Finally, some “me time”: A new theoretical perspective on the benefits of commuting

Abstract

Most research on commuting has focused on its negative aspects and consequences (i.e., stress). However, some work has also begun to recognize that there may be positive aspects to commuting. In this paper, we develop a perspective that has so far received limited attention, highlighting how the commute can be experienced as desired and beneficial “me time”, due to the fact that it inhabits a “third space” that is less associated with work or home role requirements. Drawing upon and integrating theories and research on commuting, leisure, recovery, and identity, we first define this construct and then develop a theoretical model that aims to address key questions regarding predicting motivation to engage in “me time”, beneficial outcomes of “me time”, and potential moderators of these effects. Consequently, our proposed model offers both research and practical implications for commuting employees as well as their employers, families, and society. Plain Language Summary The majority of research on commuting has focused on its negative aspects and consequences (i.e., stress). However, increasingly, some work has also begun to recognize that there may be some positive aspects of commuting. Despite some scholars acknowledging the potential benefits of commuting, most still conceptualize the commute as simply a necessary transition between domains (i.e., work and home). In this paper, we seek to bring a new perspective to the literature, highlighting how the commute can be experienced as desired “time to myself”. We therefore develop a theoretical model that aims to address key questions surrounding this phenomenon, including what is “me time” during the commute, who is more likely to uses the commute for “me time”, what are the situational factors that facilitate or inhibit choosing “me time”, what positive outcomes can be expected when engaging in “me time”, and what conditions are likely to affect this process. We also discuss the underlying mechanisms for this process. As a result, our proposed model presents both research and practical implications for commuting employees as well as their employers, families, and society.

Re-Establishing Home and Work Boundaries by Pseudo-Commuting Whilst Working from Home

“…Just like the data of Nikolaeva et al (2022), our respondents demonstrated that the commute demarcates a transition between work and home; without commuting this separation has vanished. Pindek et al (2022) emphasised that the commute may have positive aspects, which is similar to the interviewees' statements about "me time". The quality of "me time" is more important than quantity, as participant C stated.…”

You make me anxious! Witnessing safety violations during the daily commute and at work leads to employee work withdrawal

“…More recently, research has investigated the beneficial aspects of commuting and bidirectional spillover relationships between commuting and work (Calderwood & Mitropoulos, 2021; Wiese et al, 2020b). For example, commuting has been found to provide opportunities for refreshment and role transitions (Jachimowicz et al, 2021; Pindek et al, 2023). Thus, the interrelations between employees’ commuting and work experiences can be ambivalent, influenced by a variety of factors (Wiese & Calderwood, 2022).…”

Planes, trains, and automobiles: Commuting in the 2020s and beyond

“…Other papers make this point a central aspect of their contribution. For example, Pindek et al (2022) propose that commuters can use the time they are traveling to and from work as “Me Time,” where they recover from their experiences in their previously occupied domain and replenish crucial personal resources that may be depleted by working. Gerpott et al (this issue) break down the psychological aspects of the commuting experience in explaining when the commute positively or negatively affects experiences in the commuter's subsequently occupied domain (e.g., work, home).…”

“…Another shared theme across these articles is the role of time. Several authors noted the need to examine the commuting experience using intensive longitudinal methods (Fruhen et al, this issue; Murphy et al, 2022; Nolan et al, this issue; Pindek et al, this issue). Longitudinal methods are critical within commuting research as these experiences naturally fluctuate daily (e.g., commuting times, conditions, and experiences may change substantially from day-to-day), and the impact of this commuting variability can have both shorter- and longer-term consequences.…”

“…Several phenomena within the commuting literature also may operate differently when measured at different temporal intervals (e.g., commute variability, commute predictability, commute quality). Further, the authors of several papers in the special issue call out the need to expand upon the typical methodologies used in commuting research (Pindek et al, this issue; Nolan et al, this issue). One recommendation is to use newly advanced technological tools to better understand the commuting experience (e.g., virtual reality, mobile surveying technologies).…”