The Strategic Role of the Employer
1. Promotion of Sustainable Transportation
Employers can encourage sustainable transportation choices by:
- Financial incentives: Offering mobility budgets and reimbursements for the use of bicycles, public transport, or shared mobility makes alternative transportation options more attractive. This strategy also supports employees’ freedom of choice and helps reduce dependence on expensive private cars.
- Flexible mobility options: In addition to traditional modes of transport, providing alternatives such as car-sharing, e-scooters, or electric bicycles enables employees to make a choice that suits their personal financial situation and stage of life.
2. Infrastructure and Facilities
Investing in the right facilities can transform mobility:
- Bicycle facilities: Creating secure bike storage, charging points for e-bikes, and even providing showers at the workplace encourages employees to choose cycling.
- Flexible working arrangements: Flexible working hours and remote work options reduce peak-hour pressure and contribute to a more efficient use of the transportation network.
3. Improvement of Health and Well-being
Active transportation has a direct positive impact on employees’ health:
- Active lifestyle: Cycling or partially walking to work encourages outdoor physical activity, which contributes to better overall health.
- Mental health: Shorter commute times and the opportunity to engage in active travel help reduce stress and support overall well-being.
4. Reduction of Environmental Impact
Promoting sustainable mobility contributes to reducing the ecological footprint:
- CO₂ reduction: Using alternative transportation options decreases the number of car kilometers, leading to a direct reduction in CO₂ emissions.
- Collaboration with sustainable partners: Partnerships with providers of collective, public, or alternative transportation services strengthen the organization’s sustainability strategy.
5. Promotion of Social Inclusion
Multiple accessible transportation options contribute to an inclusive work environment and broader participation:
- Lowering financial barriers: Employees without their own means of transport are given equal opportunities to travel cost-effectively.
- Inclusive mobility solutions: Flexible and diverse transportation options ensure that employees from all income groups and backgrounds can commute without obstacles.
6. Economic Stability and Productivity
A well-thought-out mobility strategy yields both societal and economic benefits:
- Cost savings: Investments in multiple alternative transportation options can lead to lower long-term costs for parking facilities, infrastructure, and company cars.
- Increased productivity: Shorter or varied commute times and a reduction in car traffic contribute to an improved work-life balance and higher productivity.
In Summary
The transition to sustainable and active mobility is not only an environmental necessity but also a key pillar for broad prosperity. Employers can shape this transition by:
- Providing financial and practical support for sustainable and more physically active transportation solutions.
- Investing in infrastructure and facilities that enable healthy choices.
- Contributing to the health, well-being, and productivity of their employees.
- Creating an inclusive and economically stable environment where everyone can benefit from accessible transportation options.
By integrating these strategies into corporate policy, employers make a substantial contribution to a more sustainable and equitable society that fosters greater societal participation.
Sources:
European Commission. (2020). Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. TNO. (2021). Innovative Mobility Solutions for Sustainable Commuting. Fietsersbond. (2019). Cycling as a Sustainable Mode of Transportation: Benefits and Challenges. OECD. (2020). Transport Outlook 2020: Shifting Gears.