Research shows commuting can increase your stress. The ultimate goal of commuting (apart from our destination) is generally to get a seat. I’m a tube traveller, you’ll regularly find me tackling the Northern Line Monday - Friday.
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Tube goals
My first goal is to get on the tube, then to move from the over-crowded doorway to a standing position further down the carriage. Goal number 2, hope the person I’ve randomly stood in front of will be leaving the tube at the next stop. Occasionally we are treated to a TFL worker who has perfected amusing announcements, which on a crowded tube can put a smile on your face.
With my headphones and smartphone I tune out my surroundings, we all have our way of coping on the rush hour commute. But As flexible and agile working polices are taking shape in many workplaces, will we begin to see the death of rush hour?
Perhaps not, as there are workplaces and roles which require the workforce to be on site at set times. But Commuting does play an effect on us individually and if we can find a way to make our journey just a little less stressful and when we arrive at destination our working environment is designed to motivate and inspire, you could see a rise in productivity.
57.1 minutes
“UK employees spend an average of 57.1 minutes a day getting to and from work, with some journeys taking considerably longer” - source. My journey is just a little above the average at 60 minutes, but when I get to the office, it’s light and bright with large windows and natural light with a view of east London. After my tube journey, it has a calming effect.
400 days
“The average UK commuter will spend 400 days of their life commuting” - source. 400 days, imagine how more productive your workforce could be if they had flexible working or working from home polices.
Non Active Commuting
“Research from the Royal Society for Public Health suggests non-active commuting – not walking or cycling to work – is detrimental to our health”- source. I try do to a little bit of walking and were I can will take the stairs or walk up the escalator. Getting in that little bit of exercise can have a positive effect on your wellbeing.
Commuting is part of our daily lives, but with the rise of video conferencing, agile and flexible working, your workforce may be able to benefit and miss the rush hour.
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