HAMPTON, Va. — With staffers feeling the pinch at the gas pump, Langley Federal Credit Union helped out by launching its first employee carpool day.
"Three weeks ago at a management meeting HR made the statement that more and more employees are talking about the rising gas costs and asked for ideas to help," said LFCU Spokesperson Brett Noll. "Our brainstorming session resulted in offering a carpool day where employees could ride together and save money. We also felt this would be a good example for other organizations to make a statement in helping the environment as well."
The credit union set up an automated sign up form on its intranet and tied incentives to the program. For example, staffers that opted in were allowed to dress down for the day and were entered into a $100 deposit raffle. Carpool drivers had $10 deposited into their accounts. In addition, carpoolers each received an "I carpooled today" sticker.
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"Employees were encouraged to talk to one another to find people to carpool with," said Noll. "Everyone has been really excited about this and we even had a group of people who wanted to walk or ride their bike to work."
The event was a first in the area and local media were on-hand interviewing carpoolers, drivers alike. One camera crew rode along in the car with Langley FCU staffers. The credit union was not only featured on the evening news of two local stations, but the event will be part of a longer segment on how consumers can save money in this economy.
Some 130 employees participated in the event saving about 500 miles of drive time.
"It has been a great morale boost, and everyone was so upbeat when they came into the office. It was a fun atmosphere," said Noll. "We had some employees who brought in a kiddie pool and ate breakfast, had some classic cars on hand and most importantly demonstrated to employees and the community that if you take the time to get organized a carpool is doable. It saves you money and saves the environment."
Noll said staff reaction to the experience has been so positive that carpool day may become an annual event.
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