Easing Pump Pain
 August 8, 2008

A number of large law firms, particularly in the West and Midwest, are attempting to find ways of retaining valuable employees who commute long distances.  In Southern California, where there is little effective public transportation, it is not unusual for lawyers and staff members to spend four hours a day commuting to and from work.  Some firms report increased turnover, especially among IT employees, as staff members accept positions closer to home.  The following incentives are being used by law firms to reduce gas price related turnover:

• Offering retention bonuses on a case-by-case basis to retain employees with long commutes.
• Running a carpool matching service on the firm's intranet site. 
• Providing preferential and/or paid parking to employees who use vans or car pools.
• Bringing in an AAA representative and local mechanics to present tips and inspect employee cars for improving fuel efficiency.
• Giving employees movie passes or restaurant certificates to help offset budgets eaten away by travel expenses.
• Rewarding employees with gas cards.
• Providing free commuter buses designated parking locations in the suburbs.
• Subsidized train or bus passes.
• Offering subsidies, such as forgivable, low-interest loans, for employees buying and renting housing closer to work.