With gas prices at an all-time high (and no sign of relief in sight), many businesses want ways to ease the pain for their employees. Here are some suggestions for using promotional products to teach both conservation and introduce alternative transportation options.

Select a useful gift such as a basic car-care booklet. There are some very informative ones available, easily customized with your corporate message, that outline tips for improving gas mileage. Or, have a gas pump- or lightbulb-shaped magnet imprinted with fuel/energy saving tips. Every time employees see the magnet branded with your company name, they’ll appreciate the measures you’ve taken or tips you’ve shared to help them.

Giving people tools to improve car mileage may be the most valuable of all promotions. Basic maintenance such as keeping tires properly inflated can add distance to how far a car goes on a tank of gas…so, an imprinted tire gauge can make an excellent gift. You could also hand out imprinted car journals or vinyl decals, in/on which service date reminders can be placed. Regular oil changes, etc., add miles-per-gallon to a car’s fuel efficiency.

Offer your employees alternative transportation to help with their personal energy costs. Consider car-pooling programs. Promote internally with fun premiums, such as a gas-pump shaped stress reliever. Add copy that urges, “Take the stress out of your daily commute. Join our carpool!” Or, distribute gas pump-shaped coffee mugs with a note saying, “A better, less expensive way to fuel your morning commute.”

Finally, consider rewarding employees who bike to work with incentives. The employee who logs the most miles biked over a period of time could win a high-end bicycle or an iPod to entertain him/her during the ride. Kick off a company-sponsored cycling club to encourage participation. Use reflective decals, sports/bike bottles and imprinted t-shirts compressed into the shape of a bicycle to launch the program and brand the club.

When you’re ready to energize your employees with a fuel-focused promotion, give me a call or send me an e-mail!