7 Ways to Create a Beneficial Commute to Central London Offices

Recently, we suggested how bosses should do more to help workers in Central London offices tackle the daily commute. But what if you can’t reduce your commute? With London workers spending an average of fifty-eight minutes a day commuting we look at some of the best ways to turn that time to your advantage.

1. Get ahead of the competition

Imagine having an extra five hours a week to focus on getting that promotion. Turn your commuting time into professional development time and you’ve got it.

Whether it’s swotting up on Spanish, learning code or studying for a professional qualification – use the time to do whatever it is that’ll get you closer to securing that promotion. Thanks to smartphones and tablets, it’s now easy to study on the go. Why not sign up to a MOOC or other distance learning course?

2. Tune in to birdsong

Sounds bizarre? According to sound expert Julian Treasure, listening to birdsong is a great way to get your mind in gear and boost general well-being. He recommends we all spend at least five minutes a day listening to the sound.

So for those 17.6% of commuters travelling to Central London offices who already listen to music on the way to work, adding in a track of birdsong could help to increase focus and productivity for the day ahead.

3. Set up your Central London offices on the tube

Working before you get to work may be the last thing you feel like doing – but an hour spent working on the train is an hour less spent in the your Central London offices at the end of the day.

In fact, 10.4% of London commuters already use their commuting time this way. Of course, it depends on you getting a seat on the train.

4. Check your social feeds

Check Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn before you reach your Central London offices, and you could well be saving yourself an extra half-hour in the working day.

Given how widespread social media use is, it’s surprising that only 7.7% of Londoners do this on the way to the office.

5. Catch up on the news

Knowledge, as they say, is power. Whether it’s the global headlines or the latest industry news, arriving at the office well informed could help you make better decisions – and more insightful contributions to that 9am meeting.

Driving to your Central London offices? Many newspapers and journals are now available in audio format. Learning the latest news while you wait might make that traffic jam a little less frustrating.

6. Plan a sideways move

Thinking of a career change?  From researching your new profession to studying for a professional qualification, that commuting time could be instrumental in helping you make it happen.

7. Get fit

If you can, why not cycle part of the route to your Central London offices? Or get off the Tube a stop earlier and power-walk the rest of the way? It’ll cut down on your gym time and free up some spare time after hours.

How do you make the most of your commuting time? Share your ideas in the comments below.