Source: Nieuwfiets

Global workplace solutions provider IWG has announced its survey findings on the financial and personal advantages of sustainable commuting for Dutch commuters.

A growing number of Dutch commuters are opting for bicycles over traditional means of transport, driven by flexible working arrangements, enhanced cycling infrastructure, and the increasing popularity of e-bikes. The expansion of local workplaces, such as the newly opened Spaces office by the International Workplace Group (IWG) at Amsterdam’s NDSM wharf, further supports this shift by making work closer to home more accessible.

Cost savings and increased well-being for local commuters

Recent research conducted by IWG highlights the financial and personal benefits associated with local commuting. Employees working closer to home stand to save significant amounts on commuting expenses, including fuel, public transportation, parking, and daily expenses such as coffee and meals. According to IWG’s findings, 60% of hybrid workers report saving money compared to their traditionally commuting counterparts, with 64% seeing a reduction in weekly transport costs. Notably, 9% of respondents have halved their commuting expenses.

The financial benefits extend beyond mere savings. More than half of employees surveyed (55%) choose to save their extra income, 37% allocate it to vacations, while 35% use it to pay off debts. For younger professionals, the savings can be particularly impactful. A 24-year-old Gen Z employee in The Hague who previously commuted to Amsterdam could potentially save €14,991.60 annually by working locally four days a week, as reported by research agency Development Economics. These savings could be directed toward reducing student debt or saving for significant financial milestones, such as a home deposit.

Hybrid work and cycling infrastructure: A shift in mobility

The Dutch Central Planning Bureau has also observed an upward trend in cycling commutes, with the proportion rising from 20% to 25%, equating to approximately 350,000 additional cyclists. This shift is supported by policies that encourage cycling, the widespread adoption of hybrid work models, and the increasing affordability and availability of e-bikes.

Beyond cost benefits, active commuting enhances mental well-being and productivity. Cycling to work not only improves physical fitness but also contributes to better mental health. IWG’s research found that 82% of active commuters reported improved mental well-being, while 60% experienced increased productivity. Additionally, 75% of employees surveyed noted a decrease in burnout symptoms following the transition to hybrid work arrangements.

The future of commuting: A decline in long-distance travel

Mark Dixon, CEO of IWG, predicts that long daily commutes will soon become a thing of the past. “The emergence of hybrid working transforms the way we work and travel. It won’t be long before the concept of a daily, long commuting to work is a thing of the past. The idea that office workers get up early every morning, in polluting cars or overcrowded trains and traveling many kilometers to their workplace will soon seem something strange, something that people used to do. The rise of hybrid works and more and more commuters taking the bike is transforming the way we work and travel.”

To support employees in assessing the financial impact of local commuting, IWG has developed a Hybrid Work Calculator, allowing workers to estimate their potential savings by reducing long-distance travel and increasing bicycle usage. As hybrid work continues to gain traction, the shift toward sustainable commuting methods like cycling is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of work-life balance and mobility in the Netherlands and beyond.