The increasing number of car users with their own vehicles, especially in larger cities, is a growing problem. We are all used to using our own cars on a daily basis. This also regards commuting to work. In many companies, we can see the trend that almost all employees choose cars while going to work. This not only leads to higher pollution, but also forces company owners to buy or lease offices with big parking lots that can accommodate all the cars. Is there a solution to get rid of the problem and have a big office with a relatively small parking lot? Let’s see!
Parking management software
The most obvious solution related to restricted parking spaces is the introduction of parking management software. Depending on your needs, you can choose among a variety of different programs and applications that facilitate the flow of cars in parking lots. The most popular systems include parking space booking apps. An example of such a revolutionary solution is Parkalot, a web app that enables parking lot users to book parking spaces in advance. This way each employee has their own designated parking space and can be sure that it will be empty upon their arrival. Administrators can also set up different reservation rules, like monthly limits for the number of reservations for each user, or restrictions of access. Other elements of parking management software may include plate recognition, free parking space indicators and surveillance cameras with detectors.
Kiss & Ride zone
Kiss & Ride zones are a popular solution that can be seen at many airports across the globe. This is a special zone in which employees who are driven to work can stop for a second to safely get out of a car. Such zones are also very practical when it comes to company parking lots. Cars that stop at a designated area don’t interrupt other employees who are in search of free parking spaces. Such a zone can also be used by postal workers, couriers and other visitors who enter the office only for a few minutes.
Carpooling
Carpooling is also a great way in which you can reduce the number of cars left in the parking lot. Although many employees are reluctant to commute to work with other colleagues, you can make this choice easier for them. How? Many companies which promote an eco-friendly lifestyle offer special incentives for employees who choose carpooling. This may include the guarantee of a parking space close to the company, gasoline vouchers or anything else that comes to mind. With an efficient internal carpooling policy, you can easily cut the number of cars in your parking lot. There is a mobile app – Poola – which connects drivers with people near their route who would like to carpool.
Remote work
Another great option to limit the number of cars in a company parking lot is to introduce remote work. In today’s times, when all that employees need in order to work is a laptop with an internet connection, you can allow them to perform tasks from home. This solution is beneficial mostly for employees who don’t have to spend time and money on commuting to work. Remote work doesn’t have to be permanent – you can divide your staff into groups which work from home interchangeably. This way you will be able to keep track of your employees. And you will not need a bigger parking lot!
As you can see there are many ways in which you can reduce the parking needs of your company. All these efforts are not only convenient for you as an employer but also for the natural environment. Less time spent in a car means less exhaust fumes released into the atmosphere. If you are unable to introduce remote work or demarcate a special zone for quick stop, try to encourage your workers to choose carpooling and opt for a parking lot booking app which will speed up parking.
If you’d like to introduce Parkalot – our car park management app – in your company, please contact us at contact-us@parkalot.io or book an onboarding call.Start using Parkalot in an hour. Allow your colleagues to commute by car, and park on the parking spaces assigned to those who are working from home.