Philly workers are departing the office earlier than before.

Recent trends in office departure times in Philadelphia have revealed a significant shift, with workers leaving the office an average of 12 minutes earlier compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This data, released by the commercial real estate firm JLL, highlights an average departure time of 5:05 PM this year, down from 5:17 PM in 2019.

The findings are part of a broader pattern seen across major cities in the United States. Similar reports indicate that employees in cities such as New York, Dallas, Chicago, and San Francisco are also clocking out earlier, with averages ranging from 13 to 26 minutes earlier than before the pandemic. JLL compiled this data utilizing anonymous cell phone tracking to monitor when workers arrive at and leave the office.

In addition to changes in departure times, Philadelphia’s public transportation authority, SEPTA, has observed corresponding shifts in commuter behavior. Paul Osciak, SEPTA’s director of railroad service planning, indicates that the evening rush hour has extended, with earlier ridership becoming more common on all Regional Rail lines. Historically, the evening commuter rush began around 3 PM on just a few lines, but now increased ridership is evident across multiple lines during this timeframe.

Interestingly, while many workers are leaving earlier, the demand for Regional Rail services is stretching the traditional rush hour from 6 PM to as late as 7 PM. SEPTA continues to adapt its schedules quarterly based on operational observations and data analytics, including cellphone movement patterns.

Colin Foley, deputy chief planning officer at SEPTA, notes that the analysis has revealed a broader tendency for workers to adjust their departure times, reflecting a diversification of commute habits. There is also a recognition that many employees are no longer confined to the traditional 9-to-5 work schedule, with shifts in work hours becoming increasingly common.

The adjustments in work and commuting schedules come against a backdrop of employers encouraging more regular in-office attendance after a period of remote and hybrid work arrangements prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has mandated city employees return to the office five days a week, contrasting with the more flexible schedules of her predecessor. Major employers such as Comcast and Independence Blue Cross have similarly reduced the frequency of remote work options.

Despite the observed trend of earlier departures, many workers are continuing to log additional hours from home after leaving the office. National data indicates that, while employees’ average arrival times at work have remained stable, the perception around work hours has evolved, allowing for this earlier exit.

In conclusion, while Philadelphians are indeed leaving the office earlier on average, the changing dynamics of work habits appear to reflect a balance between in-office presence and continued productivity outside traditional office hours. As commuting trends evolve, the implications for urban transportation and workplace policies are likely to continue garnering attention.

Source: Media News Source.