Public transit users more likely to suffer from psychological distress than those who drive to work, finds report
A new study is challenging long-held assumptions about the impact of commuting on employee well-being, revealing that public transit users face greater psychological distress and work-life conflict than those who drive to work.
The research, led by Annie Barreck of l’Université de Montréal’s School of Industrial Relations, analysed data from nearly 2,000 employees across 65 workplaces in Canada. The findings indicate that the length and mode of commute are critical factors influencing mental health.
Employees who spend more time commuting are more likely to experience work-family conflict and symptoms of psychological distress, such as anxiety, frustration, and headaches. Barreck notes that “a burnout begins to set in after only 20 minutes” of commuting, according to a report from The Canadian Press (CP).
Barreck’s study cites Statistics Canada data showing that the average Canadian commute is 44 minutes by car, 53 minutes by public transit, and 26 minutes by active transportation. Nearly one in ten workers faces a commute longer than an hour, and this number is rising. Barreck told CP that the extended duration of public transit trips “leaves the least amount of time for work, social, and family activities,” which can increase psychological distress.
Barreck’s research also highlights that the unpredictability of...
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