Employee benefits, mental health, and emotional well-being are aspects that employers, executives, and HR departments should never overlook. A healthy body and mind naturally lead to optimal work performance, enabling employees to deliver results and drive the organisation forward with stability. However, did you know that beyond the benefits provided, one factor that significantly impacts employees’ lives — yet is often overlooked by employers — is the daily long-distance commute to work?

Hidden Impacts of Working Far from Home

Increased Expenses: Transportation and Living Costs

When your workplace is far from home, increased expenses become inevitable. From fuel costs and toll fees to public transportation fares, these financial burdens add up regularly. Additionally, the cost of lunch and other daily expenses tends to rise when spending time in the city.

Loss of Time for Other Activities

Daily long-distance commutes directly impact personal time. Reduced rest due to early mornings and late returns leads to accumulated fatigue. Limited time for exercise affects long-term physical health, and, most importantly, less time spent with family can strain relationships and hinder bonding with loved ones.

Higher Risk of Illness from Exposure During Commutes

For those who rely on public transportation daily, the risk of exposure to germs and illnesses significantly increases, especially during times of widespread outbreaks. Meanwhile, those who commute by car face air pollution and the stress of heavy traffic, compounded by the pressure to arrive at work on time. These factors not only affect physical health but also heighten the risk of mental health issues. 

How to Cope with Working Far from Home?

Strategies for Employees

Plan Your Commute Wisely

If your workplace is far from home, it’s important to research and plan your commute in advance. Use tools like Google Maps to check real-time traffic conditions and avoid congested routes. Consider alternatives to driving, such as the BTS or MRT, which can save significant travel time.

Wear a Mask and Wash Hands Frequently When Using Public Transport

If you choose to commute via public transport, don’t forget to wear a mask and wash your hands frequently to minimize the risk of infection. It’s also a good idea to carry hand sanitiser with you at all times and avoid touching your face unnecessarily.

Set Clear Boundaries for Work and Rest

Establish clear work and rest schedules, even if long commutes take up much of your day. Strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance by making the most of your commute time. For example, you could read a book, listen to a podcast, or plan your tasks for the next day.

Strategies for Employers

Implement Remote Work Policies

Consider introducing policies that allow employees to work from home on certain days or adopt a remote work model to reduce the burden of commuting. This approach not only alleviates employee stress but can also enhance productivity.

Opt for Co-Working Spaces to Reduce Costs

For companies with employees spread across various locations, consider using co-working spaces in different areas. This allows employees to work closer to home, reducing travel time and commuting expenses.

Promote Health and Wellness Benefits for Employees

Offer activities and benefits that support employees’ physical and mental well-being. This could include ergonomic office furniture to alleviate health issues from prolonged sitting or providing annual health check-up benefits.

Achieve a better work-life balance for your employees while reducing unnecessary organisational costs with JustCo’s flexible office solutions. As a leading provider of co-working spaces in Bangkok and globally, we offer tailored options for various work styles — whether working from home, in the office, or through a hybrid model.

Our inspiring and beautifully designed spaces help alleviate employee stress, fostering creativity and focus for all types of tasks. Fully equipped with high-speed internet, refreshments, ergonomic office furniture, and more, our offices are conveniently located across five branches near BTS stations in central Bangkok.

Register now for a consultation and schedule a tour of our spaces on our website.