Although we’re all keen to get back to a bit of normality, two years of working from the comfort and safety of our own home has become routine. No more running for the train, queuing in rush hour traffic or awkward conversations around the water cooler!
So we decided to find out how people REALLY feel about returning to work. We asked UK workers how they felt about commuting, their working hours, and the effect it will have on them and their work performance. The results were pretty interesting.
Fifty percent of UK workers will choose to avoid buses, trains and trams when they return to working in offices post-covid. The research found that half of workers expressed concern about using public transport, with 50 percent admitting they won’t use buses, trains and trams when they return to work. Instead, many would choose to drive themselves in, despite spiralling petrol costs and the planned extension of ultra low emission zones in many cities.
Generation Z were the most worried, with 57 percent of 18-34 year olds stating that they would not be using public transport. Northern Ireland was the country with the highest level of concern, with a whopping 62 percent admitting they will avoid commuting by public transport. The three cities with the highest percentage of people refusing to commute by train, bus and tram were:
- Norwich (61%)
- Cardiff (59%)
- London (53%)
This is despite the fact that many of those surveyed expressed concerns about whether spikes in fuel costs will even allow them to afford driving to work. The research showed that 45 percent admitted they will struggle to afford to run their cars, with the 18-34 year olds most affected, as 55 percent stated they would not be able to afford costs.
The research also looked at how returning to the office will affect working habits – with more than a third of 18-34 year olds admitting that they would only take a job that allowed them to permanently work from home.
Other startling statistics include:
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- A third of workers believe returning to the office will negatively impact their work performance, rising to 40% of 18-34 year olds.
- 55% of Londoners think that having to commute again will affect their work performance.
- Close to a third admit they will work shorter hours once they return to the office, rising to 38% of 18-34 year olds and 45% of Londoners
- More than a third of all UK workers are anxious about returning to work, rising to 43% in the 18-34 year old group.
- West Midlands and London are the most anxious areas (47% and 52% respectively).
- Founder of ChooseMyCar.com, Nick Zapolski, said the stats show how worried many people are about returning to normality after nearly two years of working from home or hybrid working.“Our research paints a picture of a nation who is truly anxious about what returning to work will look like. Commuting has always been a stressful part of the day, but post-covid it’s becoming a real issue.“Choosing your own personal space while commuting is totally understandable in the wake of a global pandemic, but with the current fuel situation, I’m not sure how achievable that will be for many of us. Especially when you add in congestion zone charges and ULEZ costs.
“Mental health is more important than ever, so perhaps a full return to office work needs to be reconsidered where possible. Hybrid working can be better for employees, employers, and the environment. It’s certainly something we should all be considering.”
How do you feel about returning to work? We’d love to hear from you.
