Hybrid work cuts down energy usage, carbon footprint: survey

The benefits from hybrid work arrangements can go beyond work-life balance, as a new report finds they include "significant environmental benefits."

IWG's recent report shows that the average energy consumption among businesses than have adopted hybrid working policies has declined by 19% since introducing the arrangement.

The report, which surveyed more than 500 leaders and facilities managers of hybrid work companies, saw 84% agreeing that hybrid working has been key to reducing their company's overall energy usage and carbon footprint.

"The global shift to hybrid working is not only bringing strong productivity and financial advantages to companies and work-life balance improvements to employees, but significant environmental benefits too," said Mark Dixon, IWG CEO, in a statement.

"This latest research confirms that businesses that have adopted the hybrid model have already reduced their energy usage significantly."

Hybrid setups and energy consumption

According to the report, 44% of respondents who reduced their traditional office space by a quarter saw reduced energy consumption and operational costs. Another 19% have achieved even greater reductions after slashing their office space by 26 to 50%.

These benefits are not going unnoticed by employers, as 79% said they are looking into downsizing their existing office spaces or facilitating access to flexible workspaces to further reduce overall energy consumption.

The findings come amid growing calls on world governments and organisations to carry out climate action as the world enters an era of "global boiling."

Recent research from the International Labour Organisation revealed over 70% of the global workforce, or more than 2.4 billion workers, are exposed to climate change hazards.

"Working in safe and healthy environments is recognised as one of the ILO's fundamental principles and rights at work. We must deliver on that commitment in relation to climate change, just as in every other aspect of work," said Manal Azzi, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Team Lead at the ILO.