The commute to work is often one of life’s most tedious tasks. Traffic jams, cancelled trains and delayed buses – these are just some of the issues that workers face throughout the year. 

It’s not surprising that a recent scientific study by Stanford Calming Technology Lab highlighted that those who had an active commute – such as walking or cycling – had a higher level of wellbeing than those who relied on machines. With the return of Bike Week this week, Busy Bees Benefits asks whether now is the perfect time to change your commute to work. The employee benefits firm is championing the annual Bike Week event, in a drive to boost take up in its Government backed Cycle to Work scheme.

This year’s Bike Week focuses on encouraging people to use their bikes to cycle to work. So if you’re not looking forward to competing for road space with bike users, the only way to beat them is to join them! With the research presented by Stanford Calming Technology Lab earlier this year, you might begin to wonder why so many of us are still not taking an active approach to our commute to work. The answer to this is simple – it is believed that many of us don’t cycle to work due to two main reasons – cost and time.

For many workers on a lower income, spending money on a new bike might be out of the question if they are already funding parking, petrol or public transport expenses. However, for those whose employers offer the Cycle to Work scheme through Busy Bees Benefits, a saving of 32 – 42 percent can be made on a new bike or cycling accessories, making it even easier to join in the festivities of Bike Week. “Being healthier has a positive impact on the employee and the organisation,” commented John Woodward, CEO of Busy Bees Benefits. “Statistics prove that healthier employees are 3 times more productive than employees in poor health.

“Employees that exercise on a daily basis are more alert during work hours and they are less likely to get tired during the workday. Furthermore, absenteeism is 27 percent lower for those employees who regularly exercise. Those facts alone are enough for any employer to encourage its staff to join in Bike Week!” he concluded.