A total of 1,120 employed individuals living in the HSL area responded to the survey.
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More than half of working-age residents in the Helsinki region would consider returning to the office more often if employers covered part of their commute costs, according to a survey published by Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL).
The survey, conducted in February among 1,120 employed residents, highlights growing demand for flexible work supported by mobility incentives.
Seventy-six percent of respondents said they would prefer receiving a commuter benefit from their employer, typically in the form of subsidised public transport.
“Employers looking to increase in-office attendance might find travel support a key incentive,” said Mari Flink, Director of HSL’s Market Division.
While 75% of respondents work from the office weekly, only half do so daily. Commuting patterns have shifted since the pandemic, with many avoiding peak-hour travel or working remotely. Of those surveyed, 63% use public transport to get to work.
Flink noted that the findings align with wider urban mobility trends and illustrate how cost and convenience now shape daily travel choices.
“Younger employees in particular want flexible working options, but also expect practical support. Commuter benefits could be a decisive factor for both retention and recruitment,” she said.
Among respondents under 30, 73% said they favour hybrid work. Of these, 43% preferred working mostly from the office, while nearly a third leaned toward remote work. Importantly, nearly 90% of younger respondents said they valued employers who offer commuting support.
The data suggests that as hybrid arrangements become the norm, financial assistance with travel could influence how often employees choose to show up in person.
Two-thirds of all respondents believed that if employers mandate a minimum number of office days, they should also help cover commuting costs.
Although HSL has long studied urban mobility, this latest research focused specifically on travel habits in the context of hybrid work. The study was carried out by nSight with a margin of error of ±3 percentage points.
Roughly 750,000 people are employed within the HSL service area, according to Statistics Finland. The survey results may inform future collaboration between employers and transport planners as cities adjust to post-pandemic commuting behaviours.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
