Unveiling the teleworking effect: How remote work alters residential choices and commuting preferences

Abstract

The rise of teleworking, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, had a potential impact on travel behavior. Controversies surrounding teleworking’s effect on travel volume exist, with studies showing both reductions and rebound effects. This study aims to analyze the relationship between teleworking, residential location choices, and commuting preferences to better understand its impact on travel-related decisions. An online survey was conducted with two stated choice experiments - one on residential location and commuting and a second one on mode choice. Focusing on the potential reductions in the value of travel time savings (VTT) for commuting, the results suggest that teleworking leads to lower VTT, especially for walking and car use. Three segments of teleworkers and non-teleworkers with different socioeconomic characteristics and preferences were identified. Teleworkers with higher education have the highest VTT for commuting trips, while non-teleworkers show a significant preference for suburban or rural residential locations. About 20% of the respondents show a strong sensitivity to the possibility to telework when choosing a residential location, and are willing to live twice as far if they can work from home half the time. The study highlights the need for policy measures to promote sustainable commuting, as teleworking alone may not be sufficient to reduce traffic volume. Overall, the study provides valuable empirical evidence to understand the complex relationship between work, living, and commuting choices in the context of teleworking and an empirical basis for modelling short- as well as mid-/long-term choice scenarios.