How to Encourage Your Staff to Cycle to Work

Julie Starr • November 23, 2020



Cycling to work is a great way to stay fit and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. If your staff are lucky enough to live close enough to cycle to the office then as an employer you should be encouraging this. Commuting actually costs businesses time and money and often cycling is a quicker option than being stuck in traffic or in public transport delays. Offer your team a little incentive to cycle to work instead of driving especially and find new ways to encourage them to get back on their bike.

Don’t forget to look into the right insurance before you send everyone out on bikes in your business. It’s a nice idea, to get everyone cycling to work rather than driving and pumping out more fumes into the environment, but that doesn’t make it simple. You have to make sure that your business consults with the insurers about a potential need for a truck accident lawyer on file. You also want to ensure that you are realistic – not everyone can cycle to work. Not just for the distance away, but their physical health. Make sure that you have some incentives that are similar for those who are physically unable to cycle to work every day!

Organize cycling challenges

For example, you could organize cycling challenges. A little healthy competition between employees is fine now again and it can be really motivating. You can organize cycling challenges to work or outside of work, whichever you decide. This way you’ll create a healthier company culture and more people will jump on the bandwagon. It’s up to you what to offer as a reward for these challenges. You could even get involved yourself and send around your progress as inspiration.

Offer cycling training courses

If some members of your team aren’t quite confident enough cyclists to bike to work then you could offer courses in cycling . You can even do courses for complete beginners, so even for your employees who are new to cycling, they’ll still be able to learn. This might give them the confidence they need to cycle safely. Many people feel they aren’t able to cycle to work because of their fitness level so you could also encourage your colleagues to get into shape as well with various schemes. 

Provide road safety training

If you’re going to push cycling to work you need to ensure you promote safety at all times. Provide road safety training or as a minimum some online resources for your staff to use as guidance. Give them the information they need to know how to prevent any accidents or what to do if they get into any problems on the road. Provide the details for a reliable truck accident lawyer and other important information in the case that they get into an accident.

Offer flexible working hours

In order to encourage your staff to cycle to work offer flexible working hours. If they can begin a little later in the mornings or don’t need to rush to work they’ll be more motivated to cycle. There are also many other benefits of flexible working for both staff and employers. Companies that offer flexible working hours often have more motivated employees. It helps to boost office morale and makes employees feel as though their individual needs are being taken into consideration. 

Provide changing facilities

Another way to encourage more people to cycle to work is by providing the necessary facilities. Commercial properties are required to have bathrooms so ensure these are adequate for your staff to change in. They might want to wash or change their clothes after a long cycling commute. Provide what you can so they feel comfortable. Lockers could also be useful for storing a change of clothes and shoes for cycling.

Install bike racks for staff

If you’re going to provide lockers for your employees’ belongings then you’ll also need to install bike racks for them to lock up their bikes safely. You can buy commercial bike racks online . Ensure you have them positioned somewhere secure and in plain sight, with lights if you’re working during darker hours. If you don’t have anywhere convenient outside to store bikes safely then you could make a space inside. Wall hooks are also a good option if you don’t have enough floor space. If you think outside the box then you should be able to provide the facilities your staff need to cycle to work.

Lead by example

One of the best ways to encourage anyone to do anything is to lead by example. It’s not fair to expect your staff to change their habits of you’re not going to make the effort to yourself. If you want to motivate more people to cycle to work, then you need to get back on your own bike and make a point of cycling to work as often as possible. 

Cycling to work is a great habit for your staff to develop. It’s better for their health and the environment. You’ll also end up with more motivated and energetic employees. Consider a bike scheme or organizing cycling projects and challenges to encourage your staff to cycle to work more often.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.