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The Effects of Commuting and Working from Home Arrangements on Mental Health

Author

Listed:
  • Botha, Ferdi

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Kabátek, Jan

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Meekes, Jordy

    (Leiden University)

  • Wilkins, Roger

    (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research)

Abstract

In this study, we quantify the causal effects of commuting time and working from home (WFH) arrangements on the mental health of Australian men and women. Leveraging rich panel-data models, we first show that adverse effects of commuting time manifest only among men. These are concentrated among individuals with pre-existing mental health issues, and they are modest in magnitude. Second, we show that WFH arrangements have large positive effects on women's mental health, provided that the WFH component is large enough. The effects are once again concentrated among individuals with pre-existing mental health issues. This effect specificity is novel and extends beyond Australia: we show that it also underlies the adverse effects of commuting time on the mental health of British women. Our findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions and support for individuals who are dealing with mental health problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Botha, Ferdi & Kabátek, Jan & Meekes, Jordy & Wilkins, Roger, 2023. "The Effects of Commuting and Working from Home Arrangements on Mental Health," IZA Discussion Papers 16618, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16618
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    Cited by:

    1. Jirjahn, Uwe & Rienzo, Cinzia, 2025. "Working from Home and Mental Health: Giving Employees a Choice Does Make a Difference," IZA Discussion Papers 18187, IZA Network @ LISER.
    2. Van Landeghem, Bert & Dohmen, Thomas & Hole, Arne Risa & Künn-Nelen, Annemarie, 2024. "The value of commuting time, flexibility, and job security: Evidence from current and recent jobseekers in Flanders," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise

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