Lunch and Learn Recap – The Future of the Employee Commute (11/13/24)

For our last Lunch and Learn of 2024, the Green Business Program focused on The Future of the Employee Commute. For presenters, we had Janna Young, Summit County Deputy County Manager, Hannah Pack, Park City Municipal’s Transportation Planner, and Heleena Sideris, Park City Lodging’s General Manager.

As transportation is a challenge for our entire community, here are some key takeaways from our speakers that can help your business reduce commuter burdens and address local traffic issues. 

Cultivating a flexible and productive culture in an ever-evolving remote work environment. By ensuring everyone is in the office together at least once a week, allowing more flexibility to employees who are unable to work remotely, and maintaining a strong line of day-to-day communication, your business can improve employee retention while also reducing vehicles on the road. Many businesses have seen an increase in productivity with transition to remote working, however overworking can become an issue.

Alternative transportation needs employer support. The PC Transportation Department found that that #1 determinant for commuters to choose alternative transportation was having an employer that supports sustainable commuting. Take Park City Lodging, which provides a $3 a day carpool incentive, made bike racks more accessible, and added a shower for those who choose active transportation.

Local resources for commuters continue to expand. Ride On Park City provides employer networks, incentives, and carpool matching for all employees in Summit County:

• Look out for their annual Commuter Incentive Program from December 1st to March 31st with cash prizes, up to $1500 for first prizes.
• A vanpool program for Park City businesses will also be available for Wasatch back employees through Park City Municipal. Note that there is a Council meeting to discuss this topic and more during the Transit Pilot Projects and App updates on November 21st at 4:40 PM. Tune in, use your voice, and let your Council members know this topic is important to you!
• Guaranteed Ride Home for Park City employees ensures that if employees take transit in, they don’t get stranded after operating hours. Workers can get reimbursement for an Uber or Lyft ride home.
• Review Hannah’s slides to learn more!

Have any follow up questions or want to learn more? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Green Business Team!