March 12, 2008
A Little Help From Our Work
The more I read about the link between healthy workers and productivity, job satisfaction, reduced turnover and fewer sick days, the more I wonder why more companies don't offer more incentives and encouragement to employees to commute by bike. It seems to me the perfect solution. Sure commuting by bike has numerous positive effects on the environment, but even more selfishly, commuting by bike 2-3 days per week can provide most people with all the exercise they need on a regular basis - without making extra time to join a gym, signup for classes, arrange daycare, and shower with strangers.
As a business owner, I can tell you that healthy workers are happier, more dedicated to their jobs, better with customers, and have fewer sick days. In fact, in 4 years we have been in business, we have never had an employee quit, we have never had an employee out for more than 2 consecutive days due to illness, and we have high ratings for customer satisfaction because we enjoy what we do and this shows in our interaction with our customers.
At Dynamic, every employee gets a new bike every year. Sure this is easy for us as a bike company. But the cost is easy to justify even if it weren't our business. For many comanies who offer perks to employees, bikes are cheaper than health club memberships, cheaper than car allowances, and cheaper than many parking spots.
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I just returned from a 100 mile, 4 day mountian biking trip on the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National park. The only conditioning I am able to do is my 8.4mile daily commute on my Runabout. This proved to be good enough. I was the 2nd fittest of my group tour group on the trail, and the other riders were not slouches. I was amazed. Just by commuting I am able to keep myself in nearly top shape.
Incidentally, after returning from my trip I am faster on my Runabout. I would recommend that trip to anyone who has any interest in mountain biking. A full suspension bike comes in very handy on that trail.
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