Ten reasons to introduce a cycle-to-work scheme
1. Save money
Employers can avoid the 12.8% national insurance contribution on the value of cycling equipment.
2. Fitter, healthier staff - improved productivity
One study found that people who cycle to work experienced a 39% lower rate of all-cause mortality compared with those who did not - even after adjustment for other risk factors.
3. Improved attendance
Cycling can improve both physical and emotional health, boosting employees' levels of wellbeing, self-confidence and tolerance to stress.
4. Environmental benefits
A person making a typical daily car commute of four miles each way would save 0.5 tonnes of CO2, or 6% of their annual carbon footprint, by cycling instead.
5. Reduced parking and congestion
Nottingham City Council is leading the way on this but the workplace parking levy will affect many in the coming years. A levy of £253 per year per workplace parking space in Nottingham will be made in 2012, rising to around £350 by 2015. By reducing cars in the car park, perhaps you could repurpose or even sell some land?
6. Employer branding, recruitment and employee welfare
A cycle scheme is good for employer branding and could attract potential employees. It demonstrates concern for the welfare of an organisation's employees.
7. Retention
A cycle scheme, like other salary sacrifice schemes, can act as one of those reasons why people may postpone changing jobs.
8. Low- or zero-cost implementation
Local authorities, which have budgets to promote cycling, may well provide bike sheds free of charge or at reduced cost.
9. Capital expenditure
The cost of cycling equipment can be treated as capital expenditure and therefore employers can claim capital allowances against it.
10. Broader benefits strategy
Some providers will offer your cycling-to-work employees further discounts on items such as children's bikes and sunglasses. A cycle scheme can fit neatly into a broader reward and benefits strategy.
Courtesy of Caterer's sister publication, Personnel Today
