Impact of commuting time on self-reported work productivity: A quasi-longitudinal examination

Commuting is a fundamental aspect of daily life that profoundly influences work productivity. Despite extensive research in this area, findings are often inconclusive, primarily due to methodological limitations such as cross-sectional designs. Addressing these gaps, our study adopts a quasi-longitudinal approach to examine the causal effects of commuting time on self-reported work productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Survey data from 550 white-collar employees in Greater Melbourne were collected, capturing commuting behavior and work productivity before and during the lockdown. Utilizing regression models and cross-lagged panel analyses, our study reveals a modest decline in self-reported job performance and working hours during the lockdown, with notable variations among respondents. Interestingly, individuals with longer pre-pandemic commutes reported improved job performance and increased working hours while working from home. However, a significant decrease in self-reported work productivity was observed among female employees with young children, underscoring the critical need for childcare support during remote work arrangements. By shedding light on the intricate interplay between commuting, remote work, and self-reported productivity, our study provides valuable insights for informing workplace policies and support mechanisms.