As a result of the rising cost of operating a vehicle, many commuters are finding alternatives to help save their pocketbooks, according to a new survey.

With much of today's workers having to commute, 44 per cent have said they changed their routine as a result of the recent surge in the cost of gasoline. This is 10 per cent higher (34 per cent) than in 2006, when costs were almost half of what they are now.

This has resulted in an increase in the amount of people who decided to buy a more economical car (33 per cent), car pool (46 per cent) or simply try and work from their home or office instead of commuting to meet clients (33 per cent).

According to the survey conducted by Robert Half International, here are some other responses that were given by workers:

• Finding a job closer to home (30 per cent);
• Working from office closer to home (29 per cent);
• Not working a full week (26 per cent);
• Wanting to be compensated for gas (25 per cent);
• Taking public transportation (23 per cent);
• Deciding to walk or bike to work (18 per cent).

In turn, while some companies are offering different programs to help workers with the burden of commuting costs, 59 per cent of workers do not receive any compensation.

Of those employers who do give their workers breaks, here are the ways how:

• Reimbursement for travel is increased (18 per cent);
• Ride share program (17 per cent);
• Telecommuting (11 per cent);
• Helping with the cost of transportation (8 per cent);
• Assistance in finding a home closer to work (7 per cent).

"Employers may be missing an opportunity to improve morale and reduce turnover by helping their staff cope with the burden of rising gas prices. Often, it can be as simple as communicating to employees what programs are already in place," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "Companies can build loyalty and motivation by showing employees that they are empathetic to their concerns during challenging times."

As many reports have stated that the price of gas will keep rising for the foreseeable future, it is interesting to note that in Europe, where the price of gas has historically been higher than North America, many workers are paying between $2 and $3 a litre.

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