The Rise of Return on Commute (ROC) – How to Optimize Your Workplace for the New Era of Work

In today’s hybrid work environment, employees are increasingly evaluating their commute time and its impact on their productivity and well-being. This has led to the emergence of a new concept called “Return on Commute” (ROC), which is similar to the traditional business metric “Return on Investment” (ROI).

ROC measures the value of an employee’s commute in terms of the time they spend working productively versus the time they spend traveling to and from the office. A high ROC indicates that the commute is worthwhile, while a low ROC suggests that the commute is not justified.

Several factors can affect an employee’s ROC, including:

  • Commute length: The longer the commute, the lower the ROC is likely to be.
  • Commute mode: Commuting by public transportation or car can be stressful and time-consuming, while cycling or walking can be more enjoyable and productive.
  • Office environment: A well-designed and equipped office can make employees more productive and engaged, making a commute more worthwhile.

How to Optimize Your Workplace for High ROC:
Businesses can take several steps to optimize their workplace for high ROC:

  • Offer flexible work arrangements: Allow employees to work from home or other locations some or all of the time. This can reduce commute times and improve employee satisfaction.
  • Provide a comfortable and productive office environment: Invest in ergonomic furniture, create collaborative spaces, and offer amenities such as healthy snacks and on-site fitness facilities.
  • Foster a culture of connection and belonging: Encourage employees to socialize and collaborate with each other, both in person and remotely. This can make employees feel more connected to the company and make the commute more worthwhile.

Rightsize Facility’s Role in Optimizing Workplace ROC:
Rightsize Facility can help businesses optimize their workplace for high ROC by providing:

  • Space planning and design services: Our experts can help you create a workspace that is both functional and appealing to employees.
  • Ergonomic furniture solutions: We offer a wide variety of ergonomic furniture that can help reduce employee fatigue and improve productivity.
  • Workplace technology solutions: We can help you implement technology that can improve communication and collaboration between employees, both in person and remotely.

By investing in a workplace that optimizes ROC, businesses can improve employee productivity, well-being, and retention. This can lead to a more competitive and successful organization.



Additional Tips for Optimizing Workplace ROC:

  • Survey employees: Ask employees about their commute satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
  • Track commute data: Collect data on employee commute times and modes to identify patterns and trends.
  • Experiment with different work arrangements: Try different flexible work arrangements to see what works best for your employees and your business.
  • Communicate openly and honestly: Keep employees updated on any changes to workplace policies or procedures.

By following these tips, businesses can create a workplace that is attractive to employees and optimizes their ROC. This can lead to a more productive, engaged, and successful workforce.