Commute, schedule and energy across the week
Consider commuting alongside the work schedule when discussing fatigue and flexibility. Avoid assuming the same journey affects everyone equally.
The performance question
A late finish followed by an early required arrival can leave little flexibility around a long journey. Discuss the work arrangements the employer can influence, rather than collecting a detailed picture of someone’s private life. Operational and individual needs may require different solutions.
What the evidence supports
HSE identifies rest, working hours and sleep loss as fatigue factors. Its Control standard supports consultation about work patterns. These principles support schedule review; they do not establish a universal commute duration at which performance deteriorates.12
A practical approach
Ask whether required start times, late calls or attendance patterns create avoidable difficulty. Trial staggered times, task suitable remote work or a different meeting window where feasible. Keep service and safety requirements clear and use individual adjustment processes when necessary.
How to review progress
Review whether the change removes the stated difficulty and whether it affects colleagues or service. Let employees choose what personal information to share. Do not use postcode, journey length or lifestyle assumptions to rank performance risk.
Sources and references
- Human factors: Fatigue Opens in a new tab
Health and Safety Executive
Why fatigue matters and key principles for managing working hours
- Management Standards: Control Opens in a new tab
Health and Safety Executive
Pace of work, initiative, breaks and consultation
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