During the epidemic, many professionals left their rural jungles for the beautiful countryside – and now, even if the cities are returning and reopening offices, they prefer to travel for hours by train (or plane) than to leave their new life outside the city.
Recent research by Trainline shows that the number of people in the UK who spend more than three hours commuting to work and back, also known as “heavy commuting” – has doubled since before the pandemic.
While the highest ridership is defined as those with commutes of 90 minutes one way, the train ticketing platform found that many spend two hours each way.
Perhaps it is not surprising that many high-commuters are not the only few lucky people to show their faces in the office once in a blue moon.
Many professionals who moved away from the office during the pandemic say they have mixed work to thank (or blame) for their new routine and to continue their secular lives.
On average, commuters come into the office three days a week and as a result, spend at least 12 hours – more than a full working day – on the train every week, just sitting at their desks.
Yet even though they had less time to enjoy their rural lifestyle than those who live closer to the office, three-quarters of high risers said they were happier because of it, and more than a third said they enjoyed a better work life.
Some agreed that the heavy travel was worth it because of the reduced cost of living abroad.
High rise is a worldwide phenomenon
High rise is not the norm in the UK. Across the pond in the States, the average working distance increased from 10 miles in 2019 to 27 miles by the end of 2023, according to research from payroll and HR firms. Taste.
According to their findings, millennials – who are typically in their thirties and under – are the most distant from their employers.
Take hairstylist Katlin Jay: The 30-year-old travels 650 miles by plane from Charlotte, NC, to New York in two weeks.
But he said New York Post that he pays less for commuting (about $1,000 a month) than he pays for rent near his Upper West Side job.
Meanwhile, even in Germany, the 32-year-old director is flying across the continent to London to work on the world’s best. However, for those who were deceived by Seb’s life, he warned Business Insider that a five-hour commute will not be sustainable in the long run.
But be warned: You may be asked to return
Although it is now clear that many companies will need their employees in the office for part of the week – and no doubt after hearing their colleagues complain about their long commute – a survey by Trainline found that more than half of city workers are looking for a high-quality commute. group.
Why? Like today’s travelers, many think it will improve their work life.
“Joining has helped transform work and travel patterns over the past few years, with more people now choosing to commute to live and work where they want,” said Sakshi Anand, VP of growth at Trainline.
“Our research shows that it’s not just rail ridership that’s increasing, it’s that the trend is here to stay.”
But beware: Employers may ask you to choose between the office and your life outside.
Last week, Patagonia told its remote workers that they must live within 60 miles of one of seven “locations” in Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Reno, Dallas, Austin, Chicago, or Pittsburgh.
The permanent outdoor model provided approximately 90 employees to: Move or leave.
Similarly, last year TikTok warned US workers whose home addresses are not close to its office that they would be terminated. they will be fired if they don’t move.
This article was originally published on Fortune.com on July 1, 2024.
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