We see reported in all major media that high gas prices have already added to an unstable U.S. economy. Employees are now struggling with high gas prices for their commutes to get to and from the office or place of work. 

HR people and Business Managers are and/or will struggle with employees trying to make ends meet outside of the work place, or quitting their present position to seek employment closer to home.  Has your employer taken steps to address this situation?

In this blog entry I wanted to share with you what is in place or on the drawing boards to address this situation for Riverside County employees: 

Current:  Compressed pay period: longer hours to get an extra day off; such as a 9-80 schedule. 

That is the schedule I currently have… love those three day weekends in the Desert.

Under Consideration: Institute a 4 day work week. Give employees the option to work 4-10 hour days to save on commuting the extra day. 

Three day weekends every week… time enough for a triathlon… golf, tennis, and swimming.

Current:  Ride share program with car pool matching, van pools, and guaranteed ride home for emergencies. 

Always a good idea, but most people live close to their worksite in the Desert.  A move for my HR office is contemplated for this fall that could put me in bicycling distance from home.

Current:  Provide stress management seminars at work. Provide massage therapists for individual stress management training through massage.  

I have watched a massage demonstration at a manger’s meeting, but haven’t had the occasion to try it myself.  You just phone up and schedule a visit at your office. 

Under Development:  Comprehensive County-wide Telecommuting Policy. 

My immediate supervisor is one of the people to work on drafting this new policy.  I have experienced telecommuting in a previous assignment, and it really saves on gas, office space, and wear and tear on the employee.  So, I give it a big thumbs up!

Current:  Employee Assistance Program – referral for budget and debt counseling. 

Current:  Employee Wellness Program assists to make exercise programs available on site.

The Wellness Program helps employee groups to connect with the American Heart Association’s Walking Program (for example).

Additional measures I would like to see the County address: 

Have sessions to inform employees about car maintenance and what they can do to increase gas mileage through vehicle maintenance and driving techniques.  Expertise may be drawn from in-house Fleet Services, or involve inviting AAA to make a presentation to employees.

Gasoline prices are sure to impact vacation plans. Work with regional tourist industry to see what additional package deals might be arranged to assist employees.

Consider facilitating a vacation house exchange among employees.  Within the County and adjacent environs we have a tremendous diversity in flora, fauna, and climate zones from deserts, to valleys, to mountain tops; and just about any recreation pursuit you could imagine from golf/tennis, hiking/skiing, and swimming pools to Colorado River tubing; there is no lack of nighttime entertainment either, with a growing number of Indian hotel casinos bringing in name stars to perform.

If you have any other suggestions you think would help to ease the crunch from high gas prices, please pass them along.  The Grand Prize winner will receive Lattés for two at the elegant downtown Palm Springs Starbucks.  (No purchase necessary, all taxes included; decision of the judges is final.)