{
  "id": 1966192,
  "title": "New report explores ‘hidden stress window’ experienced by commuters",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/new-report-explores-hidden-stress-window-experienced-by-commuters",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-19T15:45:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Silicon Republic",
    "slug": "silicon-republic",
    "url": "https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/eport-explores-hidden-stress-window-experienced-commuting-employees-nurosym"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nurosym's recent report sheds light on the \"hidden stress window\" experienced by Irish employees as they navigate their daily commutes. The medical device company surveyed 1,000 employees across Ireland in July, highlighting the significant toll that congested roads in Dublin are taking on workers' well-being. The data reveals that commuters are losing an average of 95 hours per year to traffic, with over two-thirds (68%) arriving home drained at least once during the week. It takes an average of one hour or more for these individuals to unwind, and a staggering 82% check work messages after hours. Dr Elisabetta Burchi, Nurosym's head of research, explains that urban environments impose a continuous demand on the autonomic nervous system, leading to elevated sympathetic tone that can persist after the commute. The issue is most prevalent in Dublin, where 73% of employees feel stressed or mentally drained upon returning home, compared to 71% in the southwest, 68% in the border and midland regions, and 67% in the west. Dublin employees are also the most likely to be digitally connected after work hours, with 87% checking emails and messages outside regular working hours, a daily habit for over 40%. This heightened connectivity exacerbates the difficulty in unwinding, with one in five Dublin respondents citing their commute as making it harder to relax, compared to one in six nationally. Men were found to be more prone to staying connected to work, with 85% checking work messages outside of hours, compared to 78% of women. Burchi offers several recommendations for professionals to establish a healthier boundary between work and personal life. She suggests creating a consistent transition between work and home, dealing with final work messages before leaving the office, and switching off work notifications for the evening. Additionally, incorporating brief mindfulness tasks, such as deep breathing exercises or movement, can help the body and mind transition away from work mode, allowing for better autonomic recovery and a more balanced daily routine.",
  "summary": "Nurosym’s report highlights how Irish employees may be struggling to let the stress of the workday go, once the day is done. Read more: New report explores ‘hidden stress window’ experienced by commuters",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}