Long Commute, the Rise of Hybrid Work & Travel Tips

People are now willing to accept a long commute or even an extreme one in exchange for a lower housing cost and a more desirable living space.

With hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, employees now have the opportunity to live further from the office. This shift also leads people to reconsider their acceptable commuting distances.

In this post, we’ll have a look at the commuting trend over the past few years and the commuting future. We also weigh the pros and cons of long commutes to help you better decide if it is right for you. There are also practical strategies to help you thrive in a world of commuters. So stay tuned.

What Is A Long Commute?

Long commutes typically exceeds 60 minutes each way.

What do you mean by commute? Commuting is the round trip between home and work. According to the latest data, the average commuting time in the US is around 30 minutes. Long commutes are journeys lasting an hour or longer one way, and that means 2 hours on any given day. It might take extra time if there’s an accident or unfavourable weather. 

Or let's put it another way. What is the meaning of long distance commuting, mileage-wise? Long-distance commutes refer to journeys that involve 50 miles or more.  Travel time for 50 miles can skew drastically, from 1 to 3 hours, largely depending on road conditions. There are also commuters at the end of the spectrum, super/mega commuters, who cover +75 miles one way for their jobs. 

Why Do So Many People Have Long Commutes?

People are driving longer distances to make money, and there are many reasons for this.

When COVID-19 hit, urban centres lost their appeal due to office closures and lockdowns. Housing prices also skyrocketed after the start of the pandemic, which drove many workers towards the suburbs for cheaper homes and lower living costs. The accelerated shift to remote work during this crisis also helped fuel this transition. 

Now, business owners are enforcing stricter return-to-office policies, post-pandemic. Those who have relocated to the suburbs will have to go back to the office with this policy. However, we can see that hybrid working patterns are still the way to go, at least in the near future, for employers.

Although workers will have to drive longer distances, hybrid working arrangements reduce the frequency of commuting. Many people now only need to commute for 1-3 days and work from home for the rest of the week.

Commuting Trends

Find out how people are coming to work.

The commuting landscape in the US and UK is undergoing a significant transformation. Here are the latest trends shaping the way people travel to work these days.

Commuting Trends In The UK 

According to Statista.com, 30% of UK commuters spend at least 30 minutes commuting to work, while 6% reach their workplace in 1-2 hours. Trainline's findings also reveal a rise in super commuters in the UK, who travel 90 minutes or longer one way for work, after the pandemic. 

London is the dominant hub for supercommuting (27% of surveyed commuters), while Birmingham, Manchester, and Nottingham, also draw a notable percentage of long-distance commuters. In other words, extended commuting can be considered as a nationwide trend.

Is commuting the same as travelling? It would be a solid “No” for those moving short distances. For long commuters, however, it’s not surprising that many feel their ride is more like business travel than a typical commute. You’re hopping from the fringes of a metropolis to its centre or even from one city to another. And with fewer frequencies, it feels less like your daily grind. 

The good news is that not all people dread their extended travels. With hybrid working, over 90% of surveyed UK commuters find it vital to maintain strong bonds with their coworkers or clients. That means certain days they have to be present at the office for face-to-face interaction.

Commuting Trends In The US

New York has the longest commute time in the US. Photo by william87 - stock.adobe.com

Americans spend more time commuting to work than ever. According to statistics, in the period 2023-2024, people spend an average of half an hour or less commuting to and from work. Residents of New York State experience the longest commute in the US, up to 33 minutes each way. 

According to Gusto, the average commute distance has seen a rise, with Americans commuting 27 miles to get to their office in 2023. This is an increase from 10 miles in 2019. 

There’s also an explosive growth of long-distance commuters across large urban areas in the US. Washington D.C. has seen a 100% increase in super commuters, whereas New York City's has grown by 89%, Phoenix's by 57%, and Dallas's by 29%.

Longer commutes are more palatable, if we look on the bright side, according to many Americans. They feel that they can tolerate more than 60 miles of drive to work if they’re only required to go three times a week at max, instead of five as the old standard.

