3 ways commuter benefits ease the return-to-office transition

The return-to-office (RTO) movement seems to be in full swing as organizations attempt to reconnect teammates, collaborate in real time, and build stronger workplace cultures. But we can’t talk about RTO without talking about something many employees dread—the commute. Rising costs and daily hassles can make it tough for employees to feel excited about in-person work.

We recently dug into this topic during a webinar, Employee-centered RTO strategies that really work. Our presenters covered a wide range of research-backed factors that impact a positive and successful return-to-office experience.

One key takeaway was clear: commuter benefits have the potential to ease the return-to-office transition by tackling one of the biggest pain points employees face.

If you’re looking for practical ways to make your RTO smoother, here are three ways commuter benefits can help.

1. Commuter benefits can make RTO more affordable.

The financial burden of commuting is a top concern for employees. From gas to parking fees and rising public transit fares, commuting costs can add up quickly, impacting employees’ budgets in a big way. These expenses can create financial stress that impacts how employees feel about returning to the office.

Commuter benefits can help lessen the burden of some of these expenses. Yet, based on our webinar poll, 66% of employers said they don’t currently offer commuter benefits. Though more than half believe introducing pre-tax commuter benefits is the right move for their organization.

Here you see that 50.5% view pre-tax commuter benefits as the right solution.

With pre-tax commuter benefits, employees can set aside up to $325 per month for transit and another $325 for parking—tax-free. These benefits can result in real savings, helping employees keep more money in their pockets. For employees, that’s a huge financial relief that may encourage more office attendance. For employers, it’s a clear way to show you care about your team’s financial wellbeing.

2. Commuter benefits promote flexibility.

As companies bring employees back to the office, flexibility is still a top priority with 86% of employees saying they prefer the option to work from home at least twice a week.¹ Pre-tax commuter benefits make the transition easier by helping workers not just save on commuting costs, but also adapt to changing schedules.

With hybrid work now the norm, a one-size-fits-all approach like a monthly transit or parking pass may no longer work for everyone.² Commuter benefits allow employees to use funds only when they need to commute, saving the rest for the days they actually head to the office. And because there’s no annual use-it-or-lose-it rule, money that employees contribute to their commuter benefits will stay available through the next year and beyond.

On top of that, employees can start, stop, or adjust their commuter benefits whenever they like. When employees have that kind of flexibility and convenience, the return to office may feel more positive and manageable.

3. Commuter benefits can enhance employee retention.

For employees facing RTO, commuter benefits can stand out, giving people a reason to stay rather than seek more flexible opportunities elsewhere.

Why? Offering commuter benefits shows that you genuinely understand the challenges your team is facing. It signals that you value their time, money, and overall wellbeing, making the return feel less like a forced obligation and more like a supported transition.

In a competitive job market, small perks like commuter benefits can make a big difference in retention—especially when employees are weighing whether returning to in-office work is truly worth it. By addressing one of the most frustrating aspects of RTO, you’re building trust and loyalty.

Making commuter benefits work for your RTO plan

Are commuter benefits the silver bullet for solving all RTO challenges? Not quite. But there’s no doubt they’re a huge and relatively simple step in the right direction. Implementing and promoting commuter benefits doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

• Educate your employees: Many employees misunderstand commuter benefits, thinking they only apply during open enrollment or that unused funds expire.³ Break down how these programs work, the savings they offer, and how employees can take full advantage.

• Offer flexible options: Not every employee’s commute looks the same. Consider both pre-tax and post-tax options to cater to different commuting needs, whether it’s parking, transit passes, or fuel and bike-share reimbursement.

• Make it part of your RTO strategy: Tie your commuter benefits program to your broader return-to-office goals to strengthen their impact. Highlight how they reduce the stresses of returning to the office while fostering a supportive and connected workplace.

“The one thing that we want to encourage employers to be aware of is that people know about commuter benefits and awareness is high. But there are misconceptions. The first is that employees believe that they are use-it-or-lose-it by the end of the year. And the second is that you can only activate this benefit during open enrollment.” – Kalpi Desai, HealthEquity General Manager, Product Management

Why commuter benefits matter more than ever

Commuting has always been a challenge, but with rising costs and more employees being asked to return to the office, it’s become a bigger concern for many. Overlooking this reality could lead to frustration, higher turnover, or resistance to RTO plans.

This is an opportunity to show you care about your employees’ concerns. Commuter benefits are one way to support your team’s wellbeing and make their return to the office feel less stressful. Small changes like these can send a big message about your commitment to the people behind the work.

If you’re considering commuter benefits, now is a great time to explore how they can work for your team. You can turn the daily commute into something manageable, freeing your employees to focus on what really matters.