More than eight out of 10 business people in South Africa expect employers to face extra costs as a result of the new toll gates on Gauteng’s highways. Businesses may also find it harder to attract out-of-town talent.
Respondents from across Africa took part in a survey in January 2013 of over 26 000 business people from more than 90 countries by Regus, the world’s largest provider of flexible workplaces. The responses revealed that over 80% of people think employers will feel bound to provide compensation for the tolls in the form of travel allowances, higher salaries or reimbursement of expenses.
According to the survey, 32% of employers will increase travel allowances for staff; 45% will let workers claim back toll costs partially or entirely; 19% will allow workers to work closer to home more frequently to avoid toll gates; and 5% of employers will increase wages.
With the new e-tolls in force, commuters who travel daily to work on the highways could face paying an extra R200 to R450 a month in tolls, on top of high fuel costs. Companies in Pretoria, Sandton, Fourways, Midrand, Eastrand, Westrand and Gauteng North may be particularly hard hit, as workers who already face 90-minute daily commutes on the congested highways decide to seek jobs nearer home.
One way for businesses to avoid an exodus is to let their own staff work closer to where they live for some or all of the week. As well as saving on e-tolls, this option allows people to reduce the time they waste in traffic jams. The Regus research shows that, already, nearly one in five respondents think employers will offer this. The figure could well rise as more employers come to see the benefits of letting staff work at flexible locations.
Says Joanne Bushell, vice-president: Africa at Regus: “The toll gates have attracted resistance over the past couple of years, but they could be a catalyst for positive business change. Employers can respond to the tolls by letting staff work closer to home, including at satellite offices or alternative workplaces like business centres; teleworking; or hot-desking. These will help staff cut their spending on road tolls and fuel, and can also be cheaper for businesses than the traditional fixed office.
“There are other benefits too. Globally, 63% of people say flexible working helps people feel more energised and motivated, and 68% of firms say flexible working has led to staff generating increased revenues. I hope the tolls help more firms realise these benefits.”