HALF OF BRITS WOULD CONSIDER CHANGING JOBS FOR A SHORTER COMMUTE
49% of people said that they would consider changing their jobs for a shorter commute
according to a survey conducted by Manpower, the leading employment services provider.
On average, those surveyed spend a staggering 360 hours, or 15 days, a year just getting
to work. The average commute to work is 16-45 minutes.
Manpower’s survey found that a significant 71% of Brits would like to work from home if
they had the option.
Jason Greaves, head of Manpower’s London business, says, "The daily commute is a fact of
life for most workers. As employers look to how they attract and hold onto the best staff,
many recognize the importance of promoting a healthy work/life balance. Staggered journey
times and working from home are ways in which the daily commute can be eased. Many workers
are trying to find local jobs in order to get a better work/life balance. This not only
means a shorter commute which allows candidates more time for their social lives but it
means happier employees and increased productivity."
If those surveyed were able to spend less time commuting, 30% said that they would take up
a new hobby, 30% said that they would spend more time with their family, 15% would choose
to spend more time in bed, and 15% would go to the gym.
The most popular mode of transport to get to work was by car, 50% of people said that was
their primary form of transport when traveling to work. Whilst 17% said that they use the
bus and 12% travel by tube.
Despite spending up to an hour a day commuting, 58% of people surveyed said that they either
arrive on time or early for work, which when taking into consideration transport problems,
suggests that employees are conscientious and willing to impress.
-Ends-
Research results
A poll of 1,343 people was conducted in October 2006.
About Manpower
Manpower is one of the largest and most innovative companies in the UK’s employment services
industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world
of work. The company provides a wide range of services including permanent, temporary and
contract recruitment, employee assessment and selection, training, outplacement, outsourcing
and consulting.
Manpower was established in the UK in 1956, and today works with organisations in both the public
and private sectors, ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises, to multi-national organisations
such as BMW, BT, Hertfordshire County Council, IBM, Royal Mail and Xerox.
The focus of Manpower’s work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency
and cost-reduction, enabling customers to concentrate on their core business. Manpower works
across all industries finding people for every level of an organisation.
Manpower Professional is the company’s specialist service providing search and selection for
accountancy and financial recruitment. It was formerly known as Nicholas Andrews (voted Recruiter
of the Year by Accountancy Age magazine in 2005).
Manpower UK has a network of over 300 offices and is a subsidiary of Manpower Inc, a worldwide
network of 4,400 offices in 72 countries and territories.
