How much does the daily commute impact your team?

Travelling for work is still an integral part of employee’s lives despite the widespread cultural shift to remote working. Whether it’s travelling to the office, heading to a client meeting, or attending an industry event, journeys can have a significant impact on employee wellbeing.

For many, travelling for work can disrupt routines, introduce stress and pose new safety concerns. This not only impacts their wellbeing but can also affect their productivity and overall job satisfaction.

• 75% of workers have safety concerns when travelling for business.
• 69% of commuters have safety concerns about their journey, especially during unsociable hours.
• For 1 in 4, these safety concerns affect their work performance and wellbeing.

As this concern continues to grow and employers face mounting pressure to safeguard their employees, proactive measures are urgently needed to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the workforce. Employers must prioritise safe travels for employees through safety protocols and fulfilling their duty of care.

The Impact of Commuting on Employee Wellbeing

The commute is an often-overlooked aspect of the employee experience.  However, for many, it is a time filled with challenges, from traffic congestion and public transportation delays to personal safety concerns.

On average, the daily commute is around 52 minutes, which adds up to just over 4 hours a week for those commuting five days a week. For many employees, commuting during early mornings or late nights exacerbates safety concerns, leading to heightened feelings of vulnerability and stress.

But despite many of us assuming that travelling at peak times is safer, a survey by the British Transport Police (BTP) found that over a third of women have been sexually harassed on public transport. Alarmingly, most incidents occur during rush hour (5pm-7pm), despite the higher number of people around. This highlights the reality that a busy environment does not always equate to a safer one.

This fact leaves many employees feeling unsafe while commuting, no matter the time of day. This can significantly impact job satisfaction and overall wellbeing, leading to stress, increased fatigue, and lowered mood.

These feelings not only affect their mental health but also their performance and productivity at work. The psychological toll of a stressful commute can manifest in various ways, including increased absenteeism, lower job satisfaction, and a decline in overall workplace morale.

How Travel Concerns Impact Business

When employees feel unsafe during their commutes, it doesn’t just affect them on a personal level; it has broader implications for the organisation. An unsafe and stressful journey to and from work can lead to:

1. Decreased Productivity: Stress and anxiety can reduce an employee’s ability to concentrate and perform effectively.
2. Higher Turnover Rates: Employees may seek other job opportunities with better commuting conditions or safe travel arrangements, leading to higher staff turnover.
3. Increased Absenteeism: Fear of commuting can result in more sick days and unexplained absences.
4. Lower Employee Engagement: Feeling unsafe can have a negative impact on an employee’s overall loyalty and commitment to the company.
5. Poor Mental Health: Continuous exposure to unsafe commuting conditions can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Creating Safer Travel Experiences

Employers play a pivotal role in ensuring their employees experience safe travels while commuting. By proactively addressing the challenges and risks associated with commuting, employers can keep their employees physically safe, protect their mental health and show themselves as a responsible employer. Here are some ways to create safer travel experiences for employees.

1. Flexible Working Hours

Implementing flexible working hours can make employees feel significantly safer during commutes. By allowing employees to schedule their work hours to avoid peak commuting times or travel during daylight hours, employers reduce their exposure to unsafe conditions and allow employees to tailor their commuting times to support a healthier work-life balance.

2. Safe Travel Policies

Clear and comprehensive safe travel policies are essential for ensuring employee wellbeing during work-related journeys. These policies outline guidelines and procedures to mitigate potential risks. For example, providing guidance on using public transportation safely and encouraging employees to travel in pairs or groups when necessary. By establishing and communicating these policies effectively, employers demonstrate their commitment to protecting their employees and open a culture of communicating about these risks.

3. Safety Training

Employers can enhance their employees’ sense of security by implementing comprehensive safety training. Educating employees on personal safety measures and self-defence techniques can empower them during their commutes and provide a sense of peace of mind. This training can include sessions on travel safety, guides on best practices, and access to digital tools that assist them throughout their journey.

Providing these resources not only enhances employee safety but also fosters a culture of care and support within the organisation.

4. Arrange Secure Transportation

Employers can support employee safety by arranging secure transportation options for off-site meetings and events. Providing reliable options such as taxis or car services ensures that employees have a safe means of transportation, especially during late hours. For instance, some companies, like law firms, offer taxi services for employees working late, recognising the importance of ensuring their staff’s security during commute times.

5. Provide Personal Safety Technology

Providing employees with personal safety technology is a proactive way to enhance employee safety and security during work-related travels. Solutions like the Locate Global app offer users peace of mind by providing a discreet and easy way to access professional help 24/7.

Enterprise-level personal safety apps enable employees to access immediate assistance at the touch of a button. If needed, the emergency services can then be contacted. Additional features, such as journey monitoring, provide real-time support and additional reassurance for employees who feel unsafe on any journeys, inside or outside of work.

By integrating personal safety technologies into their existing safety protocols, employers empower their employees to take control of their personal safety and wellbeing, whether they’re commuting to the office or travelling for business.

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