Midday Rush Hour & The Price of Gridlock

Good Morning,

Welcome to this special bonus edition of Leadr's Way!

The world of work is constantly evolving, and staying on top of the latest trends can feel overwhelming. That's why we're here to bring you a mid-quarter update in this special Q3 edition of Leadr's Way.

From exciting developments in the world of electric and autonomous vehicles to the latest office occupancy data, we’ve gathered the key trends shaping our commutes and workdays.

Grab your coffee, settle in, and let's dive in.

By the Numbers: Office Occupancy ??

Image: Wayleadr

According to the 2023-2024 CBRE Global Workplace & Occupancy Insights:

• Organizations have increased collaboration spaces by 44% globally since 2021 to support hybrid work.
• There has been a 22% decrease in the average square foot per person globally due to hybrid work adoption.
• 45% of companies require employees to be in the office at least three days a week, but less than 4% enforce strict consequences for non-compliance.

Commuting

The Global Traffic Scorecard ??

As companies continue to shift from the traditional 9-5 to more flexible work models, cities worldwide are adapting to meet these new demands. The recently released INRIX 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard offers a glimpse into these changes, highlighting key trends and insights. Here are the biggest takeaways from the report:

• Commuting patterns have shifted towards a midday peak, with a 23% increase in trips during this period since 2019, reflecting a more hybrid work model where traditional morning rush hours are less congested.
• The typical U.S. driver lost 42 hours to congestion in 2023, equating to $733 in lost productivity and fuel per driver, and a total of $70 billion for the nation!
• The New York Urban Area tops the list, with drivers losing an average of 101 hours to traffic in 2023, costing $1,762 in lost productivity and fuel per driver.
• Micromobility use, including e-scooters and bikes, rose by 8.3% in cities tracked by RideReport, indicating a shift towards more flexible, eco-friendly commuting options.

Electric Vehicles

Big Boost for EV ????

The U.S. government has awarded $1.7 billion in grants to enhance electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and assembly across eight states, aiming to drive the transition to electric mobility while supporting economic growth.

• These grants will create thousands of union jobs, boosting communities traditionally centered around the auto industry.
• Companies like General Motors, Stellantis, and Harley-Davidson will expand their EV production capabilities with this funding.
• This investment aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner air by advancing EV technology.
• Developing the necessary EV infrastructure, including expanding charging networks, is now crucial to making electric vehicles even more accessible.

Autonomous Vehicles

Waymo’s Autonomous Rollout ??

Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo One, is now available to everyone in San Francisco, marking a significant expansion in the city.

• Over 300,000 people have signed up since the service’s initial rollout, reflecting strong interest. This expansion follows successful launches in Phoenix, Arizona, and other areas.
• In May of this year, a probe by the US Highway Traffic Safety Administration uncovered numerous safety incidents relating to Waymo’s cars.
• Despite regulatory scrutiny, the demand for autonomous ride-hailing services continues to grow. This signals a?transformative shift in how cities manage autonomous transportation, potentially reducing urban traffic congestion and emissions.

That’s all for this edition, where we've explored the significant shifts in workplace dynamics to the evolving landscape of global traffic and transportation, it's clear that the future is filled with exciting changes and opportunities.

As we continue to navigate these changes, remember that each innovation and trend is a step towards creating a more efficient, sustainable, and enjoyable arrival experience.

Whether it's the adaptation to hybrid work models, the rise in micromobility, or the advancements in electric and autonomous vehicles, we're on a journey towards a better tomorrow.?

Stay inspired, keep pushing boundaries, and let’s find deeper meaning and joy in every workday.

Until next time,

The Leadr's Way Crew