Our recent research for AECOM into the trends that are shaping the future of transport and workforce mobility in Ireland, echoed findings in London and elsewhere which indicate that particularly for office workers, travel habits have changed for good due to three main factors.
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Firstly, barriers to remote working have been removed for many workers, and many will continue to work at home for at least part of the week even when the coronavirus pandemic is over. This will impact travel patterns.
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Secondly, with the possibility of further pandemics or additional waves of infection related to the current pandemic, businesses may need to rethink working practices to avoid the rush-hour commute.
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Thirdly, when they do have to commute, people with the option to do so are looking to sustainable modes of travel that can maximize social distancing such as walking and cycling – and space should be made for them to do so.
We surveyed a nationwide representative sample of the Irish population who had been engaged in employment or study prior to the pandemic. Prior to lockdown, 65 per cent of Irish respondents had never worked from home before. Among this group, 79 per cent would like to work remotely more in the future. Reasons include work/life balance (56 per cent), cost savings (45 per cent) and time savings (39 per cent). This has implications for travel and public transport.
Read the full paper here.
