Helping Employees Cope With High Gas Prices; Doing Nothing Should Not be an Option

I recently read about a meeting of a Human Resources networking group where the conversation included the affect of rising gas prices on employees. Everyone around the table agreed that it was an issue of significant concern.  Their conversation concluded that there was nothing they could do. This was a group of HR professionals!  I know, this was a group of HR professionals.

Doing nothing to help employees cope with rising gas prices should not be an option.  OK, I’ve heard, “Our employees live in too many different directions to create car pools” or “We can’t afford to pay for gas.” Too many employers assume car pools are not possible before they ask employees or nearby employers to explore the potential. It doesn’t cost anything but some time to provide information.

I have not heard or read lots of new ideas to add to the blogs I have written;

Will Employees Call in Sick When They Can’t Afford the Gas to Get to Work?

Don’t Add Additional Costs to Employee Pain about Gas Prices

More Employers are Helping Employees Cope with Higher Gas Prices

How can you help employees squeezed by high gas and food prices?

It’s time to tap into one of your best resources; your employees.  Ask for volunteers and convene a brain trust to discuss creative ideas to help employees ease the pain at the pump.  Their major contribution may not be more than a list of fuel saving tips or the location of the lowest price gas in town.  Whatever you do shows employees you share their pain. When you do nothing employees can get the impression that you are just resigned to paying the higher prices and have no problem affording the increases.  When your employees have come up with some creative suggestions share them here.