Overcoming Employee Parking Problems

‍

The Problems Associated With Parking

A survey by the International Parking Institute (IPI) found that over 70% of the responding organizations reported some type of parking challenge, with the most common challenges being inadequate parking capacity, high parking demand, and employee parking behavior (such as unauthorized parking in reserved spots).

Most businesses have parking spaces available on a first come first serve basis which can be frustrating for employees when they arrive at work. However, despite these parking shortages around half of company parking spots are unused half the time. This comes as a result of poor parking management and jobs that entail an increasing amount of travel during the working day. The cost of leasing spaces on-site is always costly, not to mention the fact that employers often reimburse airport and public parking fees for their employees as well. Furthermore, the time employees spend finding and paying for parking costs the company inefficiency and time.

Whether a result of poorly located businesses or the lack of public transport infrastructure available, driving appears to be the most popular means to get to and from work throughout most of the world. Households often own two or more vehicles and, regardless of the reason for private car usage, the effect on the earth’s carbon footprint is undisputed. The growing driving culture is difficult for the workplace and workers alike. Employers are tasked with having to make and pay for sufficient accommodations, and employees struggle to find a more optimal alternative.

‍

Overcoming Employee Parking Issues

Overcoming parking issues in the workplace requires compromise, being open to the alternatives, and observing what truly works. Employers can achieve this by focusing their business around an organizational culture deeply ingrained in sustainability and compromise.

‍

Employers need to take an economic approach in order to assess the solutions that are within budget, but also provide a better experience for their employees. Alternative transport methods should be encouraged where possible, such as carpooling or even cycling to work. One solution could be to invest in a commuter service, like those offered by Zeelo, to provide a sustainable, safe and enjoyable alternative for employees than using their car. The average Zeelo removes 30 cars from your premises, reducing emissions, congestion and lowering costs. Employees can also be more productive with the time they get back during their commute.

In most professions, having access to a sufficient space to carry out one’s business is a necessity that cannot be compromised on. For example, in a logistics company, employers are faced with a dual obligation in making the necessary provisions for private fleet vehicles, as well as for employee’s vehicles. Shared transport or carpooling can considerably reduce the number of cars on-site four or five-fold. Making use of a service like Zeelo’s ensures that businesses can save on their parking and still accommodate and respect their employees’ needs.

Employers may be willing to incentivise employees with company vehicles where drivers rotate and function as a lift club. However, employees may feel they are taking on the responsibility of their employer and there is no guarantee that this will operate smoothly. Zeelo, on the other hand, takes this pain point away for both the employer and the employee. Employees who feel that their employer cares for their wellbeing are more likely to be more productive and feel valued, consequently improving retention rates.

Additional benefits of Zeelo are the reduction of stress, as employees are no longer expected to fight their way through traffic every day, they can arrive at work relaxed and in a more productive mood. Businesses might also be able to reduce the number of parking spaces required on their premises and put this land to better use if the majority of their workforce is arriving at work each day onboard a Zeelo coach.

Essentially, all solutions point to one commonality: businesses need a system to efficiently manage commuting. Shared transport seems to be a logical solution to overcome parking pain points for businesses and Zeelo is leading this change with bespoke commuter systems. Systems which seek to benefit the employee, as much as they would the employer, are essential. And with benefits such as improved well-being, cost savings, and reduced workload or time wasted, there is no doubt that employees will support their workplace and their employer.

‍