There’s a growing call amongst US workers for employers to compensate them for their commute or even allow them to make it part of their workday. What the heck is that all about?
Here’s Five Fast Facts on compensating commutes:
- 🚘 One Way - The main (and some say logical) argument points out that you’re spending your time and money just to get to work. This favors the employer and takes money out of your pocket.
- 🎫 What does this look like moving forward? - It’s a standard in Europe. For example, in Belgium and the Netherlands, employees are reimbursed directly for gas, train tickets, and parking fees, among other things.
- 🚗 Lots of Driving - In fact, more than 3.6M workers in the US commute over 90 minutes or more, one way. That equals a month of commuting a year, more than what most employees get for paid vacation!
- 🕒 Time Saved - Remote workers save an average of 72 minutes a day not commuting. And it turns out they spend those extra six hours a week actually working!
- 🕟 Time Discrimination? - Detractors point out that paid commuting would ultimately lead to employers only hiring people with shorter commutes. In other words, they wouldn’t hire the best, just the closest.
🔥Bottom line: You’re probably doing the math now, figuring out how much time and money you’re spending to go make someone else money. There’s no easy answer here, but a simple solution would be to use that information to your advantage when you’re applying for a job (or even discussing a raise).
What do you think?
Let us know by connecting with us on Facebook and Instagram! Also, remember to share this newsletter with your friends & coworkers!
Btw, If you’ve read this far and haven’t yet signed up for the weekly Paycheckology newsletter, CLICK HERE!
