Traffic Congestion’s Differential Impact on Stress and Productivity: A Gender-Specific Analysis of Bangalore Corporate Employees

Abstract

This study examines the gender-specific impacts of traffic congestion in Bangalore on corporate employees’ stress, productivity, and well-being. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, the research demonstrates higher stress and health concerns among female commuters, highlighting safety and work-life balance issues. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach, data were collected via structured questionnaires from 140 IT sector employees in Bangalore, with gender-disaggregated analysis to reveal nuanced differences. Findings indicate that female employees report significantly higher commute-related stress (84% vs 70% males), health complaints including anxiety and fatigue (80% vs 66% males), and work-life interference (78% vs 61% males) compared to male employees. Women emphasize safety concerns and a greater need for flexible work arrangements and reliable, secure public transport. Male employees focus more on infrastructural inefficiencies and enforcement issues. These gendered disparities highlight the urgent need for equitable, targeted interventions both at the organizational and urban planning levels. Incorporating gender-sensitive policies such as flexible work hours, safe transit options, and workplace support can enhance employee well-being and productivity. This research fills critical gaps in understanding traffic congestion’s differential effects by gender, offering actionable insights to foster sustainable workforce management and inclusive urban mobility solutions in Bangalore’s rapidly growing economy.