Because employers are positioned to empower their employees to make changes in commuting habits, The Clean Air Campaign and its regional Partners provide one-on-one assistance to employers across the 20-county Atlanta region and in areas outside Atlanta. Employer program managers work directly with employers to develop and implement commute options programs and other smog-reducing strategies. Commute options can include ridesharing programs (both carpooling and vanpooling); teleworking policies; alternative work schedules, such as compressed workweeks; transit programs; or pedestrian and cycling programs.
Our turnkey approach includes promotion to employees through:
- Transportation days and other events;
- Worksite assessments;
- Marketing tools, such as posters and newsletter articles; and
- Free training seminars
The Clean Air Campaign also has an expert telework staff that allows it to offer one-on-one services to start or expand a telework program, including:
- Worksite evaluations to identify the jobs most appropriate for telework
- Customized telework policies, agreements and documents
- Technology consulting services
- On-site training sessions for teleworkers and telemanagers
- Program marketing support and evaluation
Telework Leadership Initiative – The Clean Air Campaign launched the innovative Telework Leadership Initiative (TLI) in 2003 in an effort to mobilize employers in metro Atlanta to start or expand teleworking programs. The initial launch included 13 employers in the metro Atlanta region, who received professional consulting services and financial resources (up to $20,000 in value) to launch a teleworking program or to build upon an existing program.
Due to the success of TLI, The Clean Air Campaign now offers ongoing free telework consulting to Georgia employers. These efforts have created 12,000 new teleworkers since 2003.
Telework by the Numbers:
- In metro Atlanta, telework has become the #1 go-to option for commuters using alternatives to driving alone, with 40% of alternative mode users doing it.
- 600,000 Atlanta employees (approximately 20 percent of commuters) telework on at least an occasional basis.
- Fifty-seven percent of the teleworkers reported that they use the average of 91 minutes they save each day by not driving to work to perform more duties for their employer.
- More than two-thirds of the teleworkers, 68 percent, said they believe their productivity has increased as a result of performing their duties from their home offices. Significantly, 51 percent of the managers agreed, with another 42 percent reporting they have observed no loss of productivity.
- Ninety-one percent of managers said they believe teleworking is good for their organization, exceeding even the 85 percent of teleworkers who share that belief.
Benefits to Employers
Nearly 1,600 employers and property management companies work with either The Clean Air Campaign or one of the Atlanta region’s transportation management associations. Why? Because of the benefits:
Easier employee recruitment and higher retention – Research shows that employees view commute options as benefits, and employers who offer them can win the war for talent. A better regional image also attracts more new businesses and a diverse and highly qualified workforce.
Tax benefits – The Clean Air Campaign assists employers in setting up and running programs that may yield federal tax benefits through the Commuter Choice program. Employees can use up to $230 per month in pre-tax income to pay for vanpool and transit expenses, resulting in tax savings for both the employer and the employee.
Reduced parking and office space costs – Teleworking and flexible work arrangements offer opportunities for sharing space or placing workers at remote locations. Many other commute options also save on the need for parking spaces.
Increased employee morale and less absenteeism – Participation in employer-based programs has been shown to enhance teamwork and increase pride among employees. Workers with less stress also have less absenteeism, and improved air quality results in substantial health benefits.
Recognition and rewards – Employer Partners and their programs are regularly featured in news stories across the region and country. They also have the opportunity to receive publicity through the annual PACE Awards. The PACE Awards recognize the best commute options programs in metro Atlanta. Previous winners are a “who’s who” of employers, including Turner Broadcasting System, Georgia Power, Georgia-Pacific, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. Notable leaders including Governor Sonny Perdue and Mayor Shirley Franklin have delivered the PACE Awards keynote address. The PACE Awards have been held annually since 2000.