New research, conducted by Kura - a transport management specialist - has revealed that commuters are reluctant to return to the office in the coming months, due to concerns over control of infection when the number of commuters increase.
The survey, conducted on 2,000 UK workers, found that 19.1 per cent plan to never commute again. Regional variations were found, ranging from 10.8 per cent in London to 29.1 per cent in Wales.
Only 42 per cent pf employees plan to work in the office five days a week - and only 39 per cent of workers plan to return to the office despite many companies stating that they are moving towards a permanent hybrid working basis after all restrictions are released.
Nearly 60 per cent of workers across the UK admitted that they are reluctant to commute after the pandemic and this applies mostly to the senior workforce - with 98 per cent of board-level; 85 per cent of directors and 77 per cent of managers holding the biggest concerns over the future of commuter travelling.
The research found that the Covid-held worries are mainly concerning infection control and social distancing whilst commuting - held by 36 per cent of UK workers around the country, with that percentage increasing to 54.4 per cent in the London area.
Despite there being a call for help - particularly from 70 per cent of graduates and 73 per cent of executives - commuting is not a priority for most businesses, with only 16.4 per cent of companies expressing a desire to monitor or support their employees in the future.
Godfrey Ryan - CEO of Kura - stated:
“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 per cent 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.”
