“By the time I'm home, I'm not stressed anymore”: A qualitative exploration of enablers of active commuting among office workers

Abstract

Background and rationale

Promoting active commuting (AC; walking, running, or cycling between home and work) is gaining popularity as a strategy for increasing physical activity among working adults. Previous research has identified predictors of AC, with a focus on barriers, with minimal exploration of workers’ lived experiences and motivations of office workers who choose active commuting modes. This research aimed to qualitatively explore the factors that enable active commuting among office workers.

Methods

Fifty-one volunteers were recruited from three office-based workplaces in Brisbane, Australia, via convenience sampling, to participate in focus groups. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes.

Results

The study included six focus groups of six to 10 participants. They were office workers from a private engineering firm, a government department, and a university campus, with usual commute modes including public transport, cycling, walking, running and private motor vehicle (as driver or passenger). Nearly all commuters, irrespective of their chosen mode of commuting, highlighted that financial cost and travel time considerations played a significant role in determining their mode choice. Physical and mental health (e.g., stress management), convenience, predictability and flexibility were also important factors influencing the choice of active modes. High quality end-of-trip facilities were identified as a potential facilitator of AC, especially among women.

Conclusions

This research reveals areas of focus for future interventions, both behavioural and built environment. The results suggest that interventions to promote AC should highlight the mental health benefits, substantial money savings through reduced transport costs, and improvements in predictability of travel time. Improving the quality of end-of-trip facilities, so that users have a “business class” experience, may also encourage uptake of AC.