Commuting stress factors can lead to burnout

A new study has examined that commuting length, distance, and means are stress factors that can lead to burnout.

The study conducted at University of Montreal suggested that a correlation exists between commuting stress factors and the likelihood of suffering from burnout.

Annie Barreck of the University of Montreal's School of Industrial Relations, asserted that the importance varies according to the individual, the conditions in which their trips take place, and the place where the individual works.

Barreck's work compares rural and urban regions of Quebec in terms of their commuting patterns, including types of transport used (car, subway, bus, bike, etc.) and links these patterns to the three dimensions of burnout: emotional burnout, cynicism and professional efficacy. The study involved 1,942 people, aged between 17 and 69, working at 63 organizations in Quebec.

According to the study, the bigger the city, the more stressful the commute, at least for people travelling by car and people commuting towards rural areas are not entirely spared and those who take long trips in public transit feel less effective in the workplace.

Barreck explained that public transit implies bus or train connections, and as rural regions are less well served, the risk of unforeseeable and uncontrollable delays is increased, causing stress that is carried over into the workplace.

Barreck added that commuting doesn't have to contribute to burnout as the effects of the duration of a commute on a person's mental health vary according to the type of transport used and the profile of the area where the person works.