Multimodality in the Swiss new normal: data collection methods and response behavior in a multi-stage survey with linked stated preference designs

The Swiss New Normal is defined by a substantial increase in telework adoption following the COVID-19 pandemic. Although telework has been extensively studied in the transport literature since the start of the ICT revolution, previous findings may not be applicable to the current context due to evolving economic conditions, personal preferences, and employer perspectives. The net benefits of telework for energy consumption and its climate impact remain ambiguous, as the potential higher-order effects that might offset energy savings from reduced commuting are still under debate. Our survey is designed to model the options, adoption, and frequency of telework. We conducted two stated preference experiments: The first examines preferences for various hybrid work arrangements and the influence of work policies on telework adoption, while the second explores the relationship between telework frequency and mobility tool ownership, a previously neglected higher-order effect. This paper focuses on data collection methods, analyzes response behavior, and provides a descriptive overview of the telework landscape in Switzerland. Our data suggests that the pandemic has increased the telework share in Switzerland by 15 percentage points. Of the population, 60% hold teleworkable jobs, and 91.33% of these individuals wish to utilize telework. However, a gap of 20 percentage points exists between those who can work from home and those who actually do. Additionally, about one-quarter of teleworkers desire to telework more frequently but are restricted from doing so. Telework patterns also vary throughout the week, with Fridays being the most popular day for working from home, suggesting significant variations in transport network loads. We found no evidence that telework negatively impacts emissions through a shift from public transport (PT) subscriptions to car ownership. Teleworkers tend to cancel PT subscriptions and purchase half-fare cards, but this behavior occurs only at high telework frequencies (4+ days per week). Nonetheless, this shift could have second-order effects at the trip level: households with cars and no PT subscriptions may prefer car travel over other modes of transport.