Current Work Arrangements
Currently, 14% of workers are fully engaged in remote work, leaving room to expand this model. However, 48% of employers surveyed by Michael Page prefer a fully in-office setup, while only 6% support remote work exclusively.
Experts’ Perspectives
Oliver Odreman, Senior Director at Michael Page, notes that organizations are transitioning towards full-time in-office work. Yet, he also observes growing employee dissatisfaction with fully on-site arrangements.
“Companies are aiming for complete in-office presence as their work model, but we also see employees expressing dissatisfaction with 100% on-site work. To bridge this gap, it’s crucial to review company objectives and determine which work model best achieves them,” Odreman explains.
He suggests fostering open communication between top management, middle management, and operational teams to reach a consensus that benefits everyone and helps the company meet its goals.
Transportation Fare Hikes
The recent transportation fare increases in Mexico City and the State of Mexico have sparked discussions about alternative solutions beyond full-time remote work.
The State of Mexico authorized a two-peso increase in the minimum fare for the first 5 km, raising it from 12 to 14 pesos (a 16% increase). Mexico City approved a one-and-a-half peso hike, making the highest fare 9.50 pesos (an 11% increase). The Metro, Trolebús, Cablebús, and RTP services did not adjust their fares.
Alternatives to Full-Time Home Office
Estrella Vázquez, CEO and founder of Time2Grow, emphasizes the need for creative solutions beyond full-time remote work to support employees facing increased transportation costs.
“We must be creative, as some roles cannot be done remotely, and some organizations cannot implement remote work. For hybrid models, we need to explore other alternatives,” Vázquez suggests.
Luis Antonio Rojas, a worker in Mexico City, faces a one-and-a-half-hour commute daily. Although he acknowledges the fare increase’s necessity, he estimates an additional 74 pesos monthly expense. Full-time remote work is not an option for him, as his job requires on-site presence six days a week.
“Not all jobs can be remote. Why not return to 100% remote work? Because there are manufacturing, healthcare, customer service, and hospitality jobs that cannot be done remotely. We must consider these roles,” Vázquez explains.
For those eligible for remote work, a hybrid model with reduced on-site days could minimize transportation expenses and add purpose to in-office days, she proposes.
According to Michael Page’s 2026 Salary Guide, hybrid formats account for 41% in 2025: 18% work one to two days a week in the office, and 23% attend two to three days.
Supporting Measures
Experts propose additional support measures, such as mobility allowances or subsidies for employees in need.
“Providing mobility support, like company-funded transportation at strategic locations, can differentiate an organization and make it more competitive,” Odreman suggests.
Vázquez recommends creating a “mobility fund” for employees requiring financial assistance, focusing on those who need it most (between 70 to 100 pesos monthly).
Both experts agree on the importance of flexible working hours to avoid peak-hour traffic and reduce transportation expenses.
Promoting financial wellness programs can help employees manage daily costs amidst rising service expenses, Odreman adds.
Cycling as a Transportation Alternative
Vázquez proposes encouraging cycling for the final leg of commutes, requiring secure bike parking or expanding rental bike services.
Mexico City has at least six large and semi-large bike parking facilities near Metro stations for users to complete their journeys by bicycle.
In 2024, Mexico City recorded 456,892 daily bicycle trips, a 71% increase from 2018, according to the Capital’s Bicycle Count 2024.
Promoting carpooling among colleagues with similar commutes is another proposal to reduce transportation expenses.
“We should think about shared responsibility models. The company cannot absorb everything,” Vázquez states.
Stagnant Wages Amid Rising Costs
Wage growth does not match the rising costs of services and products. AON’s study reveals that half of employees did not receive any salary increase in the past year, while 52% who did received it mostly as an inflation adjustment rather than performance recognition.
AON estimates a 5.9% wage increase in Mexico City for 2025 and a 5.3% increase for 2026.
Transportation expenses rank second in household expenditures, accounting for 19.5% of income, according to INEGI’s National Household Expenditure and Income Survey (ENIGH). Food expenses top the list at 37.7%.
Mexicans spend an average of 9,319 pesos monthly on various expenses. Meanwhile, commuters like Luis Antonio face daily fare increases, hoping for improved service from transportation providers.
