Intangible benefits of ICM (I). Proximity and continuous working day, solutions to reduce the impact on health, of commuting to work

In general, short commuting to the workplace contributes to improving the work-life balance. It reduces the level of stress produced, especially if they are made in your own vehicle, as well. But, according to studies, this type of journey has been increasing progressively in recent years. The average in Spain is around 35 minutes. However, in ICM, a high percentage of the staff works in the same locality where they live or close to it. Undoubtedly, proximity to work and continuous working hours are two of the great intangible benefits that our company offers to those who work for it.

 

Non-split working day, one of the solutions to problems caused by displacement

This increase in travel time means greater dissatisfaction with the position, a drop in productivity and health problems, among others. This is stated by a research group from the University of Zaragoza, which has analyzed the effect of job travel times on workers in several European countries, for 30 years.

The study (“Trends in communitng time of European workers: A cross-country analysis, Transport Policy”) includes conclusions on some measures to solve the problems caused by displacement. For example, those “aimed at improving the information available in terms of job search, promoting green transport or promoting the continuous shift could be interesting in this regard”. In ICM, in general, there is a continuous working day, which begins at seven in the morning and ends at three in the afternoon.

 

“Not everyone is lucky enough to walk to work”

Recent research insists that these commutes affect mental well-being. As the article “Commuting from home to work affects our health”, published in The mind is wonderful, argues, “not everyone is lucky enough to walk to work. Therefore, the most common thing is to have to take the car, or use public transport and set our alarms every day to get up early. And, logically, the frequent traffic jams, rushing, braking and accidents force the driver to remain on constant alert, producing great stress and fatigue, which have a negative impact on their mental health.

In addition, these forced time intervals imply having to get up early and arrive home later. Above all, because in most companies, there is no flexibility or continuous working day. So, the staff must come in around nine o’clock in the morning. morning. Thus, from eight o’clock or even earlier, the city streets and ring roads begin to fill with vehicles with individuals commuting to work. And the same routine, but in reverse, happens from 6:00 p.m. All this contributes to generating unhappiness in the workers.

Commuting increases the risk of cardiovascular disease

For its part, the University of Alicante has developed research that also insists on how commuting affects health, so that the more time spent, the greater the negative impact produced on the person, which is even more pronounced in women. “It has been seen that longer trips affect women more intensely,” he says. But, not only mentally, but also physically. In this sense, Dr. Christine M. Hoehnr of the University of Washington emphasizes that this type of displacement intensifies the risk of cardiovascular diseases, since accumulated exhaustion increases sedentary lifestyle. Because, when you get home, due to accumulated fatigue, you don’t feel like moving or playing sports. This, together with lack of sleep, leads to hypertension, weight gain and poor eating habits, among others.

 

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