pointA’s carpool programming augments the technology that can be used to help connect employees to one another. While many are comfortable using an app to find other colleagues to partner with, there are many reasons why people may prefer not to. That’s why we offer different options for workplaces, from in-person events that match people synchronously or asynchronous virtual methods, that maximize the channels for coworkers to connect. In this blog post, we explore a few of these types of programming.
Carpool ‘Mix and Mingles’
Also known as carpool matching events, these events can be held in person or virtually, connecting employees with one another. The advantage of these events is that they allow people to see and meet the other person, reducing the amount of time it takes to meet and get to know each other, which we recommend when making matches on the app. It also allows more than two employees to meet one another at the same time, maximizing the number of riders (and often drivers) who can carpool together, further reducing costs, emissions and often the need for parking spots.
A tutorial on how to use the app (if the workplace has opted for one) is also included in these events.
These events do require prior registration so that our team can prepare groups ahead of time. They don’t always guarantee that people will find others to carpool with employees will be able to use the app to find carpoolers.
Virtual maps
Great for organizations and employees who want to see everyone available to carpool with, this virtual map allows employees to pin their addresses (or closest intersection or nearest meet up location) with offers to carpool. Those who are seeking rides can contact the employee directly. Our team often offers webinars and marketing materials to promote this amongst employees and provides support to those who need help on the process and in finding rides.
Postal Code Matching
This is integrated into commuter assessments and as long as employees agree, we use their information to help match employees together. Commuter assessments offer robust commuting data that can help us connect employees. Depending on the confidentiality policies of the organization, there are various ways we can connect employees to one another virtually to setup carpools.
Personalized Travel Plans
When workplaces ask for personalized travel plans, we can list carpool partners on employee’s personalized travel plans. Personalized travel plans provide the information and steps for an employee’s new commute when they join the organization or when a workplace moves locations. Information can be gathered from commuter assessments or from HR after receiving consent from employees to release their postal code information to pointA.
A carpool program can be more than just an app and can be integrated into existing programming and is a standard feature of the Smart Commute program. Programming also helps workplaces become a Best Workplace for Commuters. Often workplaces choose both the app and additional programming to ensure that all employee needs are met. We’re always developing new methods and customizing existing ones to meet the needs of organizations. We take into consideration privacy policies, ensuring that we always uphold confidentiality while using these carpool programs as a way to increase employee engagement and demonstrate the workplace’s support of sustainable and affordable employee commuting.
