Other Sustainable Options in Pierce County

Explore alternative ways to work and reduce commuter traffic

There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint and make your commute more sustainable. In addition to biking, walking, or taking public transportation, there are other options available that don't require you to commute at all. These options include compressed workweek and work from home. Let's explore these sustainable options in Pierce County and learn how to implement them.

LEARN

Other Sustainable Options - LEARNWhat is a compressed workweek?

Compressed workweek is a schedule that allows you to work longer hours for fewer days each week. For example, instead of working eight hours a day for five days, you could work ten hours a day for four days. It's a great way to reduce your commute time and save money on transportation costs. Plus, you'll have more free time to do the things you love!

Tips for implementing a compressed workweek

If you’re interested in a compressed workweek, talk to your employer and see if it’s an option. You can also suggest a trial period to see if it works for you and your team. Check out this link for more information.

Resources

What is an Employer Transportation Program?

Employer Transportation Programs provide incentives for employees to use different sustainable transportation options, like biking, walking, or taking public transportation. Many employees believe they only have one commute option at their disposal — and that’s not true! You can enjoy multiple transportation options throughout the week and reap the benefits on a daily basis. Doing so can also reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, which is great for everyone!

Tips for implementing an Employer Transportation Program

Did you know if your employer has a transportation program they can offer incentives such as transit subsidies, carpool matching services, bike racks and on-site showers?

If you would like to bring a transportation program to your place of work, our team at Ride Together Pierce can help you get things going! Here’s what that would look like:

  1. Contact us here and let us know you’re interested.
  2. We’ll reach out to you and discuss program requirements, eligibility and services.
  3. The business will undergo training to implement the program and appoint a program coordinator.
  4. You’ll be the workplace hero for making the business more sustainable!

Resources for employees 

What is remote work or work from home?

Working from home or teleworking allows you to work remotely and avoid commuting altogether. It's a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on transportation costs and increase your productivity. 

Many studies have shown how working from home or teleworking can reduce stress levels, increase productivity and improve work-life balance. Since Covid-19, businesses have become more open to teleworking — especially when productivity levels increase!

Tips for implementing a work from home program

Unsure how to talk to your employer about teleworking? Here are some tips:

  1. Show how your daily tasks can be performed remotely.
  2. Show how it would be beneficial to the business.
  3. Suggest a trial. 
  4. Start small and work a couple days at home.
  5. Ask us! Our team can do a workshop or presentation at your place of work showing all the benefits of remote work. 

All of these tips plus so much more can be found in our comprehensive telework toolkit! 

If your employer is interested in implementing teleworking, they may be able to provide you with the necessary tools and resources to work remotely, such as laptops and secure internet connections. Employers can also establish clear communication channels and expectations for remote work.

Resources for employees interested in teleworking

CONNECT

Other Sustainable Options - CONNECTNowadays, lots of folks work from home, which is great for the environment. Plus, it means you can stay cozy in your pajamas on those cold winter days! However, many people miss the fun stuff like chatting by the water cooler or grabbing a pad Thai lunch together. This can make remote workers feel a little lonely and disconnected from their coworkers. As a result, some people might not feel as attached to their team as they would if they were working in the same physical space.

Tips for battling remote work social fever

Introvert or extrovert, it doesn’t matter when it comes to feeling lonely for countless days at a time plugging away on a laptop and staring the cat, kid or dog down. When it comes down to it, we need people. Here are some tips that can help remote workers feel connected:

  • Body-double: Find someone or multiple someones to “body-double” with you in person or virtually. This trendy word really just means finding an accountability partner. Someone to stay on Zoom with you while you both work or to meet up with at a local coffee shop. 
  • Change the environment: Switch things up! Go to a local library, a meet-up, a coworking space, or a tea or coffee shop! 
  • Join local meetups: Pierce County has many meetup opportunities, here are just a few of them:
    • 253 Social Introverts and Extroverts: The largest and most active meetup in the Tacoma area hosting a variety of activities regularly from board game nights to trail rides. 
    • Tacoma Lady Page Turners: An active book club for women in Tacoma to discuss books. 
    • Puget Sound Dad’s Group: A community of fathers meeting several times a month with their kids at parks, playgrounds, museums, parent-and-me classes, and living rooms across the Puget Sound area. 
    • Meaningful Conversations Tacoma: A space for deeper conversation, connection, reflection and action. Individuals of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs gather each week to explore uplifting (and sometimes challenging) topics.

GO

Compressed workweek guides and resources


Employer Transportation Program guides and resources

Work from home guides and resources