Intel of Canada/Decima Research survey reveals mass transit commuters
under equipped by employers as urban traffic congestion worsens
TORONTO, July 5 /CNW/ - Converting idle time into productive time on
daily work commutes could help reduce Canada's productivity gap with the
United States, according to a survey of mass commuters in Toronto, Montreal
and Vancouver conducted by Decima Research and Intel of Canada.
The Intel Commuter Survey found that half of all mass transit respondents
spend about 240 hours per year traveling to and from their workplace.
Converting just 40 minutes of that average daily one-hour commute into
productive work would eliminate the gap in additional hours worked by the
average American, which is currently 164 more hours per year(*) and still under
the 40 hours a week average.
"It's not about working longer, it's about Canadian commuters making
better use of their time," said Doug Cooper, Country Manager, Intel of Canada.
"Taking that down time commuting on mass transit and converting it to
productive time potentially reduces the need to stay later at the office,
provides flexibility for employees and increases productivity for the
employer."
Traffic congestion around urban centres is forcing more and more
Canadians to turn to mass transit and an average one-hour commute, according
to the Intel of Canada survey. Twelve per cent of Canadians use public
transportation for work, according to Statistics Canada, but only 11 per cent
of organizations help workers make the best use of that time by providing them
with access to a laptop or enabling commuting alternatives, said Cooper.
"Providing portable devices such as computer notebooks, increasing the
availability of reliable wireless access and establishing national
telecommuting policies are just three examples of the opportunities that
corporations need to consider," said Cooper. "While closing the productivity
gap is a complex issue involving increasing automation and
knowledge-management efficiencies, reducing idle commuting time is a
relatively simple step."
Employees stand to gain personally from increasing their productivity.
According to the Toronto-based Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity,
closing the existing "prosperity gap" of economic potential between Canada and
the United States would translate into an increase of nearly $12,000 in
disposable income to an average household.(xx)
REMOTE TELECOMMUTING
Only 26 per cent of respondents to the Intel Commuter survey said their
employers have a "work-from-home" policy as compared to 40 per cent of private
sector companies, and all public sector agencies, in the U.S.(xxx)
"Over the last few years we've learned organizations and employees are
better off when employees can work remotely," said Cooper. "Being able to work
from home, leave early to get to the cottage or work on the train provides
employees with increased flexibility, which leads to increase productivity."
Regional survey results available upon request.
About the Intel Commuter Survey
Intel intercepted commuters at major hubs in Toronto, Montreal and
Vancouver and encouraged them to log onto www.intel.ca to participate in the
Intel Commuter Survey, hosted by Decima Research. A total of 4,292 surveys
were completed between April 9th and May 31st 2007.
About Intel
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies,
products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live.
Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.ca/pressroom.
Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the
United States and other countries.(*) Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity, "Agenda for Canada's
Prosperity" March 2007
(xx) Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity, "Agenda for Canada's
Prosperity" March 2007
(xxx) CDW-G Telework Report 2007
For further information: Karen Gumbs, (416) 924-5700, ext. 4090,
karen_gumbs@ca.cohnwolfe.com
