What If Remote Work Could Help Union County Thrive?
Charlotte has been ranked by Forbes as the second hardest city to commute in the U.S. in a recent report—and it’s a ranking that many of us in Union County know all too well. With so many of us commuting into the city every day, the impact of this daily grind is felt not just in the time we lose, but in the stress and environmental costs of our current commuting habits.
At WalkSafe Monroe, we believe that improving street safety and walkability is just one piece of the puzzle. But we also see an opportunity to help address the broader challenge of commuting—by advocating for a Hybrid/Remote-First Certification Program designed to encourage flexible workplace strategies in the Charlotte region. This would be the first program of its kind, and it could be a game-changer for businesses, employees, and our region as a whole.
What Exactly Are We Proposing?
It’s important to clarify that we’re not asking Monroe’s manufacturing businesses to shift to remote work—that’s not the focus here. Our region has a strong manufacturing base that is vital to our economy, and remote work isn't a viable option for these industries. Instead, we’re proposing that we increase the number of hybrid and remote-first work options across the region as a whole.
By encouraging more hybrid and remote work in the Charlotte area, we can make Union County—and Monroe in particular—an even more attractive and practical place to live and work. Imagine fewer people sitting in traffic for hours each day, and more residents opting to live closer to their jobs, reducing the need for long commutes.
This initiative is about more than just improving work-life balance for employees—it’s about creating a stronger, more sustainable region for everyone.
What Would the Certification Program Look Like?
The idea is for a prominent Charlotte chamber of commerce to create the Hybrid/Remote-First Certification Program, in partnership with the City of Charlotte. This program would recognize businesses in the Charlotte area that have adopted hybrid or remote-first workplace policies and practices. The goal is to establish a benchmark for workplace innovation while also supporting public transportation expansion efforts.
Which brings us to the our next point—the program would also provide incentives to businesses that participate, such as vouchers for public transportation use to employees of certified companies. With Charlotte gearing up for unprecedented investment in expanding its light rail and bus infrastructure, this initiative aligns perfectly with the city's long-term transportation goals.
For life-time commuters who have always driven to work, the idea of switching to public transit might seem unrealistic under normal circumstances. However, if they only needed to go into work a few times a week rather than daily, the transition could become much more feasible. By reducing the number of cars on the road, we would see benefits that extend beyond individual convenience—lower traffic congestion, improved air quality, and greater support for public transit systems.
Why Businesses Should Get Involved
We recognize that shifting workplace models requires thoughtful planning and collaboration. That’s why WalkSafe Monroe is turning to business leaders to help shape and champion this vision. Together, we can refine this concept and identify the best organization to spearhead its implementation—be it a regional business coalition, an innovative partnership, or another entity ready to connect Union County and Charlotte’s thriving business communities.
We’re seeking input on:
Defining program benefits and requirements.
Best practices for hybrid models.
Partnerships for employee incentives (e.g., coworking discounts, transit passes).
Designing a framework for the region’s diverse businesses.
How to Get Involved
We’re seeking business leaders to join us in forming a task force to develop this program and would love for you to join us. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or someone passionate about making the Charlotte region a top destination for business and talent, your voice matters.
This is an opportunity to shape a program that could redefine how businesses operate in the Charlotte area—and position our community as a model for innovation and sustainability.