Commuters should avoid ‘very demanding tasks’ at the start of their workday due to the ‘energy drain’ caused by the morning commute, researchers say.
A new study from Trinity Business School has warned that the wider return to the daily commute could ruin productivity.
Previously, pre-pandemic research showed Dublin had the fifth-longest commuting time among EU capital cities.
Dr Wladislaw Rivkin is an Associate Professor in Organisational Behaviour at Trinity Business School and one of the researchers in this study.
He told Newstalk Breakfast the study focused on why the morning commute can be harmful when it comes to work performance.
He explained: "It drains your psychological energy.
“This is why on days when employees experience adverse events throughout their commute, their performance is reduced.
“The idea is the energy drain of the commute transfers to one’s work performance. Admittedly, the commute can be helpful as well for transitioning roles - but our argument is this transition from one’s work role to their home role can be handled in other ways than the commute."
He said previous research has also shown the harmful impact of commuting on traffic, congestion and the environment.
Dr Rivkin said their own study shows some lessons employees and employers alike can learn.
He observed: “What our research shows is that at the start of the day people should avoid very demanding tasks, as they don’t have the energy to engage in them.
“When you arrive in work after such a difficult commute, you should engage in tasks that are easier and maybe more pleasant for you.”
Employers, meanwhile, should consider hybrid working models once the pandemic eases - meaning staff could split their week between the office and home.
Managers can also help to alleviate pressure from commute by giving employees autonomy to tackle tasks in the way they want them to.
