Skyrocketing gasoline prices, which are putting many workers over a barrel, could have a silver lining: It’s the perfect opportunity for companies to show employees they care. It’s a great chance to boost morale and trim possible turnover.

How’s that?

One big, cost-saving reason: Employees are more likely to remain loyal to an employer that steps up and says, “I feel your pain.”

For many companies, it can be as easy as reminding employees of programs that are already in place (ride-sharing, tele-commuting more frequently, etc.)

Interest in this topic has risen at the same pace of gas prices. The pinch is being felt: Workers who were asked if gas prices was affecting travel to work or work arrangements, there was a 10% leap between 2006 and 2008.

A Robert Half International survey asked, “Which changes (if any) have you made because of rising gasoline prices. Among the answers (multiple responses permitted);

• more carpooling/ride-sharing — 46%
• driving a more fuel-efficient car — 33%
• more frequent telecommuting — 33%
• looking for a new job closer to home — 30%
• asking for more compensation — 25%
• using public transit more often — 23%

Some companies are already ahead of the game. Workers were asked what their companies have done to help decrease the cost of getting to work and going home. Among the answers:

• higher mileage allowance for work travel — 18%
• ridesharing/ van-pooling — 17%
• telecommuting — 11%

 Still, nearly 60% of workers said their companies hadn’t announced any incentives to counteract the rising cost of fuel  — which could be a great opportunity for your company to come riding in to the rescue (which might require hay and oats, but no gasoline).

Tags: commuting, prices