Seattle is gearing up to host six matches for the World Cup this summer. With fan activations, international visitors, and a Team USA game, it will be a fun time for our city and region. But even with all the excitement, work, school, and essential services must continue. We know your teams still need to get to work, and with large crowds, street closures, and service changes, commuting can feel daunting.
Employers can play an important role in helping staff plan ahead and avoid unnecessary stress. Here are a few practical ways to support your team during match days:
Communicate with Your Staff Early and Often
The more information employees have, the better prepared they’ll be.
- Share our resource page – We put together key travel information in one place so you don’t have to search across agencies: Commute – Sea26
- Download and share our Tip Sheet – Post our flyer in break rooms, elevators, bike rooms, and intranets.
- Remind employees about existing benefits, such as bike infrastructure or ORCA cards, as staff may choose to use a different mode than usual during this time.
Promote Flexible Work Options
If possible, consider adjusting start and end times, supporting remote work, or staggering shifts, especially on match days. When feasible, build extra time at the beginning of shifts to account for delays without penalizing employees.
Provide Extra Benefits
Make the summer of soccer even sweeter with special short-term (or longer!) benefits:
- Offer reimbursement for bike and scooter share rides
- Subsidize some or all of transit trips – it’s easy with ORCA Business Passport
- Allow indoor bike parking if you don’t have a designated space
- Host a carpool match event
There will likely be added stress and time demands on your staff when it comes to commuting. Reducing cost barriers—even temporarily—can make a meaningful impact.
Seattle will be an exciting place to be during the World Cup—but it will also require some planning to keep everyone moving. With a proactive approach, employers can help ensure their teams stay informed, flexible, and ready to navigate the changes. Commute Seattle is here to help! Contact us via email or schedule a free consultation for more information.