Rise of Hybrid Work And Its Impact On Long-Distance Commuting

Hybrid work is now on the rise. The CIPD's latest study shows hybrid work makes employees more motivated and engaged, which leads them to be happier with their job, more productive and have a better work-life balance. With hybrid here to stay, the demand for daily, short commuting will be lower. Instead, people might commute only a few days per week. 

This can lead to an increase in long-distance commutes for those who choose to reside in more rural or suburban areas. We'll have super busy office days, or called "peak days," with concentrated long commuters, and then other chiller days, with less travelling and traffic jams. 

Hybrid work is creating more super commuters, those who travel at least 90 minutes to work. Managers and knowledge professionals frequently endure the longest commutes, with many even travelling over 180 miles by plane to reach their offices.

Common Means of Commuting

Tube is a typical means of commuting in London.

Cars still dominate commutes in both the US and UK. This is the means of transport for over 70% of American commuters and over 60% of Great Britain citizens. Carpooling is also increasingly more common, with almost 9 percent of all commuters in the US, and 15% in the UK.

Commuting in the UK in general is more sustainable, with higher numbers of commuters who travel on foot and use public transport like light rail, underground and national rail. Public transit and walking, however, are still less preferred in the US. Among Americans travelling by public transit, nearly half rely on the bus to reach their workplaces.

The Challenges of a Long Commute

Time Constraints

If you're constantly on a long commute, you're probably feeling pressed for time. And if this pressure gradually builds up, your stress levels will go up. It's a cruel irony: commuters seek exercise to relieve stress, yet the very commutes that cause the stress steal the time needed for that exercise, further taking away their happiness.

Physical Strain

Commuting alone, whether it’s driving or riding a train, is already taxing. Even worse, the sedentary nature of an extended commute has taken a toll on the commuters. Drivers with long commutes are likely to suffer from cardiovascular problems and gain weight. This is worsened by the fact that, after an exhausting workday and commute, people are too drained for the gym or self-care. And this creates a vicious cycle that hurts their health and well-being in the long term.

Higher Transportation Costs

Not all companies offer travel stipends. For those who pay for their own commuting expenses, there should be a greater burden for the longer distances they commute. A 2-hour round-trip is way more expensive than a 20-minute one. Think about fuel costs, transit passes, and, for extreme commuters, expensive airfares that they book at the last minute. 

Mental Impact

According to several studies, the longer your commute, the larger the impact on your mental health. This is especially true for those who drive to work, as they constantly have to keep an eye out for traffic jams, road rage, construction or whatever thrown on their way. 

Mental health also suffers as long commuting depletes your personal time - time that would be otherwise spent on hobbies, sleep, or family bonding. Mental impact can be less if you don’t have to be behind the wheel; for example, when you’re commuting by public transport or sharing a ride. Of course, there are unavoidable delays, but it’s only a minor trade-off.   

Families and Relationships Might Suffer

Long commutes can strain family relationships. This is especially true for those with school-age children and spouses to care for. A German study in 2016 has shown that father’s extended commutings has a negative impact on children’s behaviour and emotions.   

Unpredictable Conditions

For any long-distance commuter, there's always a battle against unpredictability, like weather, traffic, and transit delays, that can disrupt their business plans and work-life balance. 

How To Survive A Long Commute

How to cope with a long commute? Fortunately, there are many ways to manage your commute and even better, to turn it into an opportunity for relaxation before/after work.

Optimising Time

The best advice for long commuters is to leave for work early. Let’s make it a routine to leave 15 minutes earlier than usual. If you're stuck in traffic, you'll spend your commute worrying about being late for work. You're stressing your mind by putting it into a constant state of anxiety. You're basically draining your energy before you even get to the office.

To leave earlier the next morning, pack your essentials the night before to prevent any holds up. A trusty backpack can be your instant commute upgrade for this task. All you need to do is cross off all the items on your checklist for surviving long commutes. For many people, they usually mean: Headphones, a charger, a book, and snacks.

