Employee Commute: Empowering the Indian Women Workforce

Navigating the daily employee commute is an experience many working individuals can relate to. But for women traveling alone to the office in India, it often comes with unique challenges and concerns. In a country where gender equality is still a work in progress, women face a myriad of safety issues while commuting.

From crowded public transportation to instances of harassment, their journey to work can be fraught with anxiety and fear.

As women’s empowerment in the workforce gains momentum, ensuring women’s safety during their daily commute is an urgent necessity. Women face higher risks of harassment, abuse, and assault while traveling, compromising their well-being and safety.

Implementing stringent safety measures using an employee commute solution can create a society where women can commute without fear.

In this blog, we delve into the realities women face commuting to the office in India, shedding light on the need for safer and more inclusive transportation options.

The Challenges of Women Employee Commute in India

For women in India, the daily commute can be a daunting experience. It is almost always fraught with unique challenges that might hinder their full participation in the workforce. Safety concerns, limited transportation options, and the lack of specialized solutions catering to their needs are some obstacles they face.

Women across the country regularly encounter instances of harassment, making their commute a stressful and even dangerous experience.

While public transportation may be available, safety and reliability often fall short. Women often endure overcrowded buses, trains, or metros, where they may encounter uncomfortable physical proximity, groping, or inappropriate touching. Such experiences can lead to distress, humiliation, and a loss of personal space.

The lack of safe and reliable commuting options also limits the availability of safe and efficient transportation options. This is particularly true during late hours or in remote areas, which leaves women vulnerable to potential dangers.

Inadequate lighting, poorly maintained vehicles, and the absence of security measures further exacerbate their safety concerns. Other challenges, including poorly maintained roads, lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and insufficient lighting at bus stops or train stations, make safety during daily employee commute a hurdle for most women.

This is where specialized employee commute solutions become invaluable. By addressing the unique challenges women face during their commute, these solutions offer hope for a safer employee commute.

Many women note that having access to reliable and secure transportation provided by their employer has given them the confidence they sought.

With growing awareness of the challenges women face during their commute, organizations are prioritizing implementing employee transport solutions that cater specifically to the safety needs of their female workforce.

Empowering women in the workforce starts with ensuring their safety and well-being right from the moment they step outside their homes.

The Role of Transport as a Service (TaaS)

Studies by the World Health Organization reveal that 35% of women globally experience some form of abuse while commuting. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for reliable and safe employee commute solutions.

Safety measures become paramount since some sectors need employee transportation services to operate during odd hours.

Automating employee transportation operations has emerged as a significant contributor to creating a safer environment for women in the workforce. This is where Transport as a Service (TaaS) comes into play.

So, what exactly is Transport as a Service? The concept combines technology, operations, and fleet to provide convenient and reliable transportation options. TaaS platforms offer a seamless experience, allowing employees to access transportation services through a single app easily.

For women, TaaS brings a host of commute benefits. Firstly, it addresses the safety concerns that often accompany their daily commute. With TaaS, women can access secure and monitored transport, reducing the risks associated with traveling alone.

Moreover, TaaS platforms ensure flexibility in travel arrangements. Women can easily schedule and modify their commute plans per their requirements. This flexibility also helps in minimizing travel stress.

Transport as a Service is transforming the way women commute. It provides safe and reliable transportation and enhances their overall work experience.

Furthermore, TaaS opens up new possibilities for women employees. It expands their access to job opportunities by overcoming the limitations of public transportation routes. With a reliable and convenient transportation solution in place, women can consider job options that were previously inaccessible or challenging to commute to.

By leveraging the power of TaaS, organizations are not only ensuring the safety and well-being of their female workforce.

Best Practices to Ensure Safety During Employee Commute

Regulating bodies recommend best practices to address the concerns with women employee commute and enhance the corporate transportation ecosystem. These practices include

• Defining a commuting policy by the organization.
• Having fixed GPS devices in all vehicles for live tracking.
• Installing panic buttons like SOS in all cars and the employee commute app.
• Establishing a dedicated control room or transport helpdesk.
• Displaying emergency contacts for the transport helpdesk.
• Implementing route plans to avoid female employees being the first pick or last drop.
• Providing marshals or guards for female employees during the first pick or last drop between 8 pm and 6 am.
• Conducting background verification of drivers and security guards.
• Masking female employees’ mobile numbers on drivers’ devices.
• Conducting random checks for drunken driving and other possible misdemeanors.
• Utilizing SMS services for communication and notifications.
• Implementing effective incident management processes and protocols.
• Recording all incidents.
• Implementing a feedback mechanism.

By adhering to these measures, organizations can foster an environment that ensures the safety of female employees. These can address the various concerns associated with employee transportation.

Conclusion

An employee commute solution has emerged as a powerful tool in empowering the Indian women workforce. By addressing the unique challenges women face during their commute, these solutions are creating a safer and more inclusive work environment.

MoveInSync has the perfect solution for organizations looking to enhance commutes for their women workforce. GetToWork, our Transport as a Service (TaaS), offers technology, operations, and fleet management together to ensure that women’s safety is paramount.

Our TaaS includes features like SOS buttons, 12 safety alerts, compliant drivers and vehicles, and more.

Are you interested to learn about the product? You can opt for a demo request.

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