When a region experiences a growth in population, that’s a good thing for employers. It means a greater talent pool from which to choose top candidates for jobs that you might be hiring for. But for workers, it might mean extra people on the roads, on the trains, and on buses commuting into work each and every day—more commuter traffic.
That’s not the case in the Washington, D.C., area, though. In The Washington Post story, “Travel Trends Show Power of Telecommuting,” it seems that despite its growing population, fewer people are riding the Metrorail, according to a D.C. Transportation Planning Board study. In fact, the Metrorail ridership during weekdays is at its lowest level since 2006, over a decade ago.
What Helps to Reduce Commuter Traffic
There are a few reasons for this trend. Unemployment due to the Great Recession certainly has a role, as does the overall decline in the size of the federal workforce. Add to that the shift in the workforce, as more baby boomers retire and are replaced by millennials, and that explains less cars clogging the roadways.
But there’s an even bigger factor to consider: telecommuting. In the Regional Travel Trends study, more workers want to—and are able to—telecommute. Between 2007 and 2014, the population increased by 13 percent, and employment increased by two percent. Yet Metrorail ridership actually declined by four percent. Why?
The study found that the percentage of part-time telecommuters rose dramatically from 11 percent in 2001 to more than one-quarter (27 percent) in 2013.
Although the majority of workers still commute into work, the peak period for congestion decreased by 6.5 percent between 2010 and 2013, according to the study. The study also found that at least half of those who commute could work remotely.
The Full Case for Offering Telecommuting and Flexible Work
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If you think that these D.C. telecommuting stats don’t have anything to do with your business, think again. There are many reasons why employers should offer telecommuting and flexible work options to their employees.
It keeps you competitive with other companies.
Let’s face it: right after compensation, flexible work options are the second-most important thing to many job seekers. If your company insists on every employee coming into the office every day, you’re going to lose out on top talent that goes to work for your competitors instead.
It aids in cases of emergencies.
A sick child. A massive snowstorm. In life, there are always emergencies—and by their very nature, they are almost always unpredictable.
Thing is, some emergencies make getting into the office difficult, but don’t necessarily prevent a worker from being able to get their job done, if he were allowed to work remotely. Having a flexible work policy in place ensures that business can continue on as usual without a break in productivity.
It allows for the hiring of top talent, regardless of location.
Depending on where your company is located, you might find that you have a deluge of local, qualified candidates—or barely a trickle. Hiring for a telecommuting job takes the significance off of where an employee lives and spotlights what matters most—his work experience, qualifications, and skill set that make him a perfect match for the position.
It helps with employee productivity and retention.
Studies have shown time and time again that employees who have flexible schedules are happier, more invested, and more productive than their in-office peers. They are more apt to brainstorm new ideas and feel that they are a vital part of the company’s success, which they view as their own.
Having a robust, involved workforce only adds to your bottom line, and makes your company one that many people would want to work for.
The data in the article shows that while telecommuting helps to reduce commuter traffic, it also has many significant benefits for employers as well. If your company is considering implementing a flexible work policy, it would seem that it has a lot to gain—and nothing to lose.
Looking to hire for flexible jobs? Browse job candidates and resumes in 55 categories.
Readers, is one of your goals with flexible work to reduce commuter traffic to help your employees? Let us know in the comments below!
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