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How Much is Too Much Study Highlights American Gas Addiction

June 11, 2008 — While few are ready to go cold turkey, 38% of a survey’s respondents said that they will pay anything for gas. The survey said that Americans are clearly focused on reducing their daily dosage (78% have changed their lifestyles to reduce their dependence on gas). The study examines Americans’ commuting habits and the steps employees are taking to alleviate the effects of continually rising gas prices.

Telework Exchange, a public-private partnership focused on promoting and expanding telework options, announced the results, which are in the “How Much is Too Much; America's Addiction to Gasoline and Its Impact on the Workforce."

“With gas prices soaring, we need to explore pragmatic and innovative alternatives to the typical modes of commuting,” said Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.). “Telework is a win-win opportunity for our Federal government. By expanding telework, we can better compete with the private sector to attract the best and brightest to Federal service and help Federal workers strike a better work-family balance. With gas pushing $4 a gallon, our efforts to pass legislation expanding telework are gaining steam.”
Key study findings include:

• Strong Addiction: Annually, 38% will pay anything. 84% of Americans rely on their own transportation to get to and from work, on average spending $2,052 on gas and 264 hours on their commute annually
• Changing Behaviors: 78% of Americans are making lifestyle changes including taking fewer car trips, consolidating errands, and eating out less frequently
• Recruitment and Retention Challenge: Rising fuel costs are influencing job choices — ;89% of respondents said that they would limit a job search due to potential commuting costs. 28% are currently looking for new jobs to reduce commuting costs

While 92% of respondents believe that their job could be done from home via telework, only 34% currently telework. The Telework Exchange says that if the deficit — 53% — of white-collar employees could telework two days a week, they could collectively save 9.7 billion gallons of gas and $38.2 billion a year. 95% of respondents noted interest in teleworking to reduce commuting costs.

“Americans are not seeing an end to rising gasoline prices,” said Cindy Auten, general manager, Telework Exchange. “Americans must turn to alternative methods, such as telework, to cut costs. In addition, employers need to consider offering telework programs and other incentives to retain current employees and recruit new staff members.”

Her comments are consistent with observations made by WorldatWork’s Alliance for Work-Life Progress Executive Director Kathie Lingle and several members of the consulting community when they told Newsline readers to expect an increase in requests for telework and flexible scheduling.

“How Much Is Too Much – America’s Addiction to Gasoline and Its Impact on the Workforce” study is based on a survey with Telework Exchange registrants, that occurred from May 1-3, 2008.