Subscribe to RSS
- Jo Faragher
In a world where workers are constantly connected to their office via email, smart phones and social media, it seems strange that the idea of a commute could put someone off a job.
But according to digital marketing recruitment agency The Candidate, half of jobseekers would not consider applying for a job that involves a commute of more than 60 minutes. Only 9% would commute to a job if it took an hour and a half or more.
This arguably says more about employers than candidates. Instead of demonstrating that candidates are overly picky or lazy, it suggests that perhaps organisations are not as clued up about non 9 to 5 working models.
As connectivity gets better all the time, it seems a bit archaic to expect staff to be at their desks, every day, between distinct times. And the number of jobs that absolutely require someone’s constant presence is decreasing too.
It also says a lot about the concentration of certain jobs, particularly in London and the South East. With house prices and rents in the capital spiralling, few workers, particularly at junior level, can afford to live close enough to their office to reduce their commute to a more manageable level.
The Candidate’s research suggests that employers may need to consider relocation packages to entice potential recruits to move away from their hometown or consider working somewhere further away. But perhaps there need to be deeper changes?
With more focus on output and results, rather than people being ‘present’ in the office, companies can not only increase productivity, but save money on real estate and utilities too.
By doing away with formal office desk environments and only expecting a fraction of all employees to be in at any one time, it’s possible to save thousands, which can be reinvested in growing the business.
But this change in culture won’t happen overnight, so until then, candidates will continue to endure their commutes and allow travel time to dictate where they’d like to work.
Print
Email
