Commuting to Job (Dis)Satisfaction? Examining the Mediating Roles of Strain and Job Conditions Using German Panel Data

Job satisfaction is a crucial dimension of quality of life, significantly impacting individuals’ wellbeing and making it a key concern for individuals, employers, and policymakers. While factors such as workload, income, and job security are known to affect job satisfaction, the relevance of daily commuting remains less explored. This paper examines how commuting duration influences job satisfaction and explores the mediating roles of strain and job conditions.

Utilizing panel data from the German BAuA-Working Time Survey (2015-2023), we apply Pooled OLS and Fixed Effects Models to analyze this relationship and account for unobserved heterogeneity. Our findings show that longer commuting duration significantly reduces job satisfaction. Strain factors—such as emotional exhaustion, poor social support, and work pressure—mediate this negative association, while job conditions (e.g., overqualification, wages, leadership position) do not mediate the effect once unobserved heterogeneity is considered.

These results suggest that commuting is more than lost time; it adds stress and mental fatigue, which carry over into the work environment and reduce job satisfaction. Improving job conditions alone may not offset the negative implications of long commutes. Even with higher wages or job security, the strain from commuting continues to diminish satisfaction.

Reducing commuting times can lead to a healthier, more satisfied workforce. Individuals with long commutes should be mindful of the toll it takes on their wellbeing. Reducing commute times—through remote work or relocation—may be key to improving job satisfaction and quality of life. Policymakers should also recognize the burden of long commutes. Promoting remote work and improving public transportation could help alleviate commuting stress. Additionally, stress reduction programs for long-distance commuters should be prioritized as part of public health strategies, ultimately enhancing individual wellbeing and quality of life.