issues, and transportation programs offer a unique way to manage these transitions. Here are the four trends we’re recognizing in 2019 and how employers of any size can approach them.
The cost of employer-sponsored health care plans is approaching $15,000 per employee in 2019. With this, companies and organizations are taking a proactive look at ways to improve employee health and wellness, both in and out of the office. One study of large employers found that creating a culture of health was ranked as an important strategy to contain health care costs by 70% of businesses.
Employees who walk or bike to work are 40-50% less likely to have diabetes as compared to those who drive. If you’re not already, providing benefits to employees who walk, run, or bike to work can have a positive financial impact on your company with little cost. A few ways to do this include subsidizing the cost of gym memberships for active commuters, providing Capital Bikeshare corporate memberships, creating a financial incentive for bike/walk commuters, or adding on site showers, lockers, or bike storage.
Organizations offering some sort of telecommuting policy (full-time, part-time, or ad-hoc) grew from 62% in 2017 to 70% in 2018, marking a trend we don’t expect to end any time soon. As Generation Z continues to permeate the workforce, they expect flexibility to work from any location, the desire to work independently, and at the hours they choose.
While the majority of companies are providing some opportunity for telework, an advanced program will help employees feel supported and will create the most success. Take steps to ensure your telework program outlines specific telecommuting days, includes times where all staff are expected to be in the office, and supports managers by providing training on how to handle situations that may arise from telework.
As of January, job creation and hiring are up for the 100th consecutive month, meaning candidates have many options to choose from and employers need to think differently about how they are appealing to jobseekers. A standard health care package and 401k won’t make your position more appealing than another that also offers paid parental leave, free snacks, or take-your-dog-to-work days.
In this market, employees are looking for personalization in benefits. If your company is covering the cost of parking, but you’re not thinking about the employee who chooses not to own a car or the one who likes to bike to work, then another company’s benefits package will be more attractive.
Consumers, investors, and job seekers are prioritizing companies with sustainable practices at increasing rates. In fact, 63% of female Millennial employees (and 45% of males) said their company’s corporate social responsibility profile influenced them to accept a job offer. As a result, business leaders are attending classes on corporate social responsibility, identifying ways to be proactive community members, and putting focus on issues related sustainability.
Companies beginning to look closely at their corporate social responsibility strategies should first look internally to see how they are promoting these efforts among leadership and staff. There are many sustainability awards available for companies with internal cultures of sustainability. Our recognition program, Champions, helps you demonstrate your environmental efforts, as well as your commitment to your community; additionally, it helps companies create and achieve goals along the way for a more sustainable and responsible workplace.
How is your company navigating these workplace transitions? Whether your focus is managing health care costs, maintaining a competitive advantage, developing corporate social responsibility goals and strategies, or welcoming Generation Z to the workforce, let us know and we can create an innovative, cost-effective, and measurable plan to help you weather 2019 and beyond.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/Kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners