Could the Age of the Commute Be Running Out of Gas?
Three years ago, I was locked in a daily commuting nightmare. I’d get the early train and then the London Underground to my place of work and due to the time I’d have to get that train – with a season ticket costing nearly double my mortgage – the only way I would get a seat for the hour-long train journey was if I stood at a very specific location on a cracked paving slab right down the far end of the platform because this is where the doors would routinely open. It took me three days to watch the train coming in and learn that one fact because the battle for a seat (on a line where seats could not be reserved in advance) was so horrendous those first few days after getting the job that I had no choice but to try and outsmart the other passengers.
Why am I telling you this? Because CX Today published a story that revealed a quarter of workers feared returning to the office would negatively impact their mental health. Though, for balance, 22% said it would have a positive effect on their mental health.
The research was published by the leading provider of digital coaching Ezra. It’s founder, of Ezra, Nick Goldberg, said: “Despite lockdown forcing a drastically different way of life upon us, the silver lining for many has been more time spent at home with loved ones and a far better work-life balance.
“For some, this means that working from home has actually been beneficial for our mental health and it comes as no surprise that replacing this family time with commuting and the pressures of the workplace are the biggest concerns about returning to the physical workplace.
“However, we’re all dealing with the current landscape differently and it’s clear that remote working doesn’t work for everyone. While it certainly feels like we’ve been under some form of lockdown restrictions forever, there’s also no real indication as to how remote working could impact us on an ongoing, long-term basis.
As we move forward, it’s important that businesses consider how they adapt to meet the needs of all their employees and this will no doubt take the form of a hybrid workplace, allowing for some flexibility on working from home, but also maintaining the physical workplace on a full-time basis for those that need it.”
Other factors triggering their concerns were spending less time with family (25%), the commute (22%) and catching COVID-19 from a colleague (14%).
Other factors were workplace pressures such as maintaining appearance (13%), time management (11%) and returning to a social environment (11%).
I’m in two minds about remote working. While it’s fantastic opportunity, it is important to feel connected to colleagues and the real world, which is why regular breaks and exercise is key.
And while many companies have safety measures in place to protect their workers from COVID-19 outbreaks, it very much depends on what model of working is best for whichever company.
Google has announced they’re working towards a hybrid model while HSBC is largely for remote working. What is comforting to see is the array of options being offered to employees, with a focus on EX as well as CX. Besides, a business or brand cannot be successful without happy employees.
