Does it feel like an eternity in traffic? These are the hours you spend in traffic.

Bogotá and Cali are among the cities with the most traffic worldwide, according to TomTom's mobility ranking. According to this report, Bogotá ranks 17th on the global list, with an average of 119 hours a year lost in traffic jams, while Cali ranks 23rd.

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The impact of these figures reflects a phenomenon that directly affects the daily lives of millions of people. "In the nation's capital, workers lose an average of 119 hours a year in traffic jams," the report indicates, which is equivalent to nearly five full days of time spent stopped on the roads.

This situation raises questions about how citizens manage their time and how work patterns could be reconfigured to mitigate the losses caused by traffic congestion in Colombia's major cities.

Preference for hybrid work

The 2025 WeWork and Michael Page Study reveals a clear trend in the country: Colombian workers express a preference for hybrid work over fully in-person work. According to the document, this model is perceived as an alternative to reducing the time spent on the go and transforming those hours into more meaningful experiences, both personally and professionally.

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“Hybrid work is emerging as an alternative to reducing the time spent on mobility and transforming those hours into more meaningful experiences,” the study notes.

According to researchers, every minute counts, especially for younger generations who increasingly value work-life balance. In this sense, flexibility is emerging as a mechanism that not only impacts business productivity but also contributes to employee well-being by turning hours lost in traffic jams into development opportunities.

WeWork, within the framework of the publication, reaffirms its commitment to "promoting flexible work spaces and models that contribute to the well-being of people and the growth of organizations in Colombia." Alternatives to investing in time lost in traffic

The 119 annual hours that a Bogotá worker spends in traffic jams can be represented in different personal investment scenarios. The document proposes several options that illustrate how these periods could be used for other activities: Leisure: The same amount of time would allow for enjoying nearly 60 movies at the theater or more than 15 outings to recreational activities such as theater and bowling. Learning: With that time, it would be possible to complete a short online course, advance in an academic specialization, or take approximately 40 music, dance, or language classes. Sports: The hours currently lost in traffic are equivalent to more than 50 gym classes, physical training sessions, or outdoor activities such as jogging or climbing.

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Family and friends: This also translates into more time for social activities and the opportunity to strengthen personal bonds. PAULA GALEANO BALAGUERA

Portfolio Journalist