A recent study by Eurostat has revealed that average commuting times vary across European countries, with Southern European countries such as Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, and Italy having shorter commutes compared to countries in Central and Western Europe. The study, conducted in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, found that the average one-way commuting time in the EU was 25 minutes, with Latvia having the longest commute at 33 minutes.
As the world navigates through a historic transformation of work due to the pandemic, many companies are reconsidering the advantages and drawbacks of remote work. While some employers are calling staff back to the office full-time, others are offering remote work options at least part of the week. The shift towards remote work has led to changes in commuting patterns, with some countries seeing an increase in non-commuters who do not need to travel to work.
Despite the time saved by avoiding travel during the pandemic, much of this saved time is given back to employers, according to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Research also shows a clear link between longer commute times and lower well-being, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and the impact of commuting on overall happiness.
As the situation continues to evolve, Eurostat expects that commuting patterns may change in the future. Regardless, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the impacts of commuting on individuals’ well-being and work-life balance.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com
