You would think corporations have enough to concern themselves
about without also taking on the commute of their employees.
How far someone lives from work should certainly be his or
her own concern, shouldn't it? Or should it?
Over the years, studies and interviews have shown that the
long distance commute has had adverse effects on the worker
and work production. After 40 or 50 minutes on the road, the
need to resist a break to relax and recoup is strong. Some
people even plan on getting to work early so they can have
time to reenergize before they begin the work day. There is no doubt
that long commutes have adverse effects on work production
throughout the day.
Still, why should corporations care? Because the loss of revenue
creeps into the millions of dollars. Because making decisions
when chronic fatigue has set in can have devastating effects.
Because the accident rate increases significantly.
Because absenteeism, health problems, relationship problems
all have a major effect on the bottom line.
Corporations should care because the way to make money is
to have well-oiled parts, both mechanical and human. From
top to bottom, the employee who functions well, who makes
good decisions, who produces outstanding work, is the employee
who moves the company forward. And the employee who has difficulty
in functioning, making poor decisions, producing poor work,
is the employee who is causing the company to stumble on its
march to excellence. And the road-weary employee can easily
be the one having difficulty.
What's a company to do? There are a number of things, both
big and small that will that will ease the employee's commute
and have beneficial side effects for the company as well.
There are services aimed at providing companies with tools
to help their workers with the commute (for a list, visit
our website at Commuter-Assist.com).
Asking your employees what is needed or how you can help,
will not only score big points among employees, but it will
also increase performance and productivity. And for people
wishing to achieve balance and success in your life, there
are ways to get through and turn around anything in your life
that is not in balance.
Dr. Mastria is the founder of http://Commuter-Assist.com
which offers workshops, coaching and additional supportive
materials aimed at enhancing employee's lives. Contact us
at 570-839-6394 or
e-mail [email protected].
