Public transit users more likely to suffer from psychological distress than those who drive to work, finds report
A new study is challenging long-held assumptions about the impact of commuting on employee well-being, revealing that public transit users face greater psychological distress and work-life conflict than those who drive to work.
The research, led by Annie Barreck of l’Université de Montréal’s School of Industrial Relations, analysed data from nearly 2,000 employees across 65 workplaces in Canada. The findings indicate that the length and mode of commute are critical factors influencing mental health.
Employees who spend more time commuting are more likely to experience work-family conflict and symptoms of psychological distress, such as anxiety, frustration, and headaches. Barreck notes that “a burnout begins to set in after only 20 minutes” of commuting, according to a report from The Canadian Press (CP).
The number of Canadians commuting to work increased for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, according to Statistics Canada (StatCan).
How to help workers deal with commute stress?
Barreck’s study cites Statistics Canada data showing that the average Canadian commute is 44 minutes by car, 53 minutes by public transit, and 26 minutes by active transportation. Nearly one in ten workers faces a commute longer than an hour, and this number is rising. Barreck told CP that the extended duration of public transit trips “leaves the least amount of time for work, social, and family activities,” which can increase psychological distress.
Barreck’s research also highlights that the unpredictability of public transit—such as delays and frequent stops—can contribute to a sense of lost control, further impacting mental health. While active transportation was associated with higher psychological distress, it was not directly linked to work-family conflict in the same way as public transit.
The study urges employers to consider the complexity of commuting when developing workplace policies. Barreck stated, “The results of this study suggest adopting a broader perspective on commuting, mental health at work, and work-family issues in order to fully recognise the complexity of commuting on employee health and well-being.”
To address these challenges, the research recommends that organisations introduce flexible work arrangements and work-life balance initiatives.
Barreck told CP, “These are examples of policies that can be extremely important in the workplace, which will have an impact not only on worker mobility, because workers may choose to use public transportation more if these policies are implemented, but also because they will subsequently have far fewer mental health problems.”
"A professional's commute often sets the tone for their day. Dealing with a lengthy or frustrating trip to the office can have long-term effects on employee morale, performance and retention," says David King, senior district president for Robert Half. "As workforces become more dispersed, organizations need to proactively offer solutions to help address and alleviate commuter stress, while keeping business priorities on track."
