Complications of Commuting: Office-based Workforce VS Remote Opportunities

The pandemic forced a large-scale shift to remote work, with employees working from the comfort of their homes. Now that the working world is pretty much back to normal, many employers expect staff to work from their offices. However, recent research shows many unexpected commuting complications and candidate expectations towards remote and hybrid working haven’t changed.

Offering remote working opportunities can also help employers improve diversity in surprising ways. Research suggests that a short commute can offer mental health benefits, and there’s an increasing demand for remote work, particularly among job seekers in the IT industry.

Mental Health Benefits of a Short Commute

Indeed, there are benefits to a short commute, but the emphasis is on ‘short’. A pre-pandemic study by VitalityHealth and the University of Cambridge found that employees with a short commute of less than half an hour gain an extra seven days’ worth of productivity over a year.

A short commute reduces stress

A shorter commute can decrease stress and improve well-being, as employees spend less time navigating traffic or crowded public transportation. Conversely, employees with a journey longer than an hour are 33% more likely to suffer from depression, 37% more likely to have financial concerns and 12% more likely to report work-related stress.

Commuting provides a separation of work and personal life

Commuting provides a physical transition between home and the workplace, allowing individuals to mentally prepare for or unwind from work. Many people enjoy this liminal time and spend it listening to music and podcasts or incorporating it into a healthy lifestyle by cycling, running or walking.

Even when working 100% remotely, some workers schedule ten-minute walks on either side of their working day to allow time to transition from one mindset to another.

Challenges of On-Site Work Arrangements

To anyone who has ever commuted to a place of work, which, let’s face it, means the majority of the working population, the negatives of a daily commute are obvious. Addressing these issues can improve your employer’s brand markedly.

Commuting costs

Daily commuting expenses, such as transportation and parking fees, can significantly impact an employee’s budget. In a survey conducted by Kings College in 2022, 65% of respondents said they struggled with the cost of their commute.

Time wasted

Lengthy commutes can lead to time wasted in transit, which could be better utilised for personal pursuits, family commitments, or professional development. In the Kings College survey mentioned above, 61% of respondents said they struggle with the amount of time it wastes.

The environmental impact of commuting

Traditional commuting contributes to traffic congestion and carbon emissions, whereas remote work reduces the carbon footprint associated with daily commutes. A 2020 study carried out by DecarboN8 during the pandemic found that working from home reduces carbon emissions by up to 60% in some areas.

Rise of Remote Work Opportunities

The recent trend among employers has been enticing workers back to the office. Contradictorally, commercial property consultants report that over 50% of larger UK employers plan to downsize their office space to accommodate hybrid working.

More flexibility and a better work-life balance

Remote work allows employees to design their schedules and achieve a better work-life balance, increasing job satisfaction and productivity. That’s why flexible working hours and hybrid working are some of the most sought-after work benefits these days.

An expanded talent pool for your company

By embracing remote work, companies can open themselves to a wider talent pool, including skilled professionals who cannot relocate or commute to a physical office. Struggling to attract local talent? Opening your vacancies to candidates from other areas in the country means your organisation will be able to attract qualified and experienced professionals.

Increased diversity and inclusivity

Remote work can help address the gender gap in the IT industry, as female applicants are more likely to seek hybrid and remote job opportunities. Employers can attract and retain a diverse workforce by offering remote work options.

Reasons to Embrace Remote Work

The IT industry is well-positioned to leverage digital tools and collaboration platforms that facilitate effective remote work. Indeed, many of us found working from home a nightmare during the pandemic. This was largely because we were thrown in at the deep end without the technology to cope with our needs. However, the tech world responded extremely quickly, and the current solutions are much more advanced.

Efficient Communication and Collaboration

With numerous communication tools, remote teams can collaborate seamlessly, ensuring productivity and efficient project management. For example, many online meeting solutions can now annotate meeting minutes. This functionality almost makes online meetings more beneficial than in-person events.

Build Trust and Encourage Accountability

Before the pandemic, many managers were happy enough as long as their teams worked seven and a half hours daily. Now, leaders are less concerned with how many hours their workforce puts in and instead focus more on what they do during those hours. We find that establishing clear expectations, setting measurable goals, and providing regular feedback can help build trust and maintain accountability among remote workers. 

The Impact of Commuting on Mental Health

All of the above underscores the profound impact of commuting on employee well-being and mental health, emphasising the transformative power of shorter commutes in reducing stress and enhancing work-life balance. Moreover, the surge in remote work opportunities brings financial relief for employees, broadens your talent pool, and fosters diversity and inclusivity.

Employers can cultivate a more inclusive, adaptable, and mentally enriching work environment by recognising the significance of remote and hybrid work models. Embracing remote or hybrid working solutions isn’t just a choice; it’s a strategy to attract top talent and elevate your employer brand.

A reputable recruitment consultant is an invaluable ally for employers looking to embrace hybrid and remote solutions. Talk to our team to analyse your different options and find a strategy that works for your current talent needs and your long-term plans.