British workers are spending an average of 613 days — almost two years — of their working lives stuck in traffic, according to a new study.
Londoners are the most affected, with an average of 776 days spent in congestion, the study, by retailer Furniture At Work, indicates. This significant time investment has prompted discussions on alternative working arrangements and their potential benefits.
Top 10 UK Cities for Time Spent in Traffic
The study ranks cities where commuters face the most significant delays:
- London: 89.6 minutes daily, totaling 776 days over a working lifetime.
- Manchester: 78 minutes daily, totaling 676 days.
- Belfast: 75.2 minutes daily, totaling 651 days.
- Cambridge: 73.4 minutes daily, totaling 636 days.
- Newcastle upon Tyne: 70 minutes daily, totaling 606 days.
- Birmingham: 66.6 minutes daily, totaling 577 days.
- Liverpool: 66.4 minutes daily, totaling 575 days.
- Oxford: 65.4 minutes daily, totaling 566 days.
- Glasgow: 64 minutes daily, totaling 554 days.
- Leeds: 59.2 minutes daily, totaling 513 days.
The figures are based on an average working life of 48 years.
The Shift Towards Remote and Hybrid Working
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid working models. By late 2024, 28% of working adults in Great Britain were engaged in hybrid work, balancing time between home and the office.
Hybrid work is particularly prevalent among older workers, parents and those in managerial or professional roles. Data also show the people with higher qualifications are ten times more likely to hybrid work than those without formal qualifications.
Transportation remains a significant contributor to the UK’s carbon emissions. In 2022, domestic transport accounted for 28% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing commuting frequency through remote work can substantially decrease this carbon footprint, aligning with the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
Health and Productivity Benefits
Remote working offers notable health advantages. A new survey reveals that hybrid workers take fewer sick days and report reduced stress-related symptoms. Specifically, 68% experienced fewer physical stress symptoms, and 71% found it easier to attend health appointments. These benefits are attributed to improved work-life balance, which facilitates healthier lifestyles.
Despite the benefits, some employers are advocating for increased office attendance. A survey by KPMG in late 2024 indicated that over three-quarters of financial sector leaders in Britain plan to boost in-office presence within the next year, with more than a third expecting employees in the office at least four days per week. This push aims to address concerns about collaboration and regulatory compliance.
But employee sentiment suggests potential resistance. Nearly half (48%) of UK professionals indicated they might resign if mandated to return to the office full-time, with women (58%) more likely than men (42%) to consider quitting.