Lots of employers are scrambling for ways to deal with the current fuel crisis and its impact on their employees.
First, have face-to-face meetings with employees to determine the financial stresses employees are facing. Some employees may need debt or financial counseling to get their lives in order.
Second, realize we DO have a fuel crisis and not just reward people for comsuming gas by handing out gas cards. This would only become a taxable benefit and lose the real perk value.
Third, create a retention strategy to deal with crises like this.
Here are 10 pump 'em up ideas for dealing with employees and the fuel crisis that your company should consider:
1. Shortening the work week to 4 days with extended work hours or other condensed workweek options.
2. Telecommuting one day a week or even more frequently.
3. Checking out local government agencies for incentives for having employees work at home.
4. Car pooling with fellow employees or neighbors.
5. Bring in an automobile associaton representative to talk about ways to improve gas mileage. Also, have a local mechanic inspect employees'cars for free to help them make their vehicles more efficient.
6. Provide stress management sessions at work.
7. Bring in childcare to work or set up a day care close to work to lessen child care travel expenses.
8. Make movie passes or restaurant certificates more meaningful as recognition items.
9. Make exercise programs and gym equipment available at work to save travel costs and membership fees.
10. Work with your local tourism board to see what package deals can be arranged to assist employees with little or no vacation plans.
Good luck with making a crisis a positive retention strategy opportunity.
Roy Saunderson, President of the Recognition Management Institute, a recognition consulting and training company, and author of "GIVING the Real Recognition Way."