The Long HaulIf your employees' responses to `How was the drive?' range from drooling catatonia to fits of rage, you can help.

For many employees, one of the hardest things about work isgetting there. By easing their commutes, you can increaseproductivity and retention. Plus, getting a car or two off the roadwill benefit your community. And offering commuter perksdoesn't have to be expensive. Thomas Shillock of Partnershipfor a Smog-Free Georgia offers these suggestions:

• Encourage car pooling by providing a special place to park ofpaying the parking fees for pool vehicles.

• If you don't have enough employees to set up a car pool,contact your state's department of transportation forinformation on ride-share programs.