The world of work has seen significant changes in recent years. After an increase in remote work due to COVID-19, companies are now eager to return to pre-pandemic practices. This includes a push to call workers back to the office. As a result, long-distance commuting, also called super commuting, is on the rise. A Stanford study found that super commuters have grown by 32% since the pandemic. The same study found that the average super commute means spending up to two hours and 20 minutes traveling each way. This creates significant time, cost, and well-being strains on employees. So, how can employers support their workforce to make these long commutes more manageable? Fortunately, several strategies can help ease expenses, stress, and fatigue, benefitting both super commuters and companies in the long run.
What Is a Super Commuter?
Super commuters are employees who live far from their workplace and must regularly travel long distances—sometimes crossing state lines or national borders—to get to the office. The U.S. Census Bureau uses the term “extreme commuting” and defines it as workers who travel 90 minutes or more each way to their job. Super commuting may seem like an unusual way of working, but it’s becoming more common as workers balance their desire for the flexibility of remote work with the needs of their employers.
How to Support Super Commuters
Employers looking to retain top talent may see more of their team commuting vast distances to the office. Easing the burdens of super commuting helps workers thrive, especially when they need to be physically present in the office.
Offer Flexible Work Hours
Offering more flexibility is one of the easier ways to accommodate super commuters. Allowing employees to adjust their work schedule to accommodate their travel, such as permitting earlier start times or employee-chosen in-office days, eases commuter burdens like rush-hour traffic and travel-related stress.
Use Hybrid Work Models
Hybrid work models are becoming increasingly common across the US. In 2024, 53% of US workers reported working in a blended work arrangement. Super commuters can benefit greatly from this setup, as they would only be in the office part of the week and work remotely for the rest. This reduces the frequency of travel and helps employees strike a healthier balance between work and personal life.
Create Wellness Programs
The stress of super commuting can undoubtedly take a toll on an employee’s mental and physical health over time. To help alleviate some of these issues, employers can offer wellness programs like fitness memberships, stress-relief workshops, or access to wellness apps and services. By supporting employees’ well-being, companies can ensure workers are both physically and mentally prepared for the demands of their jobs.
Keep Extended Relocation Options Open
Eventually, even dedicated super commuters may decide this strategy is unsustainable, especially if the commute takes a toll on their work-life balance. Employers should consider providing extended relocation options as a solution. Though paying for a team member’s relocation can be costly, it’s likely to cost less over time than other super commuter support options.
Secure Preferred Supplier Status for Key Travelers
For management-level employees who regularly engage in super commuting, offering preferred supplier status with travel partners can significantly improve the travel experience. These benefits could include priority seating, lounge access, or discounted rates with airlines, hotels, or car rental services. A small perk like this not only lessens the financial burden but also makes travel feel less like a chore and more like a premium experience.
Offer Travel Stipends or Reimbursements
Whether by car, train, bus, or plane, long-distance travel can be expensive. To help ease this financial burden, employers can offer travel stipends or reimbursement for commuting costs like transportation, accommodations, or meals. This support makes commuting a lot more affordable and demonstrates to employees that they are valued.
Establish Transportation Partnerships
Employers can also look into partnerships with transportation providers to make commuting a little easier and more cost-effective. This might include offering discounted rates with ride-sharing services, providing transportation subsidies, or setting up carpools or shuttle services for employees.
Assist With Accommodations
Depending on just how long a commute is, super commuters may be essentially living in two cities. Helping these employees with accommodations can make a big difference. Employers can book hotels, offer discounts on local stays, or provide employees with designated places to stay to improve comfort and productivity.
