Hybrid and Flexible Work Models are Helping the Planet
Post on October 3, 2023
Most research on hybrid and flexible work models has been tracking their impact on productivity, employee satisfaction, corporate performance and real estate occupancy. However, more research has been emerging on the environmental benefits of hybrid or flexible work models. And it’s looking good!
How hybrid and flexible work models help companies become more environmentally sustainable:
- Lower carbon emissions: When a business adopts a hybrid working model or flexible work arrangements, the next natural step is to downsize the office space. With fewer people in the office at any given time, it makes sense to find a smaller space or join a coworking space to save on rent. A smaller office means less electricity consumption and lower carbon emissions.
- Lower energy consumption: Even if the company doesn’t downsize after adopting a hybrid or flexible working model, electricity consumption will still be reduced with fewer people at the office. A lower occupancy rate allows for lower energy consumption, as you don’t need to have the lights and air conditioning on as much.
- Less waste: Did you know that most people use less paper when working from home than at the office? Remote working has undoubtedly reduced the need for paper documentation. In fact, some companies have eliminated the need for paper completely, saving trees and reducing greenhouse gases.
How hybrid and flexible work models help individuals adopt more environmentally friendly lifestyles:
- Lower carbon emissions: Hybrid and flexible work models give people the flexibility to work from home, or their nearest coworking space, instead of coming into the office every day. That means fewer cars on the road and fewer people on the trains and buses…reducing pollution. Whether they usually commute by car or public transport, people can reduce their carbon emissions with hybrid and flexible work arrangements.
- Lower energy consumption: The trend we are seeing with hybrid and flexible work models now is an increased reliance on coworking spaces as the happy medium between home and office. Working from home has its challenges, which coworking spaces solve by providing professional workspaces on a flexible basis. So instead of everyone having their own home office (and therefore using more electricity every day), that electricity is pooled among hundreds of companies and working professionals at coworking spaces - a more efficient use of energy.
- Less single-use plastic: Did you know that our work schedule has a big impact on how we eat? Most fast food is ordered when people are in a rush - on the way to work, on a quick break from work, or coming home late, too tired to cook. And all that food and drink ordered “to-go” comes with single-use plastic. People who have hybrid or flexible work arrangements find that they don’t get take-out or fast food as often anymore. There is more time in their schedules for healthy home-cooked meals. And as a result, it is easier to avoid single-use plastic.
If you’re considering adopting hybrid or flexible work models at your company, we’re here to help. The workbuddy team has guided thousands of companies on their journey to flexibility. The future is flexible, and we’ll help get you there.
Contact us for a free consultation today.
