Exploring employee commuting in an Australian regional healthcare organisation: a qualitative study

Background Transitioning away from motorised transport is beneficial for human and environmental health by reducing sedentarism and greenhouse gas emissions respectively. Alternative modes of commuting, such as cycling, walking and public transportation can form an important part of the transition away from motorised transport. Many public and private organisations are undergoing sustainability transitions, including within the healthcare sector in Australia. Despite extensive research on travel behaviour, a greater understanding of the individual and organisational contributors to commute mode choice are required in the context of organisational sustainability transitions. Aim To understand the attitudes, decision making and habits of employees within a large regional healthcare organisation located in Victoria, Australia. Method A qualitative descriptive research design was used with individual, semi-structured interviews conducted over a 2-month period to collect data from employees. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using abductive thematic analysis. Results Four major themes were generated from interviews: individual commitment, motivation, organisational support, and external facilitative infrastructure. Within these major themes, 15 sub-themes described in greater depth the factors influencing employee's commute mode choice. These included: organisation, planning and trialling; deliberate decision making; mental, physical and financial co-benefits; end of trip facilities; and organisational advocacy. Conclusion Findings from this research conform with theoretical models, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Travel Mode Choice Cycle, indicating intention to perform a commute mode is a significant predictor of individual attitudes and commuting habits. The role of the organisation is also imperative to ensuring that employees have the required infrastructure and support to transition away from individual motorised commuting.