Struggling to Hire? Why Your Workforce Can’t Get to You

Hiring for shift workers is harder than ever. If you are struggling to recruit and retain workers, it’s time to ask an important question: Can your employees actually get to work?

For many shift workers, unreliable or unavailable public transit is a significant barrier to employment opportunities. Limited transit solutions, the rising cost of the daily commute and safety concerns around off-hours shifts make it difficult for workers to commit to roles; even if they want to. The result? A shrinking talent pool, persistent hiring challenges and higher turnover rates than ever before.

Addressing these challenges with staff transportation can be a real game-changer. Here is a look at how solving the commute problem can help your business solve hiring and retain your workforce.

What are the key transportation challenges hindering recruitment?

Limited & unreliable public transit Many workplaces (warehouses, manufacturing plants and fulfilment centers) are located outside of major city centers, where public transit can be sparse or nonexistent. When transit options are available, they rarely align with shift schedules, leaving employees stranded with no way of getting home.

• Off-hour limitations: Many rail and bus services don’t operate outside of ‘typical’ working hours, making them impractical for shift workers on early morning or late-night shifts.
• Unreliable services: Inconsistent routes, transfers and delays can make public transit an unreliable and stressful experience for shift workers, leading to burnout and fatigue before the day’s work has even started.
• Rising costs: Even when available, the ever increasing cost of commuting via public transit is cutting into take home earnings and discouraging shift based workers from taking jobs further from home.

Long & stressful commutes There is an often asked question when it comes to commuting: What is a reasonable distance to commute to work? Commutes that are too long or complicated reduce job appeal. Where workers have to transfer between multiple transit lines or endure long waits, they will simply look elsewhere for employment.

• Competitive job market: If competing employers are easier to get to, workers will often choose convenience over pay; forgoing higher compensation for a stress free commute.
• Commute related burnout: Workers forced to endure a stressful and lengthy commute are significantly more likely to be late, no-show, or quit altogether.

Out of hours travel concerns With much of shift work occurring out of hours, personal safety becomes a key concern for workers travelling before sunrise or late at night. This can be unappealing to many employees when public transit fails to accommodate these shifts.

• Poorly lit stops: Inadequate lighting and long waits at night can make workers feel vulnerable, particularly when travelling alone.
• Alternative transport: Walking or cycling to work is (often) neither safe nor feasible, particularly when the infrastructure to support that travel, like sidewalks or bike lanes, does not exist.

Workplace accessibility Many shift workers lack access to personal vehicles, significantly limiting a business’ available talent pool. When travelling  by car is the only option, the number of able and willing workers is dramatically reduced.

• Car ownership: Many shiftworkers do not own their own vehicle or share with family; limiting their ability to commute in areas with inadequate transit connectivity. 
• Over-dependence on public transit: Having to rely on cars, buses or trains can create reliability issues; with unexpected car troubles, high fuel costs and traffic delays

What are the benefits of employee transportation programs?

 Dedicated employee transportation resources can remove these barriers, showcasing your business as a more attractive and accessible place of employment.

‍Competitive advantage in hiring

• Transport benefits can expand your available talent pool; opening opportunities to applicants who lack access to your worksite
• Employers that offer reliable commuting solutions can stand out to job seekers, streamlining recruitment processes.
• Workers see direct financial benefits in reduced commuting costs (and in the time spent commuting), making job offers significantly more attractive.

Improved retention & job satisfaction

• Access to reliable transportation means fewer late arrivals, no shows and call-outs, improving overall attendance; which in turn increases workplace productivity and output.
• When shiftworkers experience less stress and financial strain from commuting, they are infinitely more likely to remain with the business (and be much happier for it).
• Applicants are more invested in companies who invest in them; with greater attention on wellbeing as a pathway to job loyalty and longevity.

Increased productivity & workplace efficiency

• Shift workers can arrive on time and ready to start the day's work, rather than arriving tired and stressed from a taxing commute.
• Minimizing turnover-related job vacancies can help to support a more stable and experienced workforce.
• Reduced absenteeism ensures smoother daily operations; limiting the disruptions on productivity usually caused by staffing shortages.

Safer, more reliable commutes

• Business-sponsored transportation can ensure that employees are travelling to and from work safely and reliably; whether during late/early hours or more conventional shift times.
• Shuttle services and vanpools can reduce reliance on public transit; eliminating long waits, unsafe locations or nonexistent services.
• By removing the barrier of commuting, employers can foster a workforce that is focused on their jobs instead of worrying about how they will get home at the end of their shift.

What are the other kinds of transportation benefits to consider?

Employers should tailor their commuting solutions to fit the needs of their workforce; ensuring that a stress free commute empowers employees to thrive within their respective roles. Here are some of the most effective ways to combat a taxing commute:

Company sponsored shuttle services: Dedicated routes aligned with shift schedules, with the ability to scale vehicles to meet demand (helpful during peak season hiring).

Subsidized transit passes: Where existing transit networks exist, employers can support with travel passes to help employees offset commuting costs.

Ride sharing initiatives: Carpool and vanpool programs allow employers and employees to organize shared rides, often with perks like priority parking to incentivize participation.

How can Zeelo help?

Zeelo specializes in fully managed, data driven shuttle solutions that reduce commuting barriers, and support businesses in attracting and retaining the best talent. Our solutions are designed to be efficient, scalable and cost effective; adapting to the unique and individual needs of your workforce.

• 74% of our riders report not being able to get to work without Zeelo
• 69% of riders say that access to Zeelo services influenced their decision to accept a job
• 50% of workers took their current role because a Zeelo service was available
• 70% would stay in their job for an additional 12 months because of Zeelo.
• 93% would recommend their place of work because of Zeelo’s transport solution

We take care of everything; from route planning and optimization to vehicle/driver management, real-time tracking and customer support so that you can focus on running your business while we ensure your workers get to work safely, reliably, affordably, and on time. 

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Let’s explore a smarter, more accessible commuting solution for your workforce. Get in touch for a free consultation for your worksite.

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