As gas prices soar, Americans consider if businesses should allow employees to work virtually to save money

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Patrons at a Garden State gas station weighed in on whether companies should allow employees to work virtually on Fridays to save on gas money amid soaring prices.

“Anything that helps saving gas is awesome,” Luis, of Jersey City, said. “The way that gas prices are right now, it’s crazy.”

Southwest Tennessee Community College recently instituted “virtual Fridays” for the summer semester to save students and faculty money on their commutes given record-high gas prices. The new policy began May 27 and will extend through Aug. 12. 

“It should be every college to be honest,” Gia, a college student living in Jersey City, said. “If you commute far, then I would say yeah, that should be a thing.” 

TENNESSEE COLLEGE GOING REMOTE ON FRIDAYS TO SAVE STUDENTS GAS MONEY

Kathy, from New Jersey, told Fox News: “Virtual Fridays are awesome. It shouldn’t be limited to just schools and university.” 

“Everyone proved that we can survive virtually, so every company should be doing it,” she continued. “And it shouldn’t just be limited to Fridays.”

SOARING GAS PRICES PUMP THE BRAKES ON RETURN-TO-WORK EFFORTS

But not all employees can work remotely. 

“I can’t work from home,” Mamadou, a driver in New Jersey, said. “I don’t have no choice actually.”

“Unless I get another job that can allow me to work from home then I’ll do it,” he added.

ENERGY SEC. GRANHOLM SAYS GAS PRICES WILL BE ‘ROUGH’ THIS SUMMER, DESPITE PREVIOUSLY LAUGHING THEM OFF

Gas prices have repeatedly broken records throughout 2022. The national average was $4.98 per gallon on Friday, a new record-high, according to AAA. 

“It’s crazy that taking a cab might be cheaper than actually having your own car,” Vincent, a butcher in New Jersey, said.

One driver said Americans need to be in-person after extended isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People don’t need to stay home,” the New York taxi driver said. “We stay home for a long time.”