Freelance

Author Bio ▼

Jamie Hailstone is a freelance journalist and author, who has also contributed to numerous national business titles including Utility Week, the Municipal Journal, Environment Journal and consumer titles such as Classic Rock.
August 14, 2018

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Stress

Daily commute stresses one in four workers

A quarter of people who drive or take public transport to work say their journey makes them stressed, according to a new survey.

tube-train

The survey, which was commissioned by the social enterprise free2cycle, to coincide with Cycle to Work Day (15 August), found 26% of people who travel to work by car, motorbike or public transport feel stressed by their commute, compared to just 9% of those who walk or cycle.

The survey also found nearly one in five (18%) Brits who commute by driving or public transport say their journey makes them miserable.

And one in ten (10%) people who travel to work this way say they are less productive as a result.

More than two thirds (67%) of people believe their employer could make allowances to enable a more active commute such as introducing flexible starting times, access to changing facilities and incentives for equipment such as cycle to work schemes.

However, only 8% of people said their employers have any allowances in place.

“Our research shows that those who choose a more active journey feel less stressed by their trip to work and, more productive than other commuters. This is because we’re more productive when we’re fitter,” said Free2cycle Chief Executive, Eric Craig.

“We’re also more well in ourselves; which in turn reduces the likelihood of sick days. Making our commute part of a regular exercise routine can make us happier, smarter and more energetic, whilst also being good for mental health,” added Mr Craig.

“Our findings cement the daily horror stories you hear about the unfit, unproductive and unwell UK workforce. An active commute is a great way to improve health, wellbeing and our environment. However, as our research shows, the nation is finding the sedentary daily commute physically and mentally straining and is crying out to for organisations to provide the facilities and initiatives to switch to a more active commute.

“This needs to change. UK businesses are responsible for leading a change in prioritising health and wellbeing of their teams, and for this to be successful, they should include considering how they get to and from work.”

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What makes us susceptible to burnout?

In this episode  of the Safety & Health Podcast, ‘Burnout, stress and being human’, Heather Beach is joined by Stacy Thomson to discuss burnout, perfectionism and how to deal with burnout as an individual, as management and as an organisation.

We provide an insight on how to tackle burnout and why mental health is such a taboo subject, particularly in the workplace.

stress


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Nigel Bown
Nigel Bown
5 years ago

I must admit if I compare how I feel between the 10 min drive to work compared to when I do the 1/2 hour walk to work the walk always makes me feel more positive, so people who do long comutes have my sympathy

Neil Hartley
Neil Hartley
5 years ago

Businesses should also look at increased work from home options. How many people are commuting to do a job they could equally do from home? This would ease stress from the commute and reduce the volume of traffic on the roads/congestion on trains.