Hybrid work has become a popular work model since it allows people to do their tasks in the office, at home, and other places where they can work peacefully on their laptops. Since it gives individuals the autonomy to choose where to work to be productive, 28.2 percent of employees are now working in a hybrid work setup, while nearly 13 percent of full-time employees work at home. Hybrid work can be a healthier way to earn a living since it reduces stress, saves money, and enables employees to foster relationships beyond the workplace.
Apart from offering workers flexibility, this work model also promotes sustainability since less frequent commutes allow people to reduce their carbon footprint. What’s more, through best practices, hybrid workers and employers can make this setup more earth-friendly to create an eco-conscious work culture.
Greener Commutes for Hybrid Workers
Hybrid and remote work practices have encouraged Millennials to move from cities to neighboring areas. Not having to go to the office everyday enables them to live wherever they like, and it also saves them money on rental costs or home purchases. Hybrid workers are still required to show up at the workplace on certain days though, and while they can drive or take the bus to work, greener commutes should be considered to make hybrid working more sustainable.
Carpooling is a great way to make car travel less harmful to the environment, and hybrid workers can organize one by coordinating with co-workers that have similar schedules. Traveling via an electric car or an electric scooter is another way to get to the office while reducing emissions. Meanwhile, employers can encourage sustainable commuting by adding EV charging points and e-bike stations to their parking spaces. They can also partner with e-vehicle dealers to give employees discounts on EV or e-scooter purchases, maintenance, and parts.
Eco-Friendly Shared Spaces
Companies that offer limited in-person time to their employees have the opportunity to lower their water and electricity consumption when the office is not in use. In fact, it is estimated that organizations can significantly reduce their overhead costs by up to 40 percent by allowing staff to work remotely some of the time, and they can save even more if they downsize their office space. Companies that are planning to move to a smaller office should prepare the space in order to make it more eco-friendly, yet still comfortable for their staff.
Employers can achieve this by maximizing natural lighting. Adding skylights to the workspace and replacing old windows with larger ones can further reduce electricity consumption, and studies show that optimizing natural light can improve health and wellness among workers. Meanwhile, using solar power to operate fans and air conditioners can keep the building cool while reducing carbon emissions. Planning the space in such a way that workers can use it more efficiently while they’re in the office can also help to make hybrid working better for the environment. For instance, instead of creating separate rooms for the work area, meeting area, and break room, have an open plan office instead. This design allows natural light and ventilation to flow freely while improving space efficiency.
Practice Eco-Conscious Habits
Hybrid workers have the privilege of working anywhere on days when they’re not required to be in the office. If you work remotely on some days, it’s important to be conscious of your impact on the planet, no matter where you choose to do your tasks. For example, if you love to work at coffee shops, bring a reusable mug or tumbler for your beverage, as well as a bamboo or reusable straw and stirrer. As much as possible, charge your devices before leaving home, but if you need to charge your laptop at the coffee shop, see to it that you don’t overcharge it. Wear headphones or earbuds whenever you’re on a Zoom meeting or while listening to music to reduce noise pollution. Lastly, always clean up after yourself, and share your table with another hybrid worker since some coffee shops have limited space.
A hybrid work setup can benefit workers, employees, and the environment. Consider these tips to make your work model more sustainable whether you’re in or out of the office.
Photo by Ken Tomita
