Gas Prices Influencing Job Seekers’ Decisions

Road-Weary Workers: Gasoline prices continue to soar, and U.S. workers are feeling the pinch. The prospect of even higher prices this summer betokens an ill wind for hiring managers. A recent poll of more than 21,000 adults by SnagaJob.com, a job site based in Richmond, Virginia, indicates that job seekers are inclined to seek positions closer to home. Nearly 40 percent say they will travel no more than 10 miles each way to work. About another third (31 percent) are willing to endure round-trip commutes no longer than 40 miles. Only 15 percent are willing to drive more than 20 miles one way. A smaller percentage wants to forgo driving altogether, including 9 percent who prefer jobs within “walking distance.” Distance is less of an issue to another 9 percent, who are willing to travel “as far as public transportation takes me.” The research does not discuss whether companies could overcome travel-related reluctance with higher pay or other benefits.