Research has revealed that 34 percent of UK workers would accept a pay cut if it meant a shorter commute.
The research study, conducted by BHN Extras and released ahead of Cycle to Work Day on July 3, represents a call for action from workers on an issue that directly affects wellbeing, productivity and retention.
As many people have returned to the office the bugbear that is commuting is once again a major influence on employee satisfaction. According to the research, 71 percent of workers have complaints about their current commute, ranging from time lost to financial cost and stress.
Cycling is emerging as a popular alternative, as well as a powerful opportunity for HR teams, researchers said. The data shows that 87 percent of UK workers recognise the personal benefits of cycling, with 55 percent citing improved physical health and 52 percent identifying cost savings.
There’s also a strong appetite for employer-backed support with 44 percent of employees saying they’d be encouraged to cycle if given access to an e-bike through work. More than a third (36 percent) say flexible hours would make cycling a more realistic option.
BHN said the findings indicate that employers could address commuting-related dissatisfaction without needing costly infrastructure changes – instead offering benefits such as subsidised bike access or adjusting working hours to make active travel more feasible.
