Winter commutes can be as emotionally challenging as they are tactically, but with the right strategies, you can turn them into a more enjoyable and productive experience.
Here are six quick tips to help you navigate the season:
Layering is key during winter commutes, whether you drive or take public transit. Invest in a quality winter coat, gloves and an insulated hat to protect your ears and improve overall heat retention. Not only is there the obvious impact on our physical comfort, there's one to our energy levels as well. Did you know that shivering burns nearly 1.5x the number of calories per minute as when at rest? Consider the addition of thermal layers to build into your outfit if tolerable for the temperatures in your work environment.
If you wear fancy dress shoes to work, they are rarely insulated (if ever) – prioritize warm sneakers or proper winter boots while outside and change into your nice shoes when you reach your workplace to protect both your feet from frostbite and your shoes from being damaged by road salt and dirty slush.
HR tip: Help your organization's staff's financial wellbeing with an employee discounts platform that will enable them to save money across hundreds of retailers and service providers! Spend less on winter (and everyday) essentials, special luxuries, gifts, experiences and travel. Discounts help your employees stretch their salaries further and can help relieve the stress of a major purchase.
Longer commutes don’t have to feel tedious. Explore audiobooks or ebooks to immerse yourself in a compelling story or learn something new. Check out the Libby app to support your local library or subscription programs like Kindle Unlimited if you're a speed reader. Spend an evening creating the perfect morning motivation and evening cooldown playlists to accompany your trips in and out of the office. Check out industry-relevant podcasts – or distract yourself with any topic that interests you. No matter what you're into, there's probably someone out there talking about it.
With unpredictable weather, it's always smart to plan for delays. Check traffic and weather updates before you leave, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. If you drive, ensure you allow your vehicle's engine sufficient time to warm up before you leave your parking space. This prevents stress and helps you arrive at work ready to tackle the day.
We talked about outerwear already, but it's 2025: there are so many solutions out there to ease the trials of commuting. Self-heating travel mugs, reusable hand warmers, neck pillows, travel blankets that tuck back into a compact little case that fits in your bag and more can each solve the little problems that risk your mood and overall commuting experience during the colder months.
Keep in touch with coworkers or friends during your commute. A quick check-in via text or phone call can help foster connections and break the monotony of your travel. Regardless of how you get to work, consider using a hands-free bluetooth device to keep your hands free; if you're driving, this is safer – and if you're on public transportation, helps you keep your conversation more private.
If possible, discuss flexible work arrangements with your employer, such as remote work days or adjusted hours during the winter months. This can help you avoid the worst of the commute and provide a better work-life balance during the cold season. Maybe you shift your start and end times to fall in off-peak hours or perhaps you select one or two days per week you work remotely instead and focus your collaborative efforts on those fewer, more focused in-person days.
With these tips, you can master your winter commute and make the most of your time on the road. Stay warm, entertained and connected this season!
Edenred is here to help support your organization's employees on their weekly commute. Covering a variety of transportation methods and even parking, we make commuter benefits easy and worthwhile. Learn more today!