Midwest companies reacting to high fuel costs
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An August survey of companies in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin found that nearly a quarter of the respondents were considering new work policies in reaction to high fuel costs.
According to the results of research by MRA – The Management Association Inc. – 23 percent of the companies already use gasoline gift cards as one-time gifts to employees or awards for performance, and 22 percent are considering adding that strategy. Relatively few of the companies help with or offer incentives for car pooling, or offer public transportation subsidies, but 23 percent are looking at the car pooling issue, and 22 percent are considering subsidies for the use of public transportation.
Percentages were in the low double digits for companies considering flexibility in starting and quitting times to avoid peak traffic; telecommuting; a four-day, 10-hour work schedule; and 9/80 shifts, in which employees work nine-hour days and take off one day every other week.