INSIGHT 3
Transport is the silent productivity killer
The first challenge of the day isn’t the job itself. It’s the daily gamble of getting to work in the first place, and the hurdles that need to be cleared to clock in at all.
"Will I make it to work on time? Will I make it at all?"
Security guards, cleaners and retail staff often leave home long before dawn, navigating a patchwork of taxis, buses and trains that are unreliable, under-maintained or simply unsafe.
Commuting costs more than money
In winter, darkness compounds the risk of robbery or assault. In summer, heat and overcrowding take their toll. The commute is not just physically exhausting – it’s emotionally draining, unpredictable and financially unsustainable.
In this year’s Deskless Pulse survey, the results show how deep the problem runs: unreliable transport emerged as the single biggest workplace challenge, outstripping low wages, poor communication and even safety concerns.
This should make employers sit up and take notice. This is more than a tardiness issue or a personal problem, which it is often framed as. It’s an operational liability that erodes productivity before the day even begins.
Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) deskless workers say it’s their top source of stress
68% of Jem’s Earned Wage Access users accessed the service to cover transport costs
When shifts start before sunrise or end after midnight, transport gaps widen – and penalties fall on the employee. Late arrivals triggered by delayed or unavailable transport can lead to warnings or even disciplinary action. The result: workers being punished for factors beyond their control.
For those already stretched thin, losing a day’s pay or risking dismissal because of circumstances beyond their control is demoralising and financially devastating. And, most of all, it’s incredibly unfair.
When shifts start before sunrise or end after midnight, transport gaps widen – and penalties fall on the employee. Late arrivals triggered by delayed or unavailable transport can lead to warnings or even disciplinary action. The result: workers being punished for factors beyond their control.
For those already stretched thin, losing a day’s pay or risking dismissal because of circumstances beyond their control is demoralising and financially devastating. And, most of all, it’s incredibly unfair.
The business cost
Every late arrival, absence or exhausted employee chips away at service delivery, customer satisfaction and safety standards. In cleaning and security, industries where early-morning readiness is critical, unreliable transport is a productivity leak hidden in plain sight. Yet in most companies, it’s absent from HR strategies and rarely factored into operational planning.
CHRO INSIGHT
If staff arrive fearful, late or exhausted, the workday is already compromised.
CFO INSIGHT
Every missed shift, disciplinary case, or accident linked to transport is lost revenue disguised as an HR problem.
Take your cue from the top
Industry leaders are at the forefront for a reason. Here’s what they do to get their staff to work promptly and safely.
Short‑term: Commuting realities are audited. Subsidies, staggered start times and ride‑share for early/late shifts have been introduced. Allowances to fuel and public transport costs have been indexed.
Long‑term: Transport is treated as workforce infrastructure. Top companies have partnered with providers for reliable routes, or run shuttles for high‑risk slots. Stable commutes protect both productivity and retention.
“During winter time my company could help by providing transportation due to waking up early in the morning to avoid being robbed.”
– Factory worker, male (25-34)
“During winter time my company could help by providing transportation due to waking up early in the morning to avoid being robbed.”
– Factory worker, male (25-34)
INSIGHT 3
Transport is the silent productivity killer
The first challenge of the day isn’t the job itself. It’s the daily gamble and winding queue of getting there.
"Will I make it to work on time? Will I make it at all?"
Security guards, cleaners and retail staff often leave home long before dawn, navigating a patchwork of taxis, buses and trains that are unreliable, under-maintained or simply unsafe.
Commuting costs more than money
In winter, darkness compounds the risk of robbery or assault. In summer, heat and overcrowding take their toll. The commute is not just physically exhausting – it’s emotionally draining, unpredictable and financially unsustainable.
In this year’s Deskless Pulse survey, the results show how deep the problem runs: unreliable transport emerged as the single biggest workplace challenge, outstripping low wages, poor communication and even safety concerns.
This should make employers sit up and take notice. This is more than a tardiness issue or a personal problem, which it is often framed as. It’s an operational liability that erodes productivity before the day even begins.
Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) deskless workers say it’s their top source of stress
68% of Jem’s Earned Wage Access users accessed the service to cover transport costs
When shifts start before sunrise or end after midnight, transport gaps widen – and penalties fall on the employee. Late arrivals triggered by delayed or unavailable transport can lead to warnings or even disciplinary action. The result: workers being punished for factors beyond their control.
For those already stretched thin, losing a day’s pay or risking dismissal because of circumstances beyond their control is demoralising and financially devastating. And, most of all, it’s incredibly unfair.
The business cost
Every late arrival, absence or exhausted employee chips away at service delivery, customer satisfaction and safety standards. In cleaning and security, industries where early-morning readiness is critical, unreliable transport is a productivity leak hidden in plain sight. Yet in most companies, it’s absent from HR strategies and rarely factored into operational planning.
HR INSIGHT
If staff arrive fearful, late or exhausted, the workday is already compromised.
CFO INSIGHT
Every missed shift, disciplinary case, or accident linked to transport is lost revenue disguised as an HR problem.
visit www.jemhr.com
©2025 Jem HR Ltd – All Rights Reserved
visit www.jemhr.com
©2025 Jem HR Ltd – All Rights Reserved
Take your cue from the top
Industry leaders are at the forefront for a reason. Here’s what they do to get their staff to work promptly and safely.
Short‑term: Commuting realities are audited. Subsidies, staggered start times and ride‑share for early/late shifts have been introduced. Allowances to fuel and public transport costs have been indexed.
Long‑term: Transport is treated as workforce infrastructure. Top companies have partnered with providers for reliable routes, or run shuttles for high‑risk slots. Stable commutes protect both productivity and retention.
“During winter time my company could help by providing transportation due to waking up early in the morning to avoid being robbed in the morning.”
– Factory worker, male (25-34)
“During winter time my company could help by providing transportation due to waking up early in the morning to avoid being robbed in the morning.”
– Factory worker, male (25-34)
visit www.jemhr.com
©2025 Jem HR Ltd – All Rights Reserved
visit www.jemhr.com
©2025 Jem HR Ltd – All Rights Reserved