ROTTERDAM, 31 October 2024 – Office workers in South Holland may save thousands of euros annually by working closer to home, according to recent research on commuter costs and spending patterns. Lower travel and meal expenses, alongside improved work-life balance, are noted benefits.
Study highlights cost savings of working locally
New research has revealed that office workers across South Holland could save up to €15,270 annually by working locally four days a week instead of commuting daily. These findings come as transport cuts, disappearing connections, and rising costs increasingly prompt workers to seek alternatives to daily commuting. Lower public transport, fuel, and meal expenses are cited as primary drivers of this financial relief, allowing workers more flexibility to achieve personal financial goals.
The research was conducted by the International Workplace Group (IWG) and surveyed 1,036 full-time office workers across the Netherlands to analyse commuting and spending habits. For many South Holland residents, the study suggests that working closer to home reduces weekly travel costs and supports a stronger work-life balance, with more time available for family, hobbies, and personal well-being.
Lower commuting costs
According to the survey, local work models offer significant savings for South Holland employees, reducing expenses on public transport, fuel, parking, and other commuting-related costs. Sixty-eight per cent of respondents reported weekly travel cost reductions, with seven per cent noting savings of 50 per cent or more.
These savings particularly benefit younger workers aiming to reduce student loan debt or save for a home. For instance, a 24-year-old Rotterdam employee working four days locally rather than commuting to a company headquarters in Amsterdam could save up to €15,270 annually, as estimated by Development Economics, a research firm that analysed the financial impact of hybrid working models. Among respondents, 61 per cent indicated that fewer commutes had improved their ability to achieve financial goals, with savings allocated to future investments (60 per cent), holidays (29 per cent), and home renovations (18 per cent).
Improved work-life balance
The study also found that working locally can positively influence employees’ personal lives. Seventy-nine per cent of South Holland workers who work closer to home noted a positive impact on their work-life balance due to the reduced time spent commuting. In Rotterdam, the extra hours gained from reduced travel were often used for relaxation, hobbies, and health activities, with 32 per cent engaging in fitness or wellness pursuits. Additionally, 31 per cent of South Holland workers used this extra time to pursue professional development.
Commuting challenges prompt shift towards local work
South Holland workers cited traffic congestion and high transport expenses as primary factors motivating a shift to local work options. In the survey, 44 per cent of respondents who preferred working locally highlighted congestion as their main reason, followed by increased train fares (20 per cent) and higher bus fares (15 per cent).
Hybrid Work Calculator provides insight
To help workers estimate potential savings, the IWG has introduced the Hybrid Work Calculator. This tool provides quick calculations of the time and financial benefits of working closer to home.
Mark Dixon, CEO of the International Workplace Group, commented, “The concept of a long daily commute may soon become outdated. Office workers will no longer have to wake early, face crowded or polluting transportation, and travel significant distances to their workplace. This shift could fundamentally change the way people view commuting.” Dixon also emphasised the role of hybrid working models in empowering workers to allocate savings towards housing and other financial goals.
The IWG, which operates brands such as Spaces and Regus, has over 100 flexible office locations across the Netherlands, including recent expansions to meet the growing demand for hybrid work solutions.
