Impact of Commuting Time on Employees’ Job Satisfaction—An Empirical Study Based on China’s Family Panel Studies (CFPS)

Abstract

In China, job satisfaction has become a significant concern. Previous research has mainly focused on the impact of working conditions and personal characteristics on job satisfaction, neglecting the influence of commuting. This study utilized the ordered logistic (Ologit) regression model and demonstrated that commuting time negatively affects job satisfaction. Through additional analysis, it was found that increasing the duration of nap time can enhance employees’ job satisfaction. Additionally, providing a monthly commuting allowance of more than CNY 40.00, along with increased nap time, can help alleviate the negative impact of commuting on job satisfaction. Moreover, a heterogeneity analysis was conducted to explore the potential variations in this impact by gender, marital status, the employer’s nature, and region. The outcomes indicated that gender does not significantly affect job satisfaction in relation to commuting. However, individuals who are married or cohabiting, those employed in the private sector, and those residing in the northeast or central regions of China experience a negative impact on job satisfaction due to commuting. Finally, we propose relevant suggestions to improve employees’ job satisfaction and enhance their work efficiency in order to achieve the sustainable development of the company.