Employees Cutting Back Due to Gas Prices

Source: Workspan

August 12, 2008 — A new survey shows how workers across the U.S. are dealing with tough economic times and where they are cutting back to curb the effects. Cutting back where they can is becoming more important as 80% of those surveyed have received no additional benefits from their employer due to rising gas costs and other economic stress.

The “Working in America: A Nation of Drivers Copes with Soaring Gas Prices” survey, conducted by Harris Interactive and sponsored by The Workforce Institute at Kronos Inc., found that while 77% of respondents continue to drive to and from work everyday, they are trying to save in other ways — 57% are going out to eat less, 59% are trying to drive less, 30% have postponed a vacation, and a full 69% of those surveyed are cutting back on unnecessary spending.

While gas prices alone are clearly an issue for employees, the “Working in America” survey also showed that many workers are finding it necessary to hold multiple jobs due to financial obligations (61% of those surveyed, 43% due to gas prices alone).