Ireland’s leading sustainable commuting solution, today announces new survey findings from its ‘Ireland on the Move’ Report which found that 35% of commuters in Ireland are looking for a new job to have better commuting options. This increases to 42% among 18-34-year-olds.
The research – based on a survey of 1,000 Irish commuters comprising university students and employees – found that 65% consider commuting options when selecting a new job.
Furthermore, the same proportion (65%) are more likely to stay in a job with more favourable commuting options, whilst some 68% would refuse a job if the commute was too long.
The research also seemed to suggest that the option to go into the office or work from home is waning, with more than half (51%) of respondents feeling under pressure to travel into the office for work.
With the commute having a significant influence on decision-making when considering and choosing an employer, it is perhaps unsurprising that 71% of commuters would prioritise employers or universities providing a free or low-cost shuttle bus service.
To promote alternatives to solo driving, 45% of respondents said universities and employers should contribute to public transport costs. Meanwhile, 36% think they should offer a carpooling programme or app, with a similar proportion (35%) saying they should promote cycling through schemes such as Bike to Work.
In terms of the overall commuting experience, some 62% of commuters agree that workplaces and universities should be more involved in supporting same and 39% believe employers and educational institutions have a responsibility to meet sustainability goals and regulations.
However, just over a quarter (26%) of commuters believe their workplaces or universities are doing a good job at meeting sustainability goals and regulations. As for taking an active role, more than a third (36%) of commuters believe employers and universities should incentivise sustainable travel.
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In terms of specific incentives which would encourage people to change their means of commuting to a more communal or sustainable method, almost half (46%) of respondents cited more flexible working-hours. The other top incentives were found to be tax reduction schemes (37%), additional time off work (36%), reward points programmes (29%), and free coffee and treats (29%).
Patrizia Niehaus, CEO, KINTO Join Ltd, commented: “Commuters in Ireland clearly care about how they travel to work, with many making career decisions with this in mind. However, they lack choice and support. In turn, organisations are potentially missing out on the best talent and undermining their own sustainability objectives.
“They might not realise it yet, but business leaders have the power to facilitate more sustainable journeys for both their people and their companies. From shuttle buses to staff rewards, these micro-level actions can have macro-level impact.”
Source: Written from Press Release
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