Teleworking: Decreasing Mobility or Increasing Tolerance of Commuting Distances?

Teleworking is widely considered to be a way of solving mobility issues by decreasing the number of commuting trips. However, little is known about teleworking and, more specifically, its links with spatial mobilities and the potential rebound effects. Statistical analysis of data from the Swiss Mobility and Transport Microcensus shows some limits to the ability of teleworking to regulate mobility in Switzerland. Firstly, commuting to a conventional workplace is replaced by (albeit shorter) journeys for other purposes. Secondly, and more importantly, teleworkers live further away from the workplace than their colleagues (24.6 km vs. 16.1 km). Our analysis shows that, although teleworking may reduce the number of commuting trips, it is likely to increase the distance travelled over a working week. Being able to work at home for part of the week may consequently decrease the propensity for residential relocation and increase tolerance for long distance commuting.