A major shift continues to develop in whether the workforce will tolerate long commutes to work anymore.
Recent surveys have shown job candidates are more likely to turn down a job that has a long commute. In the past, commuters were willing to sign on for longer commutes for better jobs with higher pay. That’s not always the case anymore.
It’s even got the point where the location of the job is one of the first things executives like Cara Brennan Allamano, the SVP, People, Places and Learning at Udemy Inc., speak about with job candidates.
Brennan Allamano says job candidates, particularly Millennials, will forgo good jobs with long commutes for jobs that have shorter ones. And the trend is impacting the way people search for jobs and choose their careers.
A Udemy study bore those trends out. According to the study, which surveyed 1,000 full-time workers:
- 59 percent of employees would skip a long commute for a job that might not be as fulfilling
- 74 percent of Millennials said they would not drive further even for a better job.
- 59 percent said future employers must let them work remotely.
- 72 percent of Millennials said the same regarding remote work and a new employer.
Distance between jobs and job seekers and the long commute that separates them is also creating problems for a lot of employers and employees.
One way to enhance a commute is by offering commuter benefits. Commuters can save up to $700 per year and companies save $40 per month for each employee.
The money is used for their commute. Trips on public transit, rideshares, and qualified parking are covered with commuter benefits. Employers save too because payroll taxes decrease, with about $41 per month per employee in savings. With 50 employees you can save $24,000 annually.
Long commutes and employees being unwilling to do them is becoming a significant problem for businesses who want to attract and retain the best talent.
To find out how commuter benefits can help you, download the 101 Guide and learn more:
