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Research reveals big shift in employees’ commuting preferences

by Benefits Expert
19/09/2023
Commute, work travel, return to office, mandates, home working, remote working
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A new study has shed light on changing attitudes towards commuting among UK employees, with a significant drop in workers prepared to travel beyond a certain distance.

The analysis by recruitment firm Forward Role – which examined the commuting preferences of 2,660 participants and compared it with data from nine years ago – found that in 2014, a substantial 72% of workers expressed a willingness to commute more than 20 miles to their workplace. However, by 2023, this figure had declined sharply, with only 26% of participants indicating a willingness to travel beyond 20 miles.

The study also highlighted age-related differences in commuting preferences. In 2023, individuals aged 25 to 35 were found to be the least likely to consider commuting more than 40 miles for work, with less than 1% expressing such a willingness. In contrast, those over the age of 55 were more open to longer commutes, with 33% prepared to travel more than 40 miles.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest shift observed by the study was an increase in remote work options offered by employers. In 2014, only 28% of employers provided their staff with the opportunity to work from home but by 2023, the figure had surged to 79%, with 5% of respondents reporting that they worked entirely remotely. The most popular work arrangement was to work from home twice a week, chosen by 34% of participants.

Despite the growing availability of remote work options, the study also found that a majority of respondents (66%) felt pressure to work from the office more frequently than they currently did.

Commenting on the findings, Brian Johnson, managing director at Forward Role, said: “The pandemic has clearly had a lasting impact on the UK jobs market, putting flexibility and remote working right at the top of the list for both those established in the workforce and those entering it. Employers who can recognise the new landscape have a chance to capitalise on it – but only if they’re willing to compromise.”

According to Johnson, the “resounding message” from the data is that “being stuck in an office five days a week is simply an outdated mentality”. He added: “These findings put innovative, agile young brands at a major advantage that wouldn’t have been possible ten years ago, which is really exciting.”

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The podcast from Benefits Expert, the title for HR, reward and benefits professionals.

Seasoned professionals examine the challenges and innovations in today’s employee benefits, reward and HR sector. Every episode, they will unbox a key issue and unpack what it really means for employers and how they can tackle it.

The regulars are Claire Churchard, editor of Benefits Expert; Carole Goldsmith, HR director at the Royal Horticultural Society, and Steve Herbert, consultant and rewards & benefits veteran.

Benefits Unboxed – Hybrid work: reality versus rhetoric
byBenefits Expert from Definite Article Media

Return-to-office mandates are a topic that’s generating plenty of heat in the media, but how closely do the headlines match workplace reality? 

In this episode, one of a three-part series of 10-minute podcasts, hosts Claire Churchard and Steve Herbert discuss data that shows remote or home working is on the rise.

We look at what this means for HR, from balancing employee flexibility with business needs, to ensuring benefits packages remain fair and accessible. We discuss the pinch points, and the opportunities, in building the new normal of work.

Benefits Unboxed – Hybrid work: reality versus rhetoric
Benefits Unboxed – Hybrid work: reality versus rhetoric
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Benefits Expert from Definite Article Media
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