A new research surveyed 2,000 UK workers and found that over two in five (43 per cent) think their commutes negatively impact their stress levels.
This increases to a staggering 73 per cent among 25-34 year olds. Despite this, the age group is the most prepared to travel long distances for work, with over three quarters (77 per cent) willing to commute longer for better jobs, compared to the national average of 56 per cent. However, the biggest motivation for long commutes is the desire to live in a better home. Nearly three in five (59 per cent) working Brits say that they’d be happy to put up with lengthier journeys if it meant that they could live in a nicer property. Again, 25-34 year olds are the most willing to make the sacrifice, with 81 per cent ready to accept longer commutes for such a reason.
The research also revealed the specific property features which Brits are prepared to commute furthest in order to have. It appears that size is a major temptation, with larger living spaces, bedrooms and gardens all persuading workers to travel further. But top of the wishlist is a bit of peace and quiet, with open countryside the feature that Brits are prepared to commute the furthest to have.
The top 10 property features which Brits would be willing to extend their commutes for are:
Open countryside; Larger living spaces; Acres of lands; Larger kitchen; Bigger bedrooms; Bigger garden; Extra bedroom; Garage; Office; Annexe
Ross Counsell, director at Good Move, said,
Everyone has an idea of their dream home, or even a dream job, but it was interesting to see how far we are willing to go in order to make such aspirations a reality.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the average UK worker commutes for nearly two hours every day and our research has explored the reasons why so many are putting themselves through it. The younger generations are prepared to commute the furthest to reach their property and career goals, but it is so important that they still get a good work-life balance and don’t sacrifice their mental health.
Simon Alexander Ong, Life Coach and Business Strategist, has given his top five tips on how to deal with the stress of commuting. He says,
If driving, sing along to your favourite tunes! Singing has been proven to lower stress and be a natural anti-depressant; Get sufficient sleep. Having little sleep and being low on energy can easily make the commute more stressful; Use the commute time to plan ahead or reflect on your day. Self-reflection can bring a sense of calmness and joy; Unplug from your devices. Integrate walking as part of your journey to/from work, being mindful of and present to your surroundings; If using public transport, close your eyes, focus on your breathing and begin to visualise your day unfolding on your way to work. Reflect on how you will know that it is has been a productive day – when we are clear on our priorities, we are more decisive and productive.
*from Good Move
Interested in wellbeing? We recommend the Workplace Wellbeing and Stress Forum 2019 and Mental Health Awareness training day.
Aphrodite is a creative writer and editor specialising in publishing and communications. She is passionate about undertaking projects in diverse sectors. She has written and edited copy for media as varied as social enterprise, art, fashion and education. She is at her most happy owning a project from its very conception, focusing on the client and project research in the first instance, and working closely with CEOs and Directors throughout the consultation process. Much of her work has focused on rebranding; messaging and tone of voice is one of her expertise, as is a distinctively unique writing style in my most of her creative projects. Her work is always driven by the versatility of language to galvanise image and to change perception, as it is by inspiring and being inspired by the wondrous diversity of people with whom paths she crosses cross!
Aphrodite has had a variety of high profile industry clients as a freelancer, and previously worked for a number of years as an Editor and Journalist for Prospects.ac.uk.
Aphrodite is also a professional painter.
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