Employees want their boss to do more in the way of providing an eco-friendly, economical commute. Two thirds (66 percent) of employers do not offer any schemes to improve the commute of their staff. From Peter Ames, Head of Strategy at Office Genie.
Of the workers who do not have access to a scheme, a huge majority (83 percent) would make use of at least one provision. In an Office Genie survey of 1,500 British employees, it was discovered the happiest commute is on foot. Of those that walk to work, 88 percent say they are either ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ with their commute.
Respondents praised the fact it’s eco-friendly (28 percent) and economical (28 percent) – but the key benefits, were having time to think (54 percent) and ‘free’ exercise (46 percent).
Cycling to work proved a similar story, with more than three quarters (76 percent) of cyclists stating they are ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ with their method of travelling. The economical and eco-friendly nature of this commuting style proved particularly important, with 42 percent and 38 percent respectively citing these factors as a main draw.
The survey found a quarter of workers would happily take up a cycle-to-work scheme if one was in place – and that there is a call for workplaces to ensure bike racks are available. The survey also found bosses should consider employee wellness when thinking about how their staff get to work; in addition to the impact on the environment and the purse strings.
More than half (54 percent ) of employees think a bad morning commute impacts their mental wellbeing; while 42 percent think it negatively affects their work/life balance. With the recent publication of Office Genie’s Workplace Happiness Report and the discovery that support is lacking in key areas in Britain’s workplaces, it is clear the commute should be a key factor considered when attempting to improve workers’ happiness and wellbeing.
But of course not everyone can eco commute. After paid-for travel expenses (50 percent), car shares are the most desired scheme (31 percent) – more popular, in fact, than a company car (30 percent). Reimbursed discount cards for public transport are also high up on the list of ways in which employers could help unhappy commuters (26 percent).
“It can be easy to overlook the simplest of staff needs; especially for smaller companies, who may not have a dedicated HR department. But this research shows how thinking outside of the office walls can make a big difference to happiness. Travel schemes can actually be very cheap and easy to implement, and once in place can boost staff wellness and, as a consequence, productivity.
“A flexible approach to working hours can also go a long way. Missing a train or being stuck in a traffic jam is much more bearable if you’re not worrying about being late for a strict nine o’clock start. We often forget about the impact our commute has on our working lives and when employers can soften commuting woes and improve workplace happiness and wellbeing while doing so, they should.”
