Sodexo has enhanced its cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme to encourage its employees to commute in a healthier and more environmentally friendly way.
The service and facilities management provider, which employs around 30,000 staff in the UK and Ireland, has increased the scheme’s allowance from £1,000 to £3,000. This will enable them to buy a new bike, safety equipment and accessories tax-free.
The scheme, which has been running for a number of years, so far has 1,888 users. Sodexo hopes the increase in financial support will lead to an uptick in employees wanting to cycle to work.
The company is keen to encourage its employees to boost their health and wellbeing by get on their bikes. It says that cycling to work “not only provides regular exercise, it is often a faster, cheaper and greener way to travel”.
Mark Goodyer, HR director, Sodexo UK and Ireland, said: “The first day of spring is a great time to start thinking about cycling to work, as the weather starts to improve the flowers and trees start blooming and bird song increases. Not only is it good for your physical and mental health but it also reduces other costs such as public transport, fuel, parking as well as gym membership. Not to mention the time you’ll save from not having to wait for buses, trams or trains or rush hour traffic or roadworks.
“Cycling has minimal impact on the environment too so by encouraging as many people as we can to get on their bikes, we will be helping to protect our planet from harmful emissions.”
If employees already have a bike, they can use the scheme to buy safety equipment and accessories. They are also able to donate a bike to rural communities in Africa.
