|
For the second year in a row, IBM has been named in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Top 20 Best Workplaces for Commuters
from the FORTUNE 500 Companies. The 'Top 20' list recognizes FORTUNE 500 companies that both provide superior commuter benefits to their
employees that help reduce traffic and air pollution, and offer them to the highest percentages of their U.S. workforce. In 2004, IBM was
recognized in the first annual list of the U.S. EPA's Top 20 Best Workplaces for Commuters from the FORTUNE 500 Companies.
To meet the National Standard of Excellence for commuter benefits and qualify as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters, employers must provide:
- At least one primary commuter benefit, such as a monthly transit/vanpool pass subsidy or a significant telecommuting program;
- At least three supporting commuter benefits, such as carpool/vanpool incentives, lockers/showers for bikers or walkers, compressed/flexible
work schedules, or on-site daycare;
- A central point of contact, who actively informs employees of available commuter benefits; and
- Access to an Emergency or Guaranteed Ride Home Program.
Seventeen IBM locations* qualify as Best Workplaces for Commuters sites. Some of the commuter benefits IBM provides to its employees at these
locations may include commuter information kiosks, transportation coordinators, mobility stations, full service cafeterias, ATM machines, car rental
services (pick-up/drop-off), credit union drop boxes and a Guaranteed Ride Home program. In addition, IBM's extensive 'e-commute' work-from-home
options at these locations and across the U.S. make significant contributions to reducing employee commutation while also contributing to the
work/life balance of its employees. IBM has the second highest number of U.S. employees eligible for work-from-home programs and commuter benefits
consistent with the Best Workplaces for Commuters program requirements.
IBM estimates that 58,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were avoided last year by its employees in the U.S. who took advantage of the company's
work-from-home programs. In addition, an estimated 5,000 tons of CO2 emissions were similarly avoided by carpooling and other commuter programs.
IBM also has work-from-home and various commuter programs in place worldwide which contribute to further reductions in CO2 emissions. The company is
currently working on expanding its analysis to calculate the CO2 emissions reductions associated with these programs in other countries.
For the complete list of Best Workplaces for Commuters from the FORTUNE 500 Companies or to find out more information, visit
the Best Workplaces for Commuters Web site.
*IBM Best Workplaces for Commuters locations:
Almaden Research Center - San Jose, CA
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Boulder, CO
El Segundo and Agoura Hills, CA
Fort Worth, TX
IBM Corporate Headquarters - Armonk, NY
Kansas City, MO
North Castle, NY
Phoenix, AZ
Raleigh, NC
San Jose, CA
Silicon Valley Lab, CA
Somers, NY
TJ Watson Research Center - Yorktown Heights, NY
Tucson, AZ
White Plains, NY
FORTUNE is a registered trademark of Time, Inc.
|
