Traffic in the Philippines is at its all-time high. Getting stuck for hours alongside thousands of others of commuters is a normal occurrence.
Throw in some rain and you can guarantee you’ll finish reading an entire encyclopedia by the time you’re out of it.
Companies in Manila are starting to see a trend of employees coming in late or taking an emergency leave because traffic congestion is unbearable.
As Manila becomes more developed, travel time from nearby cities to Makati CBD has tripled from one hour commute to three.
This huge inconvenience can potentially cause businesses millions of pesos because the productivity rate of employees has drastically decreased.
Not only does it take longer to get to work, but anyone who walks into the office after sitting in traffic needs some time to recover from the stress and anxiety of being late. Employees suffering from this become less efficient and tend to lose their drive to go to work.
So, instead of banging your head against the steering wheel,
Effect of Traffic on Employee Productivity
Request for a different schedule
One reason traffic is so bad during rush hours is because everyone has the same office hours. When we’re all on the same 9-6 schedule, no wonder there’s a rush hour. Request earlier or later work hours to avoid the jam.
Some manageable hours are 7am-4pm or 10am to 8pm. If you don’t want to get too specific about time, just ask for flexible work hours and convince your boss that you will complete the work regardless of your time-in.
This will not only save you time, but you’ll also save yourself the stress and fear of getting reprimanded for coming in late.
Suggest telecommuting
Telecommuting means working from wherever you are, eliminating the need to be in an actual office. This lessens the time wasted sitting in traffic being of no use to anyone!
Try suggesting this to your boss and explain the benefits and how you can be more productive and spend more hours working.
You can also emphasise on the cut down on overhead costs since you’ll only need your laptop and internet at home. If he or she is still not convinced, suggest time trackers and video conferencing to put them at ease.
Work while stuck in traffic
When other options fail, use your hours productively and start on your simple tasks. Check your schedule, emails, and other work-related stuff that you can (safely) work on while in your car or sitting on the bus.
This way, once you get to the office, you don’t need to directly dive into the tasks, and you have a bit more time to destress and relax.
If your boss isn’t flexible about changing your work hours, consider finding a remote position or a new job closer to home on foundit.com.ph.
FAQ on How Traffic Jams Affect Productivity
Q1. How do traffic jams affect work productivity?
Answer: Traffic jams lead to increased commute times, causing stress and fatigue, which can negatively impact focus, creativity, and overall work productivity.
Q2. Are there any health implications of daily traffic jams?
Answer: Prolonged exposure to traffic jams can lead to various health issues such as elevated stress levels, back pain, and mental fatigue.
Q3. What are some strategies to minimize the effects of traffic on productivity?
Answer: Consider flexible work hours, remote work options, carpooling, public transport, or biking to reduce time spent in traffic and improve productivity.
Q4. How can employers support employees dealing with traffic-related stress?
Answer: Employers can offer flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and provide resources for alternative commuting options to alleviate the impact of traffic on employees’ well-being.
Q5. Can using technology help cope with traffic-related productivity challenges?
Answer: Yes, using traffic apps for real-time updates on congestion, listening to educational podcasts, or setting up a productive workspace in the vehicle can make the commute more efficient and productive.
