ESG practices have never been more crucial for business growth anytime before. PWC estimates that ESG-focused institutional investments will soar to $33.9 Trillion by 2026. However, adopting ESG practices can involve massive changes in business processes, culture, and supply chains. For example, initiatives such as switching to more sustainable materials can involve steep R&D costs and capital infusion. An often overlooked aspect of ESG is employee transportation. A well-planned shuttle service for employees can be the easiest way to reduce per employee emissions, and improve corporate governance. At the same time, they can be an asset in boosting employee retention.
Here are a few reasons businesses should consider including employee shuttles in their ESG practices.
Reducing Carbon Emissions Per Employee
Transportation is one of the leading contributors to all carbon emissions, accounting for roughly 25% of all carbon emissions, and commuting is a significant part of these emissions. From a business point of view, a 2021 study found out that as much as 98% of an employee’s carbon footprint can be traced back to their commute. This might come as no surprise as across many North American cities countless hours, and fuel is wasted everyday on single-passenger vehicles.
An employee shuttle service can drastically reduce carbon emissions by consolidating employee commutes. By offering employees a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel to work, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and help address climate change. For example, starting a shuttle for 30 employees can save up to 144,000 pounds of GHG emissions annually. A rough equivalent of planting 1,080 seedlings for a decade! Imagine the impact such a shuttle service can have on ESG scores for any business that cannot function properly in a remote setting.
Focusing on Employee Well-being to Boost Retention and Improve Governance
An employee shuttle need not be just a tool to reduce carbon emissions. Transit planning experts such as Bus.com can help businesses unlock a second benefit of talent retention while improving corporate governance standards. An employee shuttle service can be a significant economic incentive saving up to $5000 per employee per year. Offering it as a fully subsidized service will improve the corporate governance standards for your business. More importantly, it’s likely to build a more engaged workforce, which generally translates into greater productivity.
Of course, a shuttle service can also directly impact productivity by improving the predictability of shift starts. For example, the Bus.com technology solution allows you to track the location and ETAs for each shuttle via our real-time dashboard.
Improving Freedom of Movement to Expand Labor Pools
It’s no secret that America Inc. has a chronic labor shortage problem. Even if every unemployed person in the US got a job, there will still be 4.1 million unfilled jobs based on the US Chamber of Commerce data. At the same time, 45% of Americans have no access to public transportation, limiting their ability to join the workforce. A partially or fully subsidized shuttle service can help businesses expand their worker pools by reaching out to more remote suburbs. Since such a shuttle service is likely to improve the freedom of movement for remote regions it can be an important factor for the social and community aspects of ESG scores.
In conclusion, businesses that adopt an ESG-oriented outlook on a shuttle service can unleash a triple bottom line – help the businesses be sustainable, retain their employees, improve freedom of movement, and reduce emissions. It is a simple yet effective way for businesses to make a positive impact on their community and the environment while also contributing to a more sustainable future. By investing in employee transportation, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and position themselves as leaders in their industry.
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Ensuring you adopt the best sustainable business practices while also addressing challenges such as the labor shortage can be an uphill battle. Bus.com’s solution can help solve multiple challenges for employers trying to reduce their carbon emissions, attract and retain talent, and improve their productivity . Our product team can help you learn more about starting your shuttle programs, and if our solution can help. Contact us to get started today!
