Cost and duration of commuting: Is the hybrid model the answer?

Today, as everyone tries to adapt to the "new normal," the public is still divided on this issue. There are just as many who detest going back to the office as there are those who can hardly wait to sit in their usual office again. The only solution that would make everyone happy is the so-called hybrid model, in which employees work from home for a certain number of days and in the office for the rest.

The average commute time to work is longer than ever before

While companies praise office presence for increased productivity and a sense of community, employees face longer commute times. Many are not only demanding flexible working models, but are also advocating for reimbursement of rising travel expenses.

The cost of commuting is often reduced to pure finances, but anyone who has to sit in a car or on a bus will tell you that it's less about money than it is about time. According to a study, traffic jams are getting longer and longer. The hours add up quickly over the year:

• A Geneva resident spends 91 hours in addition to his normal commute.
• Those who live in Zurich must allow for an additional 88 hours.
• Munich residents spend 74 hours longer in traffic jams.
• A Berliner spends 71 hours in addition to his/her regular commute time.
• Those living in Vienna spend 57 additional hours commuting to and from work.

However, none of this is as shocking as the statistics for London. Londoners have to add an additional 148 hours to their average commute time. The Big Smoke shows no mercy!

Psychological well-being and the consequences of commuting to work

Long journeys not only affect financial but also psychological well-being. The time spent commuting to work is often perceived as wasted time. Therefore, many people experience:

• Stress;
• fears;
• Lower job satisfaction;
• Frustration;
• Disturbance of the delicate balance between work and private life;
• Depression.

However, it is important to consider the other side of the coin: some psychologists argue that for a significant group of people, the journey to and from work is the only time they do not take on social roles. In other words, the cost and duration of commuting to work are worth it because it allows us to be ourselves, even if it is only for an hour a day.

Is the hybrid model the future?

Many companies are still struggling to convince their employees to return to their cubicles, but others are having success with the introduction of the hybrid model . One of the biggest buzzwords in recent years has been flexible working hours, where employees can freely organize their working hours as long as they spend a certain amount of time in the office. Depending on the company, this may be one day, two days, or another number agreed upon by both parties.

Advantages of the hybrid model

The hybrid model is already the next big thing in the business world, and when you look at all its advantages, it's easy to see why:

• It offers employees great flexibility as they can better manage their time in and out of the office, leading to a better work-life balance.
• Significantly lower costs of commuting, both in terms of time and money, as well as mental health.
• Occasional meetings of all employees in the office can improve their relationships and the company culture.
• Lower operating costs for companies.
• Higher employee retention.
• Positive impact on the environment.
  

However, not everyone is happy with the new hybrid model. Critics point to organizational difficulties, a lack of efficient coordination, and unprecedented challenges in teamwork. Less recognition, fewer growth opportunities and unclear expectations are also frequently cited.

Despite all this, the disadvantages are obviously less widespread, and most problems can be solved by using advanced software such as Flexopus . Hybrid working models allow offices to rent smaller spaces because employees are never in the office at the same time. The answer to fewer desks in the office is: Desksharing. Our desk sharing software Flexopus adapts seamlessly to the needs of large and small companies and helps them organize their workspaces as effectively as possible. Booking desks, meeting rooms and parking for the days you are in the office has never been easier!

Is the hybrid model a long-term success?

According to recent surveys, the hybrid model will prevail because it offers the best of both worlds. Even though some companies are still hesitant to introduce it, the hybrid model is being wholeheartedly embraced by employees. It is important to remember that every employee has an individual idea of what this means. The challenge is to find a balanced solution that addresses the needs and vulnerabilities of each individual – a task that can be just as demanding as a full return to the office.

If you wish for our team's expertise in successfully implementing hybrid work models in your office, do not hesitate to contact us! Commuting was an integral part of adult life for decades, but that changed in 2020 when everyone was forced to adapt to new business practices, including working from home. While some were happy about the reduction in commuting costs, others wondered what impact the restrictions would have on our social lives.