Long commutes ‘cost a week’s worth of productivity’

Physical and mental wellbeing can be affected, survey finds

Long commutes are causing poor health and productivity outcomes for Britain’s employees, according to research from Britain’s Healthiest Workplace. The study of 34,000 workers found employees commuting less than half an hour gain an additional seven days’ worth of productive time each year compared to those with commutes of 60 minutes or more. Longer-commuting workers are 33% more likely to suffer from depression, 37% more likely to have financial concerns and 12% more likely to report multiple dimensions of work-related stress. They are also 46% more likely to get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep each night and 21% more likely to be obese. The study found flexible working has a positive impact on employees’ physical and mental health and their productivity. Excerpt from Health Insurance Daily, read the full article here.