Welcome back to the We Do Grotto, where today’s festive chat takes a turn into the practical – all inspired by the man with the world’s longest commute: Santa Claus himself.
What’s an acceptable commute these days?
- The Old Standard: An hour used to be the golden rule.
- The New Reality: With hybrid working, people often prefer shorter commutes, even for just two office days a week – 45 minutes seems to be the sweet spot.
- The Exception: Commuting into London can often stretch to two hours when you add in travel to the station, waiting, and the train itself – yet many still find it acceptable for the right role.
What about the employer’s perspective?
- Personal Preference Matters: The commute must align with an individual’s life and priorities – family, hobbies, and long-term sustainability all play a role.
- Can They Realistically Manage It? If someone says they’re happy to travel 2.5 hours each way, it’s worth asking:
- Can they sustain it during tough weeks?
- Will it impact their performance or well-being over time?
The Bottom Line…
Every commute decision should be personal, balanced, and realistic. Candidates and employers alike should think about the worst-case scenario – like a bad traffic day or a late train – and decide if it’s still manageable.
