One in ten workers in UAE commutes more than 90 minutes every day, according to a recent survey conducted by global workplace solutions provider Regus.

Long-distance commuting is still the norm in spite of progress in flexible working practices globally with about 20 per cent of workers faced with over a hour and half-long daily commute, the survey found out.

In the UAE only nine per cent of commuters travel to work more than 90 minutes every day, the survey stated.

Globally, cars are by far the most popular form of commuter transport with a total of 64 per cent using them.

Mark Dixon, CEO of Regus, said, 'With 2010’s second rise in petrol costs taking effect in July and as traffic congestion in cities increases, it is disappointing to see that too many workers are still jamming the roads in the rush hour when they could be spending their time more enjoyably or more productively elsewhere.'

'To tackle the damaging effects of commuting on staff health and morale, savvy businesses are introducing more flexibility in their working practices and are seeking workplace solutions that allow their staff to work closer to home,' Dixon said.

'Remote working and flexi-time can provide a much needed break in the weekly commuting routine and also translate into office space and maintenance savings,' he added.

In the UAE car use is much more wide-spread with about 79 per cent using them than average. Other popular modes of transport are taxis with 12 per cent of respondents respectively choosing these means to get to work.

Among the least popular modes of transport in the UAE are cycling and motorbike driving with less than one per cent preferring these way of traveling.

Further pain commuters are forced to face is in the cost of travel. While on average seven per cent of commuters globally spend 10 per cent or more of their salary on commuting.

The survey found that in the UAE the average spend for commuting is four per cent of yearly salary. Nevertheless, 8 per cent of respondents spend 10 per cent or more of their yearly take-home salary to fund their commute while 14 per cent spend between 5 to 10 per cent.

With medical research indicating that commuting-induced stress can be responsible for raised blood pressure, musculoskeletal disorders, increased hostility and adverse effects on cognitive performance, Regus regularly surveys its over a million business contacts base to discover the extent of their commuting, Dixon said.-TradeArabia News Service

Regus is a leading provider of innovative workspace solutions, with products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the world’s largest network of video communication studios.

Clients such as Google, GlaxoSmithKline, and Nokia join thousands of growing small and medium businesses that benefit from outsourcing their office and workplace needs to Regus, allowing them to focus on their core business.-TradeArabia News Service