Why Your Commute Strategy Could Be Costing You Top Talent

Commute times have become a significant factor in employee satisfaction and retention, far beyond being a minor inconvenience. Research by Evolv revealed that employees with commutes of 0 to 5 miles stay in their jobs for an impressive 20% longer compared to those with longer commutes. In response to this trend, companies like Facebook and Imo have taken proactive steps by offering annual bonuses ranging from $6,000 to $7,000 to employees who reside conveniently close to their offices.

Why? Because proximity pays off. in productivity, morale, and retention.

Rieva Lesonsky, writing for Forbes, highlights the year 2025 as the “Great Detachment,” characterized by a rise in employee disengagement due to poor workplace experiences, particularly long and stressful commutes. HR experts caution that while turnover may seem stable, underlying risks such as burnout and disengagement are on the rise.

The cost of doing nothing for companies can be catastrophic for a business. The average cost of replacing an employee is 33% of their annual salary. For a $70,000/year employee, that’s $23,100. Multiply that by just 10 employees lost due to commute dissatisfaction, and you’re looking at $231,000 in preventable costs.

Curious how much your company could save, and what a tailored Corporate Commuter Program might cost?

Schedule a call with Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation to get a personalized estimate and see how we can help you retain top talent while optimizing your transportation strategy.

Let’s discuss: What Are Smart Companies Doing Differently?

• Partnering with commuter services like Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation to offer shuttles, ride-shares, and eco-friendly options.
• Incentivizing proximity with housing stipends or bonuses.
• Using data to map employee locations and optimize routes.
• Communicating clearly about commute benefits during recruitment.
• Gate Gourmet, for example, reduced new hire turnover from nearly 50% to 27% simply by prioritizing commute accessibility in hiring decisions

Final Thoughts: Your Commute Strategy Is a Talent Strategy

In a world where flexibility and well-being are paramount, your commute program can either be a valuable competitive advantage or a costly oversight. Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation empowers companies to modernize their mobility solutions, reduce employee turnover, and attract top talent.

Don’t let your commute strategy be the reason you lose your next great hire.