Carpooling is a concept that has been around for decades, but it has recently gained renewed popularity as individuals and companies look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save on transportation costs. While carpooling is primarily seen as an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way to commute, it can also have a positive impact on workplace relationships. Here is how I have experienced Carpooling to benefit my drain cleaning company and the personal relationships within the company.
How I came across this was somewhat unexpected. I never gave much thought as to how many of my office staff got to and from the office. They all lived within the city, and very few people were more than a handful of miles away. Yet the idea of promoting carpooling never occurred to me, until I had hired a new employee.
Our new dispatcher was strong out of the gate. He did his job and was extremely personable. He became a very valuable part of the team very quickly. Not long into his employment, His car broke down rather extraordinarily. He spent a few days walking to the office before I found out. He lived only a few blocks away from me, so I offered to give him a ride to and from until he could get his transportation sorted.
Some of the things I found to be of benefit from the time we spent commuting together were how:
Carpooling is a great way to bring colleagues together and promote teamwork and collaboration. When colleagues carpool together, they have the opportunity to discuss work-related matters, share ideas, and brainstorm solutions to problems. This interaction outside of the office can help foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, which can ultimately lead to better communication and collaboration in the workplace.
It improves communication
Carpooling also provides an opportunity for colleagues to get to know each other better, which can lead to improved communication in the workplace. When colleagues carpool together, they have the chance to discuss work-related matters, but they can also talk about personal interests and hobbies. This type of conversation can help break down barriers between colleagues and make them feel more comfortable communicating with each other.
It reduces stress
Commuting can be stressful, particularly during rush hour. Carpooling can help alleviate some of that stress by allowing colleagues to share the responsibility of driving. When colleagues carpool together, they can take turns driving, which can help reduce the overall time spent commuting and minimize the stress associated with traffic and driving.
It saves money
Carpooling can also help colleagues save money on transportation costs. By sharing the cost of gas and tolls, colleagues can reduce their individual commuting expenses. This can be particularly beneficial for those who have long commutes or who live in areas with high gas prices.
It’s good for the environment
Carpooling is an environmentally-friendly transportation option. By sharing a ride, colleagues can reduce the number of cars on the road, which can help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. This can have a positive impact on the environment, and it can also make colleagues feel good about their contribution to reducing their carbon footprint.
It can improve work-life balance
Carpooling can also help improve work-life balance. When colleagues carpool together, they can reduce the amount of time spent commuting, which can give them more time to spend with their families or pursue other interests. This can help employees feel more balanced and fulfilled, which can ultimately lead to higher job satisfaction and better workplace relationships.
It promotes a sense of community
Finally, carpooling can promote a sense of community among colleagues. When colleagues carpool together, they are part of a team that is working together to achieve a common goal. This sense of community can help build stronger workplace relationships and make employees feel more connected to their colleagues.
After about a month of commuting with our new guy, I had a hard time going back to driving alone. The extra time to spend with coworkers where you can discuss work in a less hierarchical position was valuable. I was able to learn a lot about how the company was viewed by employees and make some meaningful changes within. I also built a strong relationship with our newest team member and helped him get on board with our work culture along the way.
I am currently in the process of working on a sort of benefit for carpooling coworkers. I believe the benefits are there, and I am working on incentivizing these benefits by introducing a reimbursement for those who carpool.
If you have never given it a thought, it may be worth a try. I found it to be a valuable experience and see it as having an impact on overall employee satisfaction. The last thing I expected to be making incentives for was carpooling when talking about our office staff, since our Oakville plumbers already carpool to work, but never extended the idea outwards to our offices as well!
