Why Do So Many Companies Fail To Provide Staff Parking?

There are many provisions a company can use to attract the best talent possible, and this usually involves good salary compensation, benefits where appropriate, a helpful pension scheme, and possible lifestyle factors such as work travel or work from home.

However, one of the least spoken of is that of staff parking. It’s assumed that you’re supposed to arrive to work to work anyway and that’s your responsibility, and of course some companies might have their own private lots. But outside of private parking spaces reserved at all times of year, few of them sell access links to you while you go through the interviewing process.

But why do so many companies fail to provide staff parking? Well, perhaps it’s too expensive, there isn’t the room in an inner-city environment, they might not own the building they rent and operate in, and more. 

In this guide, we’ll help your own company try to improve these circumstances for your staff, which could be the one thing they’re crying for.

Underground Parking Provisions

If you have the space for it, underground parking makes great use of available space, especially in urban areas where surface parking isn’t really that possible. Building owners often have unused basement areas that could be converted into secure parking spaces even if it can only fit a dozen cars, as sometimes that’s enough. The initial investment might be substantial, but it’s a permanent solution that adds real value to the property and may make your next sale much easier. Don’t worry, the space can be formatted, as ventilation systems help manage air quality, and good lighting will make a safe environment that staff appreciate. Smart access systems can even help the coming and goings here, such as with an automatic license plate reader that helps track cars.

Partnerships With Local Parking Lots 

Working with nearby parking facilities often makes more financial sense than building new spaces, and many lot operators are happy to offer corporate rates. Some will even reserve sections exclusively for specific companies if you can guarantee them business within certain hours of the day. 

Keep in mind that the best arrangements usually have annual contracts that guarantee spaces, and they’re worth paying for because they offer predictable pricing. They might not pay for the spaces outright, but you may have a heavy discount on a good space for your staff which they can pay out of their own pocket. If anything they’ll appreciate having a reliable spot, especially in busy city centers where parking can be expensive. These partnerships work especially well when the parking facility is within comfortable walking distance of the office. Even if they’re a ten-minute walk they give you more options.

Bicycle & Transport Schemes

Bike storage and shower facilities give staff more commuting options, which helps reduce parking pressure, and it’s why many businesses have bicycle schemes in place now. The showers don’t necessarily have to be there, but you can work out a package deal with a local gym as an element of your healthy living initiative, for instance. 

However, remember this really is an investment. A good bike shelter needs proper security, weather protection, and enough space between racks for easy access at the bare minimum. They also need to be maintained and cleaned as part of your property management.

It’s also about financial support, as supporting public transport users through season ticket loans or direct subsidies shows the company cares about all commuting choices. If anything, this can save you on having to figure out further parking for more staff, so it cuts down on the cost which would have been implemented here anyway.

Purchase Lots Or Rent Space From Local Industrial Lots 

Industrial areas often have more parking space than they need, and if you’ve noticed that, you might see opportunities for office-based companies like yours to make an offer. Renting these spaces works well as a trial run before making bigger commitments, and it can’t hurt to ask to see how much of the land you can use and what guaranteed hours you may have.

Moreover, check the surrounding land, as if you purchase it, empty lots can be transformed into proper parking areas fairly quickly with the right planning permission. It’s a worthwhile investment that adds on to your property value of course, provided you own the building you work from. But this doesn’t necessarily have to be a massive plan you take control of now, as even temporary arrangements with your next-door businesses can help solve these immediate parking problems while longer-term solutions take shape.

With this advice, we hope you can avoid being one of those companies without any staff parking at all.