Is On-site EV Charging an Enticing Employee Perk or a Modern Workplace Essential?

We spend about a third of our lives at work – and if you drive, so does your car.

Think about all the hours our vehicles sit idle in parking lots. That’s wasted potential if you have an electric vehicle (EV) that could be charging instead.

It’s no surprise, then, that the workplace is one of the most popular places for EV drivers to charge (second only to charging at home).

Studies show that drivers want the convenience of plugging in while they work, yet many office buildings still don’t offer EV charging. Others have outdated, poorly maintained stations that are unreliable and missing important features.

While businesses debate whether workplace EV chargers are worth the investment, the conversation (and regulations) are shifting, pointing toward a future in which on-site EV charging is an expectation, not a perk.

Workplace EV Charging: A Perk Today, a Requirement Tomorrow 

For some time now, EV charging has been viewed in the same light as ping-pong table lounges and chair massages – a nice, but unnecessary employee perk. That’s changing fast.

Much like handicap-accessible parking became standard in 1990 with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), EV charging is quickly shifting from an optional perk to a workplace essential, driven by evolving regulations, a rise in EV adoption and changing employee expectations.

Many states already require that new commercial buildings and major renovations include EV charging. Oregon, for example, mandates that 20% of parking spaces in new commercial buildings be EV-ready, and other states – including California, Washington and New Jersey, to name a few – have adopted similar policies.

While new developments are keeping up with these regulations, many existing office buildings are falling behind, creating a gap in employee expectations and workplace amenities.

For businesses, there’s a clear opportunity to invest now, stay ahead of the curve and avoid costly and most likely mandated retrofits down the line.

EV Charging is Good for Business

It’s a win-win: Workplace EV charging benefits businesses as much as employees.

In mixed-use and retail environments, EV charging has been shown to increase foot traffic by 4% and revenue by 5% – a measurable boost just by improving the parking lot experience.

For office properties, the benefits may be more subtle but just as powerful. A well-maintained parking lot with modern EV chargers establishes a positive first impression and signals innovation, sustainability and a commitment to employee well-being. 

It also helps businesses recruit and retain talent. And in an era in which labor shortages are a growing challenge, this can be a huge win. Offering thoughtful amenities like EV charging shows that a company values its employees' needs and is invested in their daily experience. 

Beyond branding and employee benefits, workplace EV charging is an investment in the future. As more regulations push for EV infrastructure and EV adoption grows, businesses that install chargers today will stand out to prospective hires and keep top talent engaged for the long run.