In an era where flexibility and sustainability are of paramount importance, 'shared mobility' or shared mobility has emerged as a significant change in the way we get around. Shared mobility includes various transportation services shared among users, including car sharing, bike sharing and scooters. Today, who hasn't seen the various sharing steps or bicycles passing by in metropolitan cities such as Brussels or Antwerp? These services are designed for short-term use and are accessible to the general public through various platforms and apps, for a fee of course.
The role of shared mobility in Flexible Benefits plans
A new wave in employee benefits
Shared mobility is proving not to be a temporary trend; it is a very practical solution to many of today's mobility challenges. It offers a highly flexible, cost-effective AND environmentally friendly alternative to traditional car ownership or long-term leasing of a vehicle.
For employers, including shared mobility in their cafeteria plan is a strong and innovative move that matches the changing preferences of a modernizing workforce, especially those operating in cities. "Flexible what," I hear you thinking... Read all about this in our e-books (Dutch only)
Integrating shared mobility into the mobility budget
In the context of the mobility budget, shared mobility fits seamlessly into the framework of flex reward plans. This mobility budget is part of a Flexible Income Plan (still often popularly referred to as a "cafeteria plan") where the company car budget to which an employee is entitled can be used to cover expenses in various pillars. Among these pillars are: shared mobility options such as car sharing (Cambio, Poppy, etc.), bike sharing, shared steps, scooter,... More info? Sure, you can find all about the principles of the mobility budget via this link!
Plus points of shared mobility as a benefit
Tax optimization and cost savings
One of the most attractive aspects of shared mobility benefits is the favorable tax regime associated with it, this for both employer and employee. When used for commuting, these services can offer tax advantages, making them a financially sensible choice for both employers and employees. For example, no taxes or social security contributions need to be paid on these amounts.
Flexibility and convenience
Shared mobility services offer users the freedom to use different modes of transportation at their convenience, always without the obligations and costs associated with effective ownership. This flexibility is especially attractive to workers who value choice and convenience in their commutes. These workers also tend to live in more urban areas.
Environmental impact
By encouraging the use of shared transportation options, companies can help reduce traffic congestion (mobility problem) and lower overall CO2 emissions. This not only benefits the environment, but also improves the company's image as a socially responsible organization! This gives a huge boost to the company's employer branding and can promote retention and recruitment of new employees.
How to implement this?
Policy development and tooling.
Employers looking to add shared mobility to their benefits package need to develop clear policies (in the form of policies -> mobility policy). And provide the necessary tools/software to facilitate and automate the process.
Payflip can provide a solution to this, Payflip offers a flexplan tool that can help with this integration, providing legal certainty and ease of use. There is a strong focus here on unburdening business owners and/or HR managers and onboarding employees.
Employee onboarding
To maximize adoption of these benefits, employers should focus on educating their staff about the options available and how to use them effectively. This can be accomplished through webinars, informational materials and hands-on assistance.
At Payflip, employers are greatly relieved of this and employees can contact Payflip colleagues directly with all their questions and comments. This both via the chat in the tool (where they are in direct contact with a colleague and not a bot ;-) ) or via email.
Conclusion
Shared mobility is much more than a passing trend. It is an essential part of a modern, flexible income plan that resonates with the values of the individual employee. By embracing shared mobility, companies can offer a benefit that is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and highly valued by their team and prospective workforce.
Incorporating shared mobility into a flexible income plan is a strategic move that can lead to satisfied employees, a reduced carbon footprint and more attractive employer branding.
As the world continues to move toward more sustainable and flexible transportation options, shared mobility will undoubtedly play a central role in the future of employee benefits!
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