Hybrid work cuts business energy use by 19% — survey

ZUG, SWITZERLAND — A new study has revealed that businesses adopting hybrid working models have reduced their energy usage by a remarkable 19%, thanks to more efficient utilization of office spaces and access to flexible workspaces. 

The research, conducted by IWG, surveyed over 500 leaders and facilities managers from companies that have implemented hybrid working policies.

Environmental and economic benefits of hybrid work

The study indicates that 84% of businesses that have embraced hybrid working reported a decrease in both energy use and their overall 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, CEO of IWG. 

Moreover, about 44% of respondents have reduced their traditional office space by at least 25%, with 19% reporting cuts between 26% and 50%. These changes are largely due to the adoption of smaller, more energy-efficient workspaces in suburban and rural locations, strategically placed close to where employees reside. Meanwhile, over three-quarters of the surveyed businesses plan to downsize their existing city-center offices or enhance access to flexible workspaces.

Remote work slashes carbon emissions by over 50%

A previous study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that over 50% of carbon emissions are being reduced due to less office energy use and commuting of those who work entirely remotely.

Employees in hybrid work set-ups or those who do not report to the office for two to four days a week were also found to reduce emissions by 11 to 29%.

However, the researchers cautioned against assuming that any amount of remote work would be beneficial, as a one-day-per-week hybrid model showed negligible reductions due to factors like increased non-work-related travel and home energy use.

Climate change poses grave health risks to global workforce

The IWG findings come as the International Labour Organization warns that over 70% of the global workforce, equating to 2.4 billion workers, face serious health hazards due to climate change.

Similarly, as global temperatures continue rising,  800 million people working outdoors in tropical regions face severe risks to their health and productivity, according to a study published in the Cell Press journal One Earth. 

“Occupational safety and health considerations must become part of our climate change responses – both policies and actions,” said Manal Azzi, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Team Lead at the ILO.