Why? It’s good for the planet and it’s good for us
ASTONISHING FACT
If 32 million Americans (who could work from home) did so just one day a week, it could save 74 million gallons of fuel, enough to go around the globe 51,000 times.
Protecting the environment may not be the main reason many of us want to work from home but doing so is a considerable climate win - significantly reducing fuel emissions, decreasing traffic, improving air quality, delivering vast energy savings and having less impact on transportation infrastructure.
Turns out it’s not the only win…we become healthier and happier. Not having to squeeze ourselves onto a train, being sneezed on, or stuck under someone else’s armpit, unsurprisingly cheers us up no end. So does not being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, day in and day out. What’s more, undisturbed, we can focus better and our productivity soars. Plus the hours and energy we save not commuting, means more time with our families or doing stuff we enjoy (and the headspace to make better climate choices!). Replenished and unhurried we do our best work.
For businesses, happier, healthier, more productive staff = more profitable, happier