Look Around HR

Yes, according to one researcher.

According to Wayne Hochwarter, a professor at Florida State University’s College of Business, a new study shows that rising gas princes cause employees to be less excited about going to work; and therefore their quality of work decreases.

“People concerned with the effects of gas prices were significantly less attentive on the job, less excited about going to work, less passionate and conscientious, and more tense,” Hochwarter says. “These people also reported more ‘blues’ on the job. Employees were simply unable to detach themselves from the stress caused by escalating gas prices as they walked through the doors at work.”

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“Several employees said they simply could not escape the media onslaught of bad news regarding the future of gas prices, and many reported their financial futures were looking bleaker and bleaker,” say Hochwarter.

One respondent said that rising gas prices have left him distracted at work.

“I spend more time at work trying to figure out what I need to give up to keep gas in my tank than thinking about how to do my job,” said the factory worker.

To show that your company understands the problem employees face, you may want to offer alternative programs to the traditional 8-5 such as 4-10 hour days or telecommuting if at all possible. You might also want to organize a car pool system employees can participate in.

I would also argue that the stress isn’t because of gas prices alone. It could be from any prices rapidly increasing, resulting in a financial hardship for that worker and their family. You may want to think about an employee assistant program offering financial advice that workers can speak with confidentially.

P.S. Remember when $2.00 a gallon seemed expensive?