Commuting Really is Bad for Your Health

Source:

2004-11-01

UK Commuters Suffer from 'Commuter Amnesia' and Higher Stress Levels than Combat Pilots and Riot Police

LONDON, 30 November, 2004 ; New research* shows that even short journeys induce higher stress levels than those experienced by fighter pilots going into combat and police officers facing rioting mobs, confirming what millions of commuters already suspected; commuting really is bad for your health. The stress levels of volunteer commuters taking part in the study conducted on behalf of Hewlett Packard, rose drastically with their heart rate and blood pressure rising rapidly as they battled to and from work on packed trains and buses.

As part of the study, commission by HP to understand the extent to which commuting may prove harmful to your health, volunteer commuters were transformed into 'bionic' travellers. Electrodes attached to commuters scalps and chests revealed that the pressure and fatigue of even a short commute can result in the 'mind temporarily switching off'. This a phenomenon known as 'Commuter Amnesia' which is a psychological defence and in this case it was triggered against the discomfort and stress of their journeys.

''This is time lost out of their lives,'' explains psychologist Dr David Lewis who analysed the study's findings. ''Since many people spend at least a working day each week travelling to and from their jobs, it means over a working lifetime commuters could be obliterating some three years of their lives! People suffering from even small levels of stress and discomfort during their journey will experience Commuter Amnesia and unless something remarkable occurs they will remember absolutely nothing about their journey.''

Findings from a wider independent study of 800 UK commuters revealed that sixty per cent of commuters do not find commuting a relaxed, punctual or pleasant experience. Instead it is typically regarded as an 'ordeal' that varies from being sometimes stressful to an exhausting, highly stressful 'nightmare'. According to the research, the longer the journey the more stressful it tends to be, which is not good news for the majority of UK workers who travel for more than 45 minutes to and from work each day. The daily commute also has an effect on how we do our jobs with over two-third of commuters admitting that they couldn't do their jobs properly due to the effects of commuting - even when their journeys had been trouble free.

Graham Long, Small-Medium Business Director, HP UK & Ireland commented, ''These findings send out a very clear message; it is time for us all to reconsider the costs and benefits of the traditional 9 to 5 office-bound working day. We know that businesses who adopt smarter, more flexible working practices reap the benefits in terms of a more mobilised, productive and motivated workforce. The current mindset of employers has made a culture of 'presenteeism' prevalent in the UK. Bosses have to stop thinking that if someone is at their desk they are working and are skiving if they are working elsewhere. The tools, technology and support needed to make businesses and their employees more flexible exist; it will now take a leap of faith from employees who are willing and able to make it happen. This leap is something that HP, as one of the worlds leading innovator and developer of mobile technology, has already taken and benefited from in the UK.''

Digby Jones, Director General, CBI, commented, "This timely HP survey confirms the very real effects of poor transport infrastructure on peoples' everyday lives. Imagine the loss to the economy if two thirds of all commuters are unable to do their jobs properly because of the stresses and strains associated with simply getting to work.

Urgent delivery of an improved transport system must become a UK government priority. Employers also need to explore the many new and creative ways of helping their staff get the job done".

To speak to HP, Dr David Lewis or one of the Bionic Travellers who took part in the study, or to request photography please call Kerry Gaffney on 020 7853 2248 or Caroline Titmuss 020 7853 2278. Out of ours please contact Kerry on 07720 277169.


Bionic Travellers
Three measures of physical and mental changes during commuting were taken. Increases in blood pressure suggest rising levels of physical tension as does an increase in heart rate. The final measurements were taken of brain activity; high levels of Beta Waves coupled with a decline in Alpha Waves can indicate anxiety, apprehension and stress. Notes were also made of which side of the brain registered the most activity.


Paul, 30, Marketing
Paul's journey from his home in South London to his office near Paddington takes over an hour and involves a bus journey and three different, crowded tubes lines. Unable to sit for most of his journey, Paul spends most his time crushed together with other passengers. The tests found that his blood pressure rose significantly on both his journeys with his heart rate peaking at around 145 beats per minute. Paul said, 'I really do dislike commuting, I find it incredibly stressful and it makes me tense. Once I reach the office all I can think about it having a cup of coffee and trying to relax before starting my day properly'.

Anna, 31, Publishing
Anna undertakes a similar journey from South London to Leicester Square, her journey also takes an hour on a good day when there are no delays. Anna's blood pressure rose sharply on her daily journey and her brain wave pattern showed she almost totally switched off her decision making process whilst she travelled to work. Anna commented 'I never realised quite how much I go into a world of my own when travelling on the tube. That explains why I sometimes find it difficult to get going when I first get to the office, especially when it has been a difficult journey.


*Research was carried out for Hewlett Packard by Dr David Lewis Consultancy. The survey comprised 800 telephone interviews amongst UK Workers who travel to their place of work on a regular basis. The research was conducted during October 2004.