Are Commuters Embracing the New Normal of Shorter Workdays?
Are you a young professional who is embracing the “corpcore” aesthetic but finding yourself working fewer hours in the office? You’re not alone. The traditional 40-hour workweek and the 9-to-5 schedule are becoming a thing of the past, especially when it comes to commuting.
According to the 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard by INRIX Inc., the standard American workday has shifted to a 10-to-4 schedule as more commuters opt for flexible working arrangements. This change is evident in the decrease in early morning trips and the increase in midday trips compared to pre-pandemic traffic patterns.
The “midday rush hour” is now a reality, with almost as many trips to and from the office happening at noon as at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Transportation analyst Bob Pishue describes this shift as the “new normal.”
But why are commuters avoiding public transportation and choosing to drive instead? Ridership plummeted during the pandemic and has yet to fully recover, leading to a surge in traffic congestion during peak midday and evening hours.
“Employees have become accustomed to the flexibility of working from home and may only come to the office when absolutely necessary,” says David Satterwhite, CEO of Chronus. This trend, known as “coffee badging,” involves employees spending only a few hours in the office before heading home.
Unfortunately, this new work trend is impacting productivity. Workplace engagement has stagnated, with only one-third of employees feeling engaged in their work. This lack of engagement is costing the nation approximately $1.9 trillion in lost productivity.
In a world where work-life balance and mental health support are becoming more important to employees, the need for clear communication between employers and employees is essential. Whether it’s a strict return-to-office mandate or a hybrid schedule, organizations must be transparent about expectations to avoid the pitfalls of “coffee badging.”
At Extreme Investor Network, we understand the importance of personal finance in navigating the changing landscape of work dynamics. Stay tuned for more insights and tips on how to manage your finances effectively in these evolving times.