As employees across the UK are to set to embark on their return to the workplace following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, new research reveals that commuters are reluctant to return to the office in the coming months – mainly due to increased concern over infection control and social distancing on the daily commute.
According to a nationally-representative survey into 2,000 UK workers, conducted by transport management specialist Kura, nearly one fifth (19.1%) of workers plan to never commute again post pandemic, with regional variations from 10.8% in London to 29.1% in Wales.
Less than half (42%) of employees across the UK intend to work in office five days per week and, despite the ongoing commentary that companies are moving towards a permanent hybrid working model, just 39% of workers plan to return to work on a hybrid basis post pandemic.
The reluctance to return to the office stems largely from the travel to and from work, with nearly 60% of workers across the UK admitting that they hold real concerns around the commute post lockdown. This is particularly prevalent for the senior workforce, with Board-level (98%), Directors (85%) and Managers (77%) holding the biggest concerns over the future of the commute.
Kura’s research uncovered that the key root to commuters’ concerns post lockdown is infection control and lack of social distancing. Across the UK, 36% of workers hold Covid-related concerns with regard to the future of the commute, and this percentage increases to 54.4% for those employees commuting in and around London.
There is a strong cry for help with commuting from employees, particularly Graduates (70%) and Executives (73%). Despite this, the commute is not a priority for the vast majority of businesses across the UK, with just 16.4% of companies expressing desire to monitor or support employees on their commute going forward.
Kura CEO Godfrey Ryan said: “As Covid-19 restrictions lift and employees are requested to return to the workplace, there will undoubtedly be more thought and consideration when reinstating the regular commute. With increased awareness around factors such as infection control and social distancing, we will inevitably see a shift in the commuting landscape.
“For public transport commuters in particular, the perceived lack of infection control and overcrowding is hampering employers hopes of an office-based or hybrid workforce post lockdown. As these fears continue to prevent workers from wanting to return to the office, it is time for employers to step up and offer alternative travel support to their employees where necessary.
“It is reassuring to see that the commute is becoming an increasingly important consideration for businesses across London, with 30% expressing a desire to support their employees on the commute. Hopefully we will start to see other regions across the UK follow suit in the coming months, as the capital sets the precedent.”
For more information on Kura and the research findings from the Corporate Travel and Tech report, visit https://ridekura.com/request-commuting-report/
