A recent survey highlights concerns among UK working women regarding commuting in the dark and indicates a strong preference for flexible work options.
- 1 in 3 working women express fear about commuting after sunset, emphasising the need for daylight travel.
- A significant 85% of women are willing to alter work schedules to ensure safer commuting during daylight.
- 88% of respondents advocate for enhanced flexible work schedules to improve commuting safety in winter.
- Alarmingly, 47% feel uneasy commuting in the dark, with terms like “vulnerable” and “unsafe” resonating among many.
A recent survey conducted by employment experts at Remote reveals that a substantial segment of UK working women are concerned about their safety while commuting in the dark. Approximately one in three women report feeling unsafe during such commutes, outlining the pressing necessity for strategies that enable travel in daylight hours. This sentiment is strongest among those aged 16-24 and those over 55, highlighting a widespread anxiety that transcends age groups.
The survey’s finding that 85% of women would change their commuting pattern to ensure daylight travel underlines the significant demand for flexible work options. These alterations not only enhance personal safety but also empower women by alleviating concerns associated with after-dark travel. Such findings suggest a need for employers to reassess and potentially adapt company policies to align with the safety needs of their workforce.
In support of this transition, 88% of surveyed women believe that companies should offer flexible work schedules in the winter months, allowing for safer commutes at times when it is light outside. This overwhelming majority indicates an urgent need for businesses to adopt more flexible working environments that accommodate the commuting preferences of female employees, particularly in the darker months when safety concerns are heightened.
A considerable 47% of women reported feeling “uneasy” while commuting in the dark, with additional expressions of vulnerability and anxiety prevalent among respondents. These emotions align with a broader societal issue, as corroborated by Office for National Statistics data showing that women generally feel less safe than men when travelling at night.
The geographical analysis of the survey reveals that women in Greater London and the North East feel most apprehensive about commuting in the dark, with 42% reporting feelings of unsafety. This is compounded by high-profile cases of violence against women in these areas, reinforcing the perception of risk and the necessity for safer commuting strategies.
From a sectoral perspective, workers in sales, media, and marketing are significantly “worried” about their commute, along with those in legal and retail sectors. This cross-industrial concern calls for systematic change, where 100% of respondents from certain sectors advocate for flexible working that permits commuting in the safety of daylight. This reflects a broader acknowledgment within industries of the importance of employee safety and satisfaction.
Nadia Vatalidis, VP of People at Remote, emphasises that flexible work arrangements can provide a meaningful solution to these safety concerns. While recognising that not all sectors can adapt at the same pace, she highlights the importance of incorporating safety-oriented policies that empower women to commute with confidence and security. Vatalidis advocates for policies that suit the unique safety challenges posed by commuting in darkness.
Empowering women through flexible working schedules is crucial to ensuring safer and more confident commuting experiences.
