A recent study by Oxford Properties and Environics Research Group found that commute time and workplace accessibility were the most influential factors for Canadians pursuing employment.

The study, Destination Collaboration: The Future of Work, polled 2,009 Canadians employees across various demographics. Fifty per cent of participants listed commute time as the most important attribute. In fact, 33 per cent of respondents said they would work an additional three hours per week for a commute of 30 minutes or less.

“Employees and job seekers are placing an even greater emphasis on the value of their time and the transit options of a workplace,” says Andrew McAllan, senior vice-president and managing director of real estate at Oxford Properties. He says that where an office is located, along with its transit accessibility are “crucial selling points for employers to attract and retain the brightest, most loyal employees.”

The report found that 40 per cent of respondents want to work close to amenities such as stores, gyms and restaurants. In addition, 63 per cent of those polled would like a private office, despite a trend towards open concept working environments.