I was recently interviewed for Yahoo! Hot Jobs for a story on how the continuing upward pressure on gas prices is forcing many workers to change how they get to their jobs and to seek added benefits that offset commuting costs.  In a recent survey by the staffing firm Robert Half International (RHI), almost half of U.S. professionals (44%) said higher gas prices are affecting their commutes, up from 34% two years ago. The top three changes cited by the group are increased carpooling, driving a more fuel-efficient car, and telecommuting more frequently.  Three in 10 respondents said they are looking for a new job closer to home.  Some advice for commuters that I and other experts offered included:

Check with Human Resources. Ask your HR rep if there are existing [commuter assistance] policies, because there may well be, even if they aren't widely recognized," I said.  “Your request may also prompt HR to take action, as the business case for such incentives is strong.

Highlight the upside for the company. "You should put a positive spin on your request to the boss or to HR," said Liz Bywater, president of the Bywater Consulting Group, which helps improve organizational performance. "Companies that offer such incentives may be seen as environmentally conscious and employee-friendly."

Check with your city. Local agencies may offer transportation incentive programs that employers can tap, according to Terry Pile, president of Career Advisors and author of Working in Your Slippers: Is Telecommuting Right for You?  “Some cities require large employers to reduce the number of cars on their campuses by a certain percentage and provide them with assistance in putting together an alternative commuting program," she says.

Make a proposal. "You could put together a cost analysis in support of telecommuting one or two days a week," Pile said, adding that studies have shown that telecommuting saves employers on parking and office space, productivity, and absentee costs. "If the employer can see a positive impact on the bottom line, you'll get better reception for a telecommuting program."

Control what you can. Even if your employer is not receptive to changing, find ways to increase your savings and efficiency. "Look at how you might save on gas outside of work by planning your errands efficiently, and walking or taking public transit when you can," said Pile.  "You must find a way to live with the situation without anxiety," I added. "If you're strapped for cash, balance things out by taking away one expense you can tolerate -- such as dining out one meal per week. The increase in fuel costs is a hardship, no doubt, but it's not the same dire scenario as being unemployed or facing bankruptcy."