You're probably back into your term-time routine by now. The early-morning scramble for shoes and PE kit and reading books. The absolute determination to practice the recorder at 7.30, just as you thought you were on the verge of successfully bundling everyone into the car. And then your own race to the station, hurling yourself at the doors of the train in that final moment before they clang shut. Pausing at the threshold of the carriage, gasping, your heart racing with the near miss. Feeling a little hotter and more dishevelled than you'd like to.
If you don't feel that you're channelling your inner Gwynneth Paltrow in that moment, you're not alone. We may once have waxed lyrical about the romance and technological wizardry of our nation's railways, but there are suggestions that Britons may have fallen out of love with their daily commute - whether overground, underground or even by car.
An overwhelming factor is the rising cost of simply getting to work. As the cost of living crisis continues, many workers are finding that transport costs are eating up an increasingly large proportion of their income, as well as their morning serenity. Nationally, train commuters are now spending an average of £512.72 each month to get to work, whilst drivers are not far behind, at £412.42 per month - so over £5,000 and £4,000 respectively a year, allowing for holidays. When we consider that the average full time salary in the UK is currently £37,648, it's clear that commuting is now burning through an enormous percentage of the workforce's income.
And that light at the end of the tunnel? Sadly, it's the treacherous gleam of an incoming fare increase, dashing towards us faster than you can say, "Things are feeling a little tight this month." Rail and tube fares in the UK are each predicted to rise by 5.8% in 2026, whilst TfL are proposing to increase the London Congestion Charge to a whopping £18 a day from January.
This is feeling especially difficult at a time when some employers are requiring teams to return to the office. Studies have shown that in general, employees prefer to work under hybrid models - and certainly, the data shows that hybrid working gives rise to greater happiness for employees. But with the cost of commuting rising so steeply, a demand for greater workplace presence is also now a huge financial drawback for many job-hunters and existing employees. An ever-increasing number of workers simply can't afford to, well, work. And unless we start to see an inflation-busting rise in salaries, companies may find that their people are being pushed to look for more flexible or more highly paid roles elsewhere. In fact, the CIPD states that an astonishing 1.1 million employees have left a job in the last 12 months because of a lack of flexible working. The good news, though, is that hybrid working also generates significant benefits for organisations - including higher rates of employee satisfaction and retention, improved customer satisfaction, and greater levels of innovation. CIPD research also indicates that hybrid workplace models lead to broader and more diverse talent pools, positive impacts on the environment, and greater business resilience.
There are many enlightened companies who've experienced these upsides for themselves. Who know that their people matter, and that their happiness or discontent will have a material impact on the success of the organisation. Who don't believe that commuting for five days a week is the best way to start work full of enthusiasm, and ready to achieve your goals. We're here to find you the best roles with these amazing teams, and to make your journey to a new job smooth and pleasurable. We work with companies who value a fresh approach, originality and professional passion. They'd love to meet you. Now's the perfect time for you to step forward. Now's the perfect time for you to shine.