Feel like commuting to work wears you out before you even arrive? You’re not the only one.
Waking up, getting dressed, and commuting to work is the daily routine for the average worker. Many can’t even imagine what their day would be like without catching the bus or sitting in rush hour traffic. After all, it’s the only way they can get to work on time. But that doesn’t mean those minutes behind the wheel don’t come at a cost. On the other hand, those who work from home report feeling a lot more productive after ditching their commute.
Longer Days on the Road
Americans spend more time than ever before driving to work. The average commute is about 27 minutes—and that’s one way! That number also doesn’t figure in unexpected events that may happen along the way. There’s always a chance that an accident, bad weather, or lost keys will add even more time to the clock.
With such a long time driving to the office, it’s no wonder why so many people feel worn out before they even arrive. Here are the top reasons why the morning commute kills productivity and can hurt a company’s bottom line:
- Increases Sick Day Usage
There is a direct relationship between office absenteeism and long commutes. When people drive to work, they call in sick more frequently. However, those who can work from home are more likely to show up on time and ready to work.
- Long Drives Disrupt Sleep
Most adults can function with 6-8 hours of sleep per night. A long commute, however, takes away any extra time that a person could spend in bed. Instead of getting enough rest, many commuters show up to the office feeling tired. Even if they try to push through the day, their production levels will fall.
- Stressful Commutes Cause Health Problems
Those who commute to work often deal with more health problems than those who work from a home office. Driving a car during rush hour isn’t fun. It produces stress in the body, which can lead to anxiety, heart problems, and even weight gain. And when you don’t feel well, you’re not productive at work.
- Focusing on the Road Zaps Energy Levels
Think about how much you have to focus on the road. You always have to be on the lookout for bad drivers and other obstacles. Paying attention takes a lot of energy, and by the time you finally stagger into the office, you don’t have enough stamina left to survive the rest of the day.
- Can Lead to Poor Eating Habits
Food is fuel. Without a balanced diet, workers don’t have the energy to focus on or complete tasks. Unfortunately, most people find themselves in a hurry in the morning. Instead of leaving their house a few minutes late, they would rather forego breakfast. Poor eating habits reduce productivity. After all, it’s hard to focus during a meeting when your stomach keeps growling.
- Commuters Work Fewer Hours
Those who drive into work are more likely to arrive late or leave early. Even if someone only shows up about 10 minutes late each day, that’s nearly an hour of lost work by the end of the week. And many try to sneak out of the office before the end of their shift to avoid traffic. Any decreased time can equal lost revenue for a business.
- Reduced Work-Life Balance
The most productive employees are those who are the happiest. When people show up to work in good spirits, they are more likely to work from start to finish without a problem. But adding in a long commute can affect a person’s work-life balance. If they no longer have enough quality time to spend with their family, they may begin to resent their job. Their output levels may decrease, and their productivity will plummet.
Say Goodbye to Long Commutes and Hello to Digital Market Media
The most productive workers are those who don’t have to commute to work. Remote jobs make it possible to enjoy a lucrative career without sitting in traffic. Instead of hurrying out the door in the morning, you’ll be able to leisurely walk from your living room to your home office in no time at all. And yes, it’s possible to find a great job that offers this amazing perk.
Working from home is nothing new at Digital Market Media. Our virtual call center is the backbone of our business model. All of our talented employees work remotely, and they get to say goodbye to their long commute once and for all. Even though you won’t drive into the office, we’ll still provide you with all the training and support you need to succeed.
Business is booming, and our work-from-home jobs are in high demand. If you want to stop commuting for good, visit us online to apply for one of the open positions at Digital Market Media.
