With average daily commutes of 38 minutes, B.C. and Ontario residents are spending the most time commuting in the country, according to survey results released today by employment website Workopolis.
Peter Harris, content manager for Workopolis, noted that B.C.’s commute is highest for time spent, but not for distance travelled.
“’It could have to do with crossing water – ferries, bridges – or being stuck in traffic,” he said. “And if you’re stuck in traffic, a relatively short commute could take a relatively long time, which causes stress on the commuters, it causes unnecessary pollution and it’s just wasted time.”
Harris said that Workopolis has found that job hunters are increasingly focusing on commute times in jobs that they take – and those they don’t.
“One of the key things that attracts people to a job is having it contribute to their overall work-life balance,” he said. “So companies that do offer flexible scheduling, the option of telecommuting, the option to work from home really do have an advantage when it comes to recruiting and retaining the talent that they’re looking for.”
Nationally, Workopolis found that Canadians spend an average of 42 minutes a day and $269 a month in associated costs working away from home. In a year, that totals 182 hours and more than $3,000.
Jenny Wagler
Twitter: JennyWagler_BIV