The modern workforce is changing, with more employees opting to work remotely or in a hybrid office. Working from home has many benefits, but for some, the most important relates to sustainability. Here are four ways remote work is improving the environment.
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There’s No Morning or Evening Commute
One of the worst parts of the day for an employee is driving to or from work. The number of people on the road has been steadily increasing for decades. Although some might take the bus or another form of public transport, working from an office can make it harder to reduce your environmental footprint.
Remote work reverses this trend by allowing people to work from their homes or personal office, eliminating unnecessary travel.
Less Paper
Employees create a lot of paper waste when working out of an office. Printing and distributing newsletters, memos, and other inter-office material can significantly impact the environment. Many of these items eventually end up in landfills after getting thrown into the trash.
There are many myths about hybrid work environments, but one of the biggest is that workers have trouble communicating. In reality, remote workers are often the first to use alternative sources of communication while going completely paperless. Electronic communications provide a more sustainable way to share information while reducing waste.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Commercial office space consumes a lot of electricity, requiring more energy during peak hours when everybody’s at work. Lights, heating, and computing equipment are just a few of the devices that need to be running throughout the day.
With more people working from home, there’s an opportunity to reduce energy consumption by limiting the energy used by larger commercial spaces in favor of smaller, more efficient homes and offices.
Population Density Is Lower
Having more people in smaller areas can significantly impact the local environment. Overcrowding, emissions, and resource drain are all determinantal effects of high population density.
Because remote workers can go wherever they want, there’s no need for prospective employees to crowd together in large urban areas trying to find work. Working from home can lead to better air quality, improving the overall health and well-being of those living in cities and rural areas.
Looking Towards a Sustainable Workforce
The way employers view employees has evolved. Today, it’s necessary for companies to consider the long-term viability of their business strategies, especially when considering how people work.
Knowing how remote work improves the environment brings our sustainable future that much closer.
