As workers return to the office, new study shows how commuting over 5 hours a week is revealed to have negative effects on mental and physical health

As workers return to the office, new study shows how commuting over 5 hours a week is revealed to have negative effects on mental and physical health

This comes as research states that 1-in-5 Britons pin their commutes as one of the largest strains to their wellbeing

 
37% of Brits avoid jobs where majority office working is a requirement because they hate commuting into the city 
48% of Brits say their mental health has dramatically improved since they started cycling or walking for a regular period of time 
24% of Brits say that travelling to the closest train/tube station takes up nearly half of their commuting time
18% of Brits say that by the time they get into work they are so exhausted from their commute that it affects their productivity  

Oliver Montague, CEO and founder of leading e-bike engineers, Swytch Technology, discusses the benefits of cycling and walking to work 

A new Swedish study has found that people who worked greater than 40 hours and commuted more than five hours each week were more likely to be physically inactive and experience sleep problems, compared with those who commute one-to-five hours a week.  As firms look to incentivise employees to return to the office, commuting is once again at the forefront of national discourse – with the volume of commuting returning to pre-pandemic levels. A new study from leading e-bike engineers, Swytch Technology, has revealed that 1-in-5 Brits pin their commutes as one of the largest strains to their wellbeing. With studies showing that walking has increased by 22% post-pandemic, it is clear that Brits are looking to re-frame their journey to work with more active alternatives. 

The new study adds to a stack of pre-pandemic research showing that apart from being one of people’s most loathed activities, a lengthy commute is associated with a host of negative health outcomes – from worse cardiac health to poorer performance on memory and cognitive tests. For those that make the transition to active commuting, research suggests the physical and mental health benefits are enormous. Statistics Canada has found that 66% of people who cycle or walk to work are ‘very satisfied’ with their commutes, compared to 32% who commute by car and the 25% who commute by public transit. To further this, Swytch’s study found that 48% of Brits say that their mental health has dramatically improved since they started cycling or walking. 

No doubt, Britain inhabits a car culture– with studies finding that although a significant number of people would happily cycle for shorter trips, a lack of safe local infrastructure for cycling puts them off. With research from Swytch unveiling that 18% of Brits find the strain of their commute affecting their productivity at work, it should be a call to action for not only workers to reclaim their commutes, but for councils to ensure that proper infrastructure is put in place so we can get the most out of our travel. 

Oliver Montague, CEO of Swytch Technology, comments on the benefits of cycling to reduce commuting stress:

“The impact commuting is having on our mental health is worrying. Over the past year we’ve had stressors on our journeys such as rail strikes, and most recently – a hike in TfL prices amidst a historic cost-of-living crisis, which have fuelled our apprehension towards public transport. Now, as workers are being incentivised to return to the office, our data reveals a shift in the way people perceive commuting and the need for Brits to adapt alternative modes of commuting such as cycling.

“It’s important to realise that cycling is not only reserved for the fit and active few that live close to their offices – with e-bikes making cycling a less strenuous activity, riding to work can become a breezy and enjoyable part of your day and accessible to all. Not only is this a cost-effective way to travel, but our research has further emphasised the mental health benefits of transitioning to an active commute.”