Research from benefits company BHN Extras has found many UK employees will make sacrifices for a better commute, including taking home less pay. The findings highlight the mental, financial and physical toll of the daily journey to work, and why cycling could be the key to a more positive commute experience.
The research suggests over a third (34 per cent) of UK workers would accept a pay cut for a shorter commute. This sentiment is strongest in Greater London (39 per cent), an estimated 3.84 million people say they’d take a pay cut for a shorter commute. That compares to 34 per cent in Scotland and 40 per cent of younger workers nationwide.
With 44 per cent of the workforce now fully back in the office five days a week, the pressure of the daily routine is front and centre. Over 7 in 10 workers (71 per cent) have complaints, most commonly that commutes take too long (42 per cent), followed by cost (28 per cent), overcrowding (20 per cent), bad commuter behaviour (20 per cent) and delays (17 per cent). In fact, only 29 per cent of workers say they have no complaints.
The average UK employee spends £122 a month travelling to work, rising to £192 in London. Yet only 23 per cent say they “love” their commute, and 50 per cent say they don’t like it at all. Cyclists, on the other hand, are far more likely to say they enjoy their commute – with 40 per cent loving it.
Cycling could be the antidote to commuter stress, and for good reason. 87 per cent of UK workers recognise personal benefits in cycling, with the top three being improved physical health (55 per cent), saving money (52 per cent) and helping the environment (37 per cent). Many also link it to improved mental wellbeing, with 37 per cent of all workers citing this as the top benefit, rising to 46 per cent among those who started cycling in the last year.
Despite this, uptake is falling. Just 25 per cent of workers currently cycle to work, down from 32 per cent in 2024. However, there is hope, 36 per cent say they’re considering it.
E-bikes could be the missing link between desire and action. By helping people overcome barriers like distance (40 per cent) and fitness (13 per cent), e-bikes offer a low-effort way to embrace cycling. But awareness is still limited as 58 per cent of employees have never considered using one. And those who are considering cycling tend to fall into concentrated groups: 41 per cent are aged 25-34, 34 per cent are male, and 48 per cent are London-based. These clusters point to proof of concept, but there’s huge opportunity to grow the trend nationally.
Steve Edgell, Chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance, said:“These findings are a clear signal that UK workers are crying out for a better way to commute. Cycling is a practical, proven solution that improves wellbeing, saves money and boosts productivity.
“As this new research shows, over half of employees recognise the financial benefits of cycling and many are willing to change how they travel if given the right support,” Edgell adds. “That’s why the Cycle to Work Scheme is so important: it removes financial barriers and empowers employees to take control of their commute.”
Adrian Warren, Senior Director, BHN Extras’s, added: “The journey to work is taking a real toll on people’s wallets, wellbeing and time. Our research shows just how far workers are willing to go for a better commute, even accepting a pay cut. That’s a powerful signal that change is needed. Cycling, and particularly access to e-bikes, could be a game-changer. The appetite is there, with over a third of workers saying they’d be more likely to cycle if e-bikes were available through their employer. This speaks to a growing shift in commuter behaviour that employers and benefit providers can’t afford to ignore. And ultimately, that’s a huge opportunity for the industry to support healthier, happier and more cost-effective commuting for employees, and to help make active travel the everyday choice, not the exception.”
