In the UK, an eco-friendly commute can feel hard to achieve. Recent statistics published by Statista found that 6 in 10 people drive their own car to work, while just over a quarter use public transport. With only 10% cycling to the office, it’s clear that more could be done to encourage getting to work on two wheels.
When businesses actively promote cycling and provide the correct facilities, employees feel healthier, more motivated, and ready to ditch the car. Below, we’ve outlined five ways in which businesses can get staff cycling to work.
Provide cycling infrastructure
Cycling to work involves some logistics.
Your team members will need somewhere to store and lock their bikes, so it’s worth exploring options for secure storage either underground or externally. Make sure that this storage area is easily accessible from the office building.
Infrastructure in cities in town can feel challenging for new cyclists, so it could also be worth offering safety workshops for those who might be interested. You could also share resources on the best road bikes for commuting, plus recommendations on the right kit to wear.
Offer employee facilities
Sports and physical activities can easily be incorporated into the working day, but not without the right facilities. It’s unreasonable to expect your team to jog or cycle to work if your office doesn’t have showers and changing rooms, for example.
If a business is truly committed to health and fitness, there’s no reason to see showers as the only necessary facility. A laundry room, clothes drying area, and water refill station could make low-cost yet invaluable additions to support an active workforce. When you add comfort and convenience, green travel becomes more inviting for your staff.
Explore incentive programs
Health and wellness incentives make a significant difference to how employees feel about their job. Around 70% of SMEs currently provide at least one health promotion scheme for all their employees, and the benefits are widely recognised. Lower healthcare costs, less frequent sickness, and higher productivity are frequently reported.
If a workforce is already teeming with athletes and active people, organising company or team-wide challenges could be hugely successful. Whether those are intended to raise money for charity or simply build morale, the effects of active team-building last well beyond the initial challenge.
Adopt flexible working policies
Flexible working policies can help to support active employees.
Later starts, for example, might allow the time needed to travel to the gym for that early-morning fitness class or weights routine. Or for a team member who lives in the city, that extra hour at lunchtime could give them the time needed to shower and grab some food after going for a run to break up the working day.
Remote contracts may improve work-life balance, but they don’t always leave employees with enough time to continue an exercise plan or self-care routine. When staff are empowered with more flexibility on their daily schedule, these puzzle pieces fall together more naturally.
Foster an active workforce
Finally, cycling doesn’t need to be the main focus.
When staff are encouraged to be active and genuinely enjoy exercise, it’s natural for teams to notice an improvement in employee well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. Studies in occupational medicine confirm that high levels of fitness are associated with improved working ability and fewer absences too.
Businesses with high levels of engagement in wellness programs typically see lower levels of absenteeism. When employees feel healthier in their minds and bodies, they’re more likely to feel happy about coming to work!
This should be a strong enough draw for big businesses to build and encourage an active workforce through healthcare, incentives, and providing the correct infrastructure for cyclists too.
