Employees look for work closer to home
July 11, 2008 by Sam NarisiPosted in: Attracting talent, In This Week's E-Newsletter, Latest News & Views, Online recruiting
New research shows many companies might have to make some changes to keep top performers.
As gas prices are rising, about 30% of employees admit they’ve started looking for new jobs closer to home, says a recent survey by Robert Half International.
Because of that, some companies have started offering employees and candidates more flexible arrangements. According to the survey:
- 18% of companies have increased mileage reimbursements for business travel
- 17% have started using ride sharing services, and
- 11% have started letting workers telecommute.
Based on those numbers, it looks like employers might not be doing enough to keep employees satisfied as gas prices rise.
To hang on to the 30% of folks who are thinking about changing jobs, some employers might need to make more substantial changes.
What’s the best solution? Ask employees what they want from you. Have managers find out ways their commuting woes might be eased and explore those options.
Tell us: What have you done to ease the pain? Has it made a difference in retention and satisfaction? Let us know in the comments section.
Tags: gas prices, new job, telecommuting

July 13th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Thanks for the helpful information. I’m planning to write about telecommuting for my blog The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide at http://boomersurvive-thriveguide.typepad.com. It’s great to know employers are responding to workers’ needs by allowing more telecommuting time.
Rita
P.S. Do you know of any studies on telecommuting that you could refer me to?
July 18th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
My boss is giving us a 200.00 a month gasoline reimbursement. I drive 40 miles a day and this really helps! I’m choosing to stay at this job!
July 21st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I’m still looking for information on telecommuting.
Rita