ESG metric: GHG Scope 2 Emissions
Ease of implementation: easy
Payback period: 0-1 years
Suitable for: office based companies
Suggested functional lead: HR/Operations
Summary
COVID-19 has demonstrated globally that working from home is a feasible option for many companies. However, a pandemic is not the only reason that working from home is a good idea. Studies show that alternating between remote working and office working, known as hybrid working, actually has a positive environmental impact. It reduces commuting emissions but also decreases the electricity usage from offices. To optimise emission reduction, we suggest adopting the office-occasional model and outline how to implement this new way of working below.
Background Information
A study of 39 papers across Middle East, Asia, Europe and US concluded that two thirds of the sampled studies support that working from home reduces overall energy consumption. Similarly, another study by The Carbon Trust from June 2021 concluded that remote working resulted in a decrease in emissions in all six European countries analysed.
These studies analysed full remote working, but there is currently high demand for hybrid working options. This means employees can work both from home and the office throughout the work week. This hybrid working, however, is leaving some businesses running their offices in full operational capacity; keeping all the lights on for a limited number of employees. A solution to this is adopting the Office-Occasional hybrid working model to save costs and reduce emissions from electricity usage.
The office-occasional model suggests employees can come in to the office on specific days or hours of the week, while spending the rest at home. It can include assigned desks or hot desking. Whilst it lacks flexibility, you can have more control over electricity usage and ensure electricity is not being consumed during the home working days. In addition, a hybrid working model will yield operational cost efficiencies if it means that the office space is used for fewer days in the week.
It is important to consider that a decrease in office working can lead to employees moving further away from the office and consequently emitting more when commuting in for the office days. Nevertheless, net emissions are still highly likely to decrease.
Implementation Steps
Clear policy and procedure
Set out a clear policy to enable your staff to easily transition from the current standard to hybrid working. You can either develop a flexible working policy from scratch or updating an existing one. Ensure the responsibilities are clear when working from home, that staff know who is eligible and review any other policies that might be affected due to hybrid working.
Consider legal implications
This includes updating terms and conditions as well as adapting contracts to include home addresses as working locations.
Ensure easy and clear communication channels
Whilst most companies will have an internal communication platform, it is crucial to be active on these channels to increase communication when working from home. Consider instant messaging tools such as Microsoft Teams chat or Slack that encourage communication and collaboration.
Determine the equipment needed and budget available
Identify the equipment the employees require to work from home efficiently and the budget required to do so. Collaborate with the finance department to determine the appropriate budget and order or collect the equipment needed.
Ensure all employees have the necessary equipment and technologies
Provide all the tools necessary to work from home without jeopardising the office working space. Have a form in place for employees to easily request new equipment or replacement of faulty technologies.
Ensure training and development continues
Consider online up-skilling tools such as LinkedIn learning and other online courses. Consider continuous improvement in effective communication, team building and performance management as well. Communication channels must be manned and response rates high to make remote working efficient. Ensure team building exercises are still being implemented remotely, such as remote workshops or video calls. Ensure regular chats are being had between employees and managers to keep on top of performance and determine what employees need more support early on.
For a more detailed guide on how to plan for hybrid working, click here.