Tips if you have to commute to the office

If your office hasn’t opened up yet, there’s a good chance it will at some point early this year. That’s according to a Conference Board survey where 39 percent of the respondents said they’d be opening the office in the first quarter of 2021.
It’s understandable if you feel anxiety about going back with COVID-19 still causing major problems across the world. But going back to the office doesn’t have to be a terrible experience.
Here are some actions you can take to protect yourself as you commute to the office.

1. Commute by yourself
   Solo commuting has always been the dominant way people get to work in the United States, mainly via cars. Since the chances of getting infected with Covid rise when people are close together, it makes sense to skip mass transit. Even if you don’t ride the subway, you can still use commuter benefits to save money on your commute. Commuter benefits allow you to save up to $270 tax-free in your paycheck to use for qualified parking expenses and rideshares, along with mass transit.And if you don’t want to drive, your employer can offer you a prepaid card to rent micromobility vehicles like e-bikes and e-scooters. Those types of vehicles will reduce your chances of catching Covid, help the environment, and add a little exercise into your day. Just make sure you clean and disinfect surfaces.No one is going to look down on you if you can walk to work either.
2. Public transportation riders
   People are riding public transportation safely, and you can, too, if you follow some guidelines.Try to touch the least amount of surfaces as possible. It would be best if you also tried to remain six feet away from anyone else, as it is recommended that you keep practicing social distancing (as hard as that can be). You also need to practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer often.And wearing your mask is a given at this point, but it’s always a good reminder.

Edenred Benefits can help your office get ready to reopen. Our commuter benefits packages and prepaid cards for micromobility vehicles can help employees ease back into the commute during this difficult time.
If you own a business or are an employee who wants their owner to get commuter benefits for the office, you can find a wealth of information with our team. Schedule a 15 minute call with us.