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Make your daily commute a breeze with CABINZERO backpacks. Our backpacks feature spacious main compartments, smart organisation, and lightweight construction, and they are designed with modern commuters in mind. Whether you're cycling, taking public transit, or carpooling, keep your tech and essentials organised, wherever you go.

Staying Comfortable

The key to an enjoyable drive to work is a comfortable environment when you’re in traffic. Adjust every detail like seat angle, temperature, and cup holder placement. Set the right mood by turning on your favourite music. Instead of being frustrated by the traffic, direct your attention to what matters more in your life. You can try hands-free calls or a killer podcast.

Listen To Podcasts & Audio Books

If you spend the most part of your workday in front of the screen, then try to minimise screen time when transit. You can try to listen to podcasts or audiobooks instead. They are both entertaining and educational to pass the time. 

Choose industry podcasts to stay updated about the latest trends. If that’s not your cup of tea, try something that suits your hobbies or interests. Or simply those shows that match your moods. Need some recommendations? Then, try Business Movers, Rework: A Podcast by Basecamp, or Pivot.

Health and Well-Being

Eating nourishing food, getting some exercise, and investing in quality sleep make a huge difference. Think that long commutes can make all of these less doable? You can always find opportunities to do some workouts on your way to work. For example, get off your train a few stops early so you can walk or cycle the rest of the way. 

Make Your Commute A Transition between Life and Work

Use your commute to mentally prep for work and then switch gears for home on the way back. This will help you feel less stressed on extended rides, as well as have a better work-life balance.

Join A Carpool or Switch To Public Transport

Driving is the most common means of commuting, and also the most stressful. If you have the choice between driving your own car and riding a train, for example, you can avoid stress, feel less frustrated (over the traffic jam) and even feel more productive by choosing the latter.

When your commute becomes more social, you'll be more likely to start your day on the right foot. Try carpooling with your coworker who lives near you. Your morning will be more pleasant when you have a conversation with someone. It also helps you share the driving burden as well as the fuel cost.

Practice Medication

You can make your commute your personal time for some quiet reflection or meditation. Some of our editors always pack noise-cancelling headphones on their backpacks, so they can practice their guided meditation on their train rides. You can also practice breathing exercises or journalling - they’re all useful mindfulness practices. 

Pack Snacks And Water

Don’t underestimate the quick pick-me-up in the morning, especially when you skip breakfast at home. Energised and protein-loaded snacks help power you through the traffic jams and arrive full of energy at the office. If you bring your own coffee and food, there's also no need to stop at a drive-through.

How Can Employers Mitigate The Ill Effects Of Long Commuting?

Flexible Working Hours

9 to 5 seems like a thing of the past post-pandemic. Companies are now exploring other options like flexible working arrangements, compressed workweeks, and most commonly, hybrid work. Adopting technologies and remote collaboration can also reduce the need for in-person meetings. All of this will give commuters more flexibility. In addition, they won’t have to regularly rush through the peak hours in the central city like they used to do.

Introduce Wellness Initiatives

Programs such as stress management counselling or fitness centres on the site can help promote commuters' physical and mental health. Your employees won’t have to travel any extra mileage to work out, and this further fosters a greater sense of community among colleagues as well. 

Cover Travel Expenses

Although it doesn't shorten commutes, covering employees' travel expenses is a powerful way to show them your appreciation. This also somehow eases the financial burdens, which can indirectly contribute to increased job satisfaction. Consider covering the cost of train tickets or reimbursing fuel based on predetermined mileage for your staff.

Early Notification for Long Commuters

Prioritise early communication about any on-site meetings for those living far away from the office. This helps them more easily manage travel logistics, avoid the stress of time constraints, and arrive well-prepared for the job. It’s a small gesture that your staff will highly appreciate.

Set Yourself Up For Success As A Commuter

For those of us juggling big workloads and long commutes, even a small change can make a big impact. Commuting isn't necessarily wasted time. You can use it for personal growth, a moment of mindfulness, or relaxing. With some small twists, you can transform a long commute into a valuable part of your routine that you will look forward to.

KELSEY