A fascinating combination of today’s technological innovations and an uncertain social climate has managed to completely overhaul the way we handle the 9-to-5 commute. Gone are the days of being stuck in gridlocked traffic for hours and leaving your home before sunrise to make it to work on time. Thanks to the introduction of new technology — as well as a hearty dose of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine — we’ve managed to revolutionize the way we approach our transit to and from work. While this is only one part of the shifting dynamic, it is still a highly relevant one. 

Whether you’re one of these employees who endure the commute on a daily basis, or you’re a small business owner yourself who is no stranger to long hours behind the wheel of your car, you’re probably already acutely aware of many of these significant changes to the daily commute. Ultimately, staying abreast of them is key if you want to help keep your workforce remaining relevant in the coming years. Pivoting is now more essential than ever, and it’s no surprise that something as seemingly simple as our commute has undergone some of the more remarkable changes in this post-coronavirus world.

Normalizing Remote Workplaces

One of the more fascinating changes that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic was how we defined our workplace. In the past, only one in five employees was able to work from home, and the rest of them had to make the arduous trek to work each day. These days, however, up to 71% of employees are entirely remote. Additionally, just over half of them (54%) also agreed that they’d like to continue to work from home once the coronavirus outbreak finally ended. This will undoubtedly have a major impact on the commute, with fewer drivers on the road and more and more working from home.

Choosing Greener Commute

It’s no secret that the daily commute is terrible for the environment and an employee’s mental well-being. Between the average commuter spending upwards of a half-hour or greater in traffic, and much of that time spent idling in traffic jams, this is both inefficient and terribly wasteful. With the advent of electric vehicles (EVs), though, this should help minimize these excessive transportation expenses. Furthermore, maintaining an EV is much easier these days, and electric car charging at home or at public stations can further help reduce our dependence upon non-renewable resources.

Embracing Alternative Modes of Transit

While public transit did dip considerably during the pandemic due to sanitation concerns, it is still projected to recover in the coming years. That said, taking the bus or local light rail isn’t the only way to get to and from work. Depending on how far away your office is from your residence, there are a few other ways you can make the trip to and from work. Many people have looked into e-bikes, which are more lightweight, easier to navigate, and yet don’t cause them to work up a sweat. Vanpools are also an excellent option and are much less uncomfortable than using a city bus to get to work. And of course, nobody can overlook the benefit of using their own two legs, provided the distance to work is relatively short.

Convenience From Smart Technology

With all of the new technological marvels coming out, it makes sense that there has been a significant amount of attention dedicated to upgrading automotive technology. Self-driving “smart cars” are already becoming more commonplace, but already driver biometrics are being introduced into vehicles. These can detect your heart and respiratory rate to help guide your vehicle while on the road. Rear and front cameras are now standard, too. Immersive audio systems are also projected to be available on future automobiles, allowing you to enjoy your commute all the more with 360-degree surround sound.

Leaning Into the Future of Commuting

No matter the size of your business or your role in your industry, it’s important to recognize these developing trends in the daily workforce commute. From more sustainable commutes through EVs, to making the commute all the more enjoyable with exciting technological breakthroughs, these changes are sure to delineate the shift in how we approach workplace transportation. Regardless of your stance on them, though, you cannot ignore them. Remaining informed is a vital part of keeping your business and your employees educated, safe, content, and relevant in the coming years.