Back to The Conundrum of a “Work From Home” Policy

The Argument

Making an employee drive into work every day wastes their time, is bad for the environment, puts wear-and-tear on their car, and generally has them arriving to work in a worse mood than if they were at home.

Is it Valid?

It entirely depends on how much you care about the following:

• The environment – most companies only care about cost savings. If the needs of the environment line up with cost saves, they will be “environmentally conscious” in those areas. For this particular issue, there is no cost savings.
• Wasting the employees personal time – What the employee does or doesn’t do with their personal time is up to them. Some people like driving, and therefore might like their commute.
• The miles put on the employee’s car – The employee can choose whatever car they like, which speaks to the rate of devaluation as well as the cost of fuel. They can always lease an electric car, or take the bus or train.
• Employee retention if they leave your job for one closer – That’s a problem that can be dealt with if it arises. The fact is, the commute is rarely if ever the sole reason why an employee resigns.

Generally, provided the employee is on time, and stays for their required work hours, this issue does not impact the company at all. There is something to a general level of unhappiness and exhaustion once they arrive, but the company did not dictate where you decided to live. If you really want a short commute, move close to where you work. People in big cities walk to work, so you would get exercise without having to go to the gym – everyone wins!