Britain’s commute crisis: why the journey to work matters more than ever

For many organisations, the employee experience starts the moment someone logs in or walks through the office door. 

But for employees themselves, it often starts much earlier — on the train, in the car, or cycling through traffic on the way to work. 

And increasingly, that journey is having a bigger impact than employers might expect. 

New research from BHN Extras, released ahead of Cycle to Work Day 2026, suggests that the daily commute is no longer just a routine part of working life. It’s shaping how people feel about their jobs, their wellbeing and, in some cases, whether they stay at all. 

When the commute starts to influence career decisions 

The idea that people might choose a job based on location isn’t new. But what’s changing is just how central the commute has become in that decision. 

Nearly half (49%) of UK workers say they would consider changing jobs for a shorter or more enjoyable commute. 

That figure rises significantly for those relying on public transport, where long or unpredictable journeys can quickly become a daily source of stress. 

By comparison, people who walk to work — and tend to have shorter, more manageable commutes — are far less likely to feel the same pressure. 

What this highlights is a shift in expectations. The commute is no longer seen as something employees simply have to accept. It’s part of the overall experience of work — and one that people are increasingly willing to act on. 

The real cost of the daily journey 

It’s easy to think about commuting purely in terms of time. But the reality is broader than that. 

On average, UK workers spend more than 11 full days each year commuting, with costs reaching close to £1,000 annually.  

That’s time that could otherwise be spent on rest, exercise or personal commitments — and it doesn’t take long for the impact to build up. 

In fact, 43% of workers say their commute drains their time, energy or money, suggesting that for many, the journey to work is having a tangible effect on how they feel day to day. 

For employers, this matters more than it might seem at first glance. When the working day starts with stress or fatigue, it can shape engagement, productivity and overall wellbeing long before any work actually begins. 

Why more employees are rethinking how they travel 

Against this backdrop, it’s not surprising that employees are starting to look for alternatives.  One in three (33%) say they are considering cycling as part of their commute — a sign that interest in more active, flexible ways of travelling is growing.  

For many, cycling offers something different. It’s not just a way to get to work, but a way to build movement into the day, create a sense of routine and, in some cases, make the commute feel less like a drain and more like part of a healthy lifestyle. 

That shift is particularly relevant given that more than a quarter (27%) of workers say their commute negatively impacts their mental wellbeing.  

Could e-bikes make commuting more accessible? 

While the idea of cycling is appealing, it’s not always practical for everyone. 

Distance, fitness levels and time constraints can all get in the way — which is where e-bikes are starting to play a more important role. 

The research shows: 

• 40% of workers believe e-bikes make cycling feel more accessible 

• 44% say access to an e-bike would encourage them to cycle more 

• 65% would consider using one if they were to take up cycling 

What this points to is a widening of what active commuting can look like. It’s not just for experienced cyclists — it’s becoming a more realistic option for a broader group of employees. 

The gap between availability and awareness 

Despite growing interest in better ways to commute, there’s still a disconnect when it comes to employer support. 

Only around half of employees say they are aware of whether their employer offers a Cycle to Work scheme or how it works.  

That suggests the issue isn’t always about what’s being offered, but how clearly it’s being communicated. 

In many cases, employees may already have access to support that could improve their commuting experience — they just don’t know it’s there or don’t fully understand how to use it. 

Rethinking the commute as part of the employee experience 

As Peter Dando, Senior Director of Employee Benefits & Recognition at BHN Extras, explains: 

“The commute has become a much more important part of the employee experience than many organisations realise… the journey to work is influencing how people feel about their role before they even arrive.”  

This idea — that the employee experience extends beyond the workplace itself — is becoming harder to ignore. 

For employers, it raises an important question: if the commute is shaping how employees feel every day, how can it be better supported? 

What can employers do? 

There’s no single solution, and not every organisation will approach this in the same way. 

But small, practical steps can make a meaningful difference. That might include: 

• Making Cycle to Work schemes more visible and easier to understand 

• Promoting the wider wellbeing benefits of active commuting 

• Highlighting options like e-bikes that broaden accessibility 

• Connecting commuting support to existing wellbeing strategies 

None of these require a complete overhaul. But together, they can help shift the commute from being a source of friction to something more positive.