Commuting to work is a daily routine for millions of people. However, recent studies show that the length of the commute can have an impact on our physical and mental health. 75% of Americans drive to work an average 16 miles each way. And globally, those numbers aren’t far off. 61% of people in the EU commute for an hour a day. While some studies show that longer commutes can result in decreased job satisfaction and an increased risk of mental health issues, shorter commutes can have the opposite effect.
Surprisingly, despite a year of working from home, our job satisfaction and mental health have continued to deteriorate. A part of this is due to the lack of social interactions, burnout, and loss.
Commuting also played a role in our daily routines, routines that have become innate human behavior. Rituals add stability and certainty to an uncertain world. This stability can help to reduce feelings of grief, anxiety, and increase your confidence.
Consider the daily ritual of a typical commute. Waking up, eating breakfast, dressing, checking on children and pets, checking messages, and finally, getting into a car or onto a bike or train. Commuting provides structure and structure is ingrained in human genetics. It provides predictability and reduces vulnerability to the unexpected. Commutes can also separate our home and work identities, each of which call for different ways of thinking and reacting. A commute can help us set healthy boundaries between the two.
The Benefits of Commutes
Research suggests that shorter commutes have a range of benefits for our physical and mental health. One study found that people with shorter commutes reported higher levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and well-being. Shorter commutes have also been associated with increased physical fitness and less obesity.
Commuting can provide an opportunity for physical activity and allow for mental stimulation, as individuals can use their time to read, listen to music, or catch up on news.
A commute can also be an opportunity for socialization. Carpooling or taking public transportation allows people to interact and form relationships, which has a positive effect on mental health.
The Pandemic Changed our View of Commuting
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed the way many of us work and commute. Commuting became a thing of the past for many. While this change brought benefits, such as flexibility and reduced stress, it also highlighted the importance of the commute for our well-being.
Research suggests that commuting can provide a vital opportunity for mental detachment from work, allowing us to mentally switch gears. Without this time, employees can be at higher risk of burnout and stress.
Implications for Workers and Employers
The research has important implications for workers and employers alike. Workers may consider ways to shorten a commute or find other ways to travel, such as cycling or walking. While employers may consider policies that allow for flexible working or alternative commuting options.
Support for The Importance of Commuting
Researchers at Wayne State and Rutgers University found that commuting creates a so-called “transition zone” that allows people to separate their work and home lives. This mental separation can reduce the risk of burnout and other work-related stress.
In fact, commuting can also help develop the cognitive skills that future employers seek. A recent report by Harvard Business School identified ten cognitive skills that employers will be looking for, including critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Commuting provides opportunity to work on these skills by giving individuals time to reflect, problem-solve, and engage in self-directed learning.
For those in the teaching profession, there are resources available to incorporate commuting into lesson plans. By encouraging students to reflect on their commutes and how they can use that time to develop skills or learn, educators can help students see commuting in a more positive light.
The Negative Aspects of Working from Home
Balancing Commuting and Remote Work
The key to reaping the benefits of commuting while still enjoying the flexibility of remote work is to find a balance. This can be achieved by incorporating a commute into the workday, by going into the office a few times a week, taking a walk or bike ride before starting work, or working at a local coworking office.
Employers can also play a role in promoting the benefits of commuting by providing incentives. For employees who choose to commute, free or discounted parking or public transportation passes are great options. For telecommuting employees morning meet ups and local personal offices are also potential incentives.
Are You Missing Your Commute to Work?
Commuting is often seen as a necessary evil, but it can have positive effects on one’s well-being. By finding a balance between commuting and remote work, individuals can reap the benefits of both. It is important for employers to recognize the importance of commuting and to promote it as a valuable part of the workday.
