According to the latest research, the widespread adoption of hybrid working has led to a boom in active commuting – where workers combine their commute with physical exercise – resulting in improved wellness, productivity, and job satisfaction.
The increased use of local flexible workspaces by hybrid workers has been pivotal to this shift. Data reveals that 62% of commutes to local workspaces are now mostly or entirely active, a 38% increase compared to city centre offices.
This follows recent census data which revealed that those who walked or cycled to work face a lower risk of mental or physical ill health, lowering their risk of admission to hospital for any illness by 10-11%.
The study, conducted by International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s leading provider of hybrid working solutions with brands including Regus and Spaces, more than 1,000 hybrid workers, found that walking (88%), cycling (34%), and running (28%) were the most common forms of active commuting, with workers travelling on average 324 km via walking, 366 km via running, and 418 km on bike to a local workspace annually.
The research also revealed some novel forms of active transport to work, including; scooters (7%), skateboards (6%), and rollerblades (4%), as workers cut long daily commutes by train or car and take advantage of workspaces closer to where they live.
Older workers, aged between 55 and 64 reported a 109% increase in active commuting when travelling to a local workspace instead of a central office.
The survey found that 67% of respondents are more likely to incorporate physical activity into their commute when travelling to a local workspace instead of a city centre location, while 79% have reported improvements to their physical health. The most popular form of exercise for this “silver stroller” generation is walking, with workers aged 55-64 travelling an additional 259 km a year on foot by active commuting.
Beyond the physical health benefits for all generations, active commuting to local workspaces has improved mental wellbeing, productivity and work/life balance. Of those who actively commute (82%) said that incorporating exercise into their commute improved their mental health, with 60% reporting increased productivity at work. Further data found that 75% of workers experienced a dramatic reduction in burnout symptoms, after transitioning to a hybrid model.
The improvements to work/life balance resulted in 85% of hybrid workers saying they are more satisfied in their jobs and 75% reporting higher levels of motivation.
Nearly three in five (59%) of workers want their employers to provide access to local workspaces, so they can exercise more – 75% say they are more likely to incorporate physical activity into their commute when using a local workspace.
Recent research among more than 500 UK CEOs found that 75% said that returning their employees to a central office five days a week isn’t a business priority, and 65% said they would lose talent if they insisted on their employees being present in a central office every day.
IWG locations in rural, suburban, and commuter areas have seen a surge in foot traffic since the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. Towns like Uxbridge (up 1839%), High Wycombe (up 1412%) and Maidenhead (up 1186%) experienced significant growth in footfall between June and August compared to the same period in 2021, when Covid-19 restrictions were in place.
To help meet this demand, IWG has opened more than 300 new locations in the first half of 2024, with the majority in rural, suburban and commuter areas closer to where workers live.
Mark Dixon, International Workplace Group CEO said: “The growing use of workspaces closer to where employees live, allowing them to reduce long daily commutes, is contributing to major improvements in worker’s physical and mental wellbeing. This research demonstrates that hybrid working is a win/win for everyone. Business leaders are seeing substantial productivity and financial gains, while employees enjoy a better work/life balance and higher job satisfaction.”
