With the availability of ever faster means of transport, the distance between home and work is also increasing; Commuters are now normal. The various forms of mobility include long-distance commuters, moving vehicles, weekend commuters, varimobile and long-distance relationships. They make it clear that commuting has become a highly complex phenomenon, which, however, has its price. The health effects of commuting are examined using empirical data from national and international studies. A distinction is made between somatic, psychological and socio-communicative effects, for example on the family, as well as between the stresses caused by public transport and driving your own car. Further topics relate to the specific problems of commuting women, the increase in health damage caused by commuting through shift work, and the negative consequences of commuting for companies, such as a decrease in productivity, an increase in sick days, an increase in accidents at work and early retirement. Only every third mobile reported the benefits of commuting. The various forms of remedy - challenges to company health management (more flexible or reduced working hours) and to public transport companies (better climatic conditions in public transport), but also the improvement of individual prophylaxis (e.g. carpooling) are part of the final discussion.

Source:

This title is part of the publication:
psychosocial 109: the world of work and health
(30. Vol., No. 109, 2007, Issue III)

Publisher: P