27 February, 2026

Long‑time Friday 5 readers might remember a story from the archives on Possible’s Sustainable Travel Leave (STL) policy – the idea that staff can claim paid leave to take slower, low‑carbon routes for their holidays instead of flying. Since 2023, Possible has championed STL as a low‑cost, high‑impact way for employers to support greener travel, offering up to two days of leave each year to cover the extra time needed for rail or ferry trips. 

Now, the STL movement is expanding to cover business travel too. The policy lets employees reclaim half the additional travel time required when they choose a flight‑free route for work. If a train to Madrid adds ten hours compared with flying, the employee can claim five hours of paid leave or TOIL. It’s a straightforward incentive that makes lower‑carbon work travel more realistic. 

For employers, the case is compelling: switching from air to rail or ferry can cut emissions by up to 96%, productivity tends to be higher on trains than planes, and purpose‑driven policies resonate strongly with staff, helping recruitment (70% of under 40s consider environmental policies and benefits before accepting a job offer), and retention, especially among younger workers who want their employer’s values to match their own. 

If you’re interested in adopting the policy, you can read more here or book a free consultation to explore what STL could look like in your organisation. 

By Rosie Serlin