Whether you’re a small business owner, a CEO, or a sales rep, you may be very familiar with the pains and strains of a daily commute. As we’ve seen, in the last year with COVID-19, many companies opted for remote working as a viable alternative to onsite work.

If you’re part of the growing group of people who find this beneficial, you can take action to extend remote work, pick earth-friendly transportation, and support climate health. Here are 4 ideas for choosing a greener commute.

1. Extend Remote Working

A recent survey from the Pew Research centre shows that 54% of American employees say that they would prefer to continue working from home, even after the pandemic.

The most obvious action is to extend remote working flexibility. In many companies, employees are eager to continue working from home offices. 

If you’re not sure how this could work for your company, take some time to explore the options. There are many ways your company can develop policies regarding virtual work. Your strategic initiatives can help support employee mental health, reduce pollution, and cut down on the number of drivers on the road.

2. Opt for Cycling

Although many people prefer to work from home, another way to transform the commute is to choose alternative transportation.

If you are a cyclist, you’re already sold on using your bicycle for commuting as well as on the weekends. Cyclists are keen to share their love of cycling as well as sharing the many health benefits that come from this activity.

Just imagine. Instead of feeling stressed from driving, your daily commute could become one of the most powerful components in your pursuit of fitness.

If you’re not in the best shape, consider getting started with a motorized bicycle. With a few extra boosts of energy, those steep hills will not be a problem.

May 21, 2021 is Bike to Work Day. Whether you’re already cycling to work or just considering it, this is a great time to show your support for alternative modes of transportation.

3. Choose the Best Car

It’s no surprise that many professionals want to continue to commute by car. An automobile is convenient and offers instant access to get where you need to go. While the average commute time is 30 minutes or more, choosing a comfortable and energy-efficient car is key.

Consider if your current car is up to the standards that you’d like. Perhaps you would like to investigate driving an electric or hybrid car to cut down on emissions. Many companies are encouraging their employees to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.

If you’re thinking of buying or leasing a more energy-efficient car, get ready before you shop. Car financing experts encourage shoppers to take these measures for an easy, pain-free car selection.

First, find out your borrowing capacity. Depending on your credit score, income, and history, you’ll have a clear sense of which car fits your budget.

Second, check out loan options. Buying a car is a major purchase. Getting the best loan will have an impact on you for months and years to come. Financial experts encourage evaluating loans such as a credit union auto loan, bank loans, and dealership loans. 

Third, get pre-approved. You can get pre-approved for a specific amount. This is a smart move as it gives you a clear budget and greater flexibility when negotiating.

Fourth, consider your entire lifestyle, family, and uses of the car. You may find that you have additional needs such as safety for your children, hauling equipment, or transporting pets. Pick a car that supports what you value most: people, pets, sports, travel…and commuting.

4. Use Public Transportation

With the last year of social distancing, there’s been a dip in the use of public transportation. However, futurists predict that as we get back to normal, public transit will recover in the coming years.

Many people enjoy using light rail, buses, and vanpools to transform their daily commute. Without the stress of driving, this time can be spent on more energizing activities such as learning, reading, and writing. Professionals often find this is one of the most productive times of the day, as the commute is ideal for uninterrupted reflection.

Embracing the Future 

Looking towards the future, it’s essential to investigate how to support your employees’ mental and physical health. As your company develops future policy, focus on how to help your employees have options to work virtually and travel safely.