A Push to Increase Telecommuting in Massachusetts
Aug 01, 2019
Boston has the worst traffic in the country according to the transportation analytics-firm INRIX and telecommuting is surfacing again as a possible solution. With the goal of reducing rush hour traffic, the Baker-Polito Administration recently proposed a first of its kind telecommuting tax credit that would incentivize companies to let their employees work remotely instead of commuting into the office. In his recent press conference, the Governor stated that while telecommuting is on the rise nationally, it’s not as prevalent in Massachusetts. The proposed credit, $2,000-per-employee, would go to businesses for every employee they allow to telecommute. The Commonwealth would cap the cost of the tax break at $50 million annually. The proposal is one small part of an $18 billion transportation bond bill unveiled by Baker on Thursday, July 25, 2019. 

The Benefits of Telecommuting For Employers & Employees

  • Flexibility - Working remotely provides employees with more flexibility regarding both work location and work hours, plus more freedom to balance work and personal responsibilities. As employees are looking for more of a work-life balance the option to work on their own flexible schedule as opposed to the typical 9 to 5 hours, gives employers a competitive edge in finding top talent. 
  • Increases Productivity – A Stanford study showed that call center employees actually increased their productivity by 13% when allowed to work from home. Another study from University of Texas, Austin showed that telecommuters worked 5-7 hours more than their in-office counterparts.
  • Lowers Stress & Boosts Morale – A survey from PGI found that "employees see improvements in stress level (82 percent), morale (80 percent), and absenteeism (69 percent), all thanks to telecommuting." 
  • Better Cost Savings – Remote workers save money on gas or public transportation expenses, eating out, professional work attire and dry cleaning, as well as child-care expenses. Employers save money too through reduced real estate expenses, lower electricity bills for heating and air conditioning and other overhead costs. 
  • Pollution Reduction – Telecommuting reduces the number of cars on the road, thereby reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel consumption, and energy usage. It also helps reduce environmental and human health impacts as a result of decreased air pollution. 
For more resources about commute options such as flextime, staggered hours, compressed work week, telecommuting, working part-time, or job-sharing, please visit https://www.mass.gov/guides/work-schedules
02 May, 2024
Get Ready to Ride: Bike Month is Here! Spring is in full bloom! The days are longer, tulips are popping up, and if you have allergies, you might be sneezing a bit more. But there's good news for cyclists: the warmer weather means it's time to get back on the road. May is National Bike Month , and there's plenty to be excited about for bike enthusiasts in Massachusetts. What is Bike Month? National Bike Month , established in 1956, is all about celebrating the joy of cycling, promoting its health benefits, and encouraging more people to give it a try. A key part of this celebration is Bike to Work Week, which falls in the third week of May, with Bike to Work Day on the Friday of that week. This year, Bike to Work Week is from May 13 to 19, with Bike to Work Day on May 17. What's Happening in Massachusetts for Bike Month? Massachusetts is a great place to be if you love biking, and Bay State Bike Month , hosted by MassBike , has a full schedule of events to keep you moving. If you're looking for group rides or ways to get involved, this is your go-to resource.
21 Feb, 2024
We all know the question, “what’s in it for me?” It’s the eternal quandary that all marketers are on a mission to answer. If they can explain what’s in for me to do or buy something, their job is done. But what if we rolled that question on its head and asked, “what’s in it for you, and me, and even them? When it comes to a green or sustainable commute, there happens to be a LOT it in for you, me, your neighbor and the person who sits across from you on the T. For you, it’s more convenient and economical way to commute. For your neighbor or the person across from you on the T, you are helping the environment and reducing traffic congestion by using a sustainable travel mode and NOT driving alone in a car. For that action, we at the Alewife TMA believe you should be rewarded.
29 Jan, 2024
Thank you to our members, partners, and green commuters who collectively made 2023 an excellent year for the Alewife TMA! Together, we celebrate the progress made towards sustainability in the Alewife & Fresh Pond area. Please take a moment to view our 2023 Recap which highlights the impact of the past year, We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in transforming our region into a space where multimodal transportations options are available for everyone.
mechanic next to car, text: Winter Car Maintenance and Safety Tips with Luis
By TransAction Associates 04 Jan, 2024
It's officially winter! Are you ready for the snow and ice? Is your car ready? Join Luis Mejia, Fleet Mechanic at TransAction Associates & Corporate Shuttles, as he shares some winter car maintenance and safety tips.
07 Dec, 2023
The Alewife TMA was thrilled to meet with Erin Shields of Longfellow to discuss Longfellow's dedication to environmental sustainability and the value of TMA membership for the tenants and employees at 100/125/150 Cambridgepark Drive.
By TransAction Associates 26 Oct, 2023
World Car-Free Day 2023 was a huge success! Organized in a variety of ways around the globe, every event shared the unifying goal of reducing the number of cars on the road. The Alewife TMA participated in MassCommute's 2023 Car-Free Day, the Commonwealth’s Coalition of 15 TMAs to promote and celebrate Car-Free Day in Massachusetts. Commuters who participated helped to make a positive impact on the environment and contributed to a greener Bay State!
17 Oct, 2023
The Alewife TMA recently began an effort to get to know the commuters behind the programs and services that we provide. We recently sat down with Chris Dimitri , a bicycle commuter who regularly participates in the TMA’s monthly commuter challenges, to learn more about him and his commute.
28 Aug, 2023
Car Free, way to be! Now, we know that completely ditching your car may not be the way to go for most people, but how about pledging to keep your car at home for one day this month? That’s right, September 22nd is World Car Free Day and cities, towns, and organizations around the world are planning creative programs to commemorate it. Why? Because they all share the same goal of reducing the number of cars on the roads to realize the benefits of reduced congestion where we work, live and play. In the Washington, DC metro area, Commuter Connections is hosting an area-wide Car Free Day pledge , where commuters from counties spanning north of Silver Spring, MD to south of Alexandria, VA can take a pledge to leave their car at home on September 22, 2023 and choose to commute a different way either via transit, walking, biking, carpooling or shuttle; or by choosing to telecommute and not commute at all. In Tampa, FL, the city will celebrate Car Free Day for the first time this year by closing off car traffic in three neighborhoods and hosting street hockey tournaments, farmers markets, food trucks and public art installations in those areas instead. Similar events will take place in Vancouver, Seattle, and Jakarta to name a few. 
10 Jul, 2023
Incorporating walking into your commuting schedule will have a positive impact on your personal well-being. According to prevention , the health benefits of walking are endless, and experts agree that by adding walking to your daily routine, you can greatly improve your physical and mental health.
27 Jun, 2023
Alewife TMA's Member Spotlight Property - Cambridge Discovery Park Real Estate Developer & Operator - The Bulfinch Companies, Inc. Interview with George Kassas, Senior Associate and Property Manager June 2023 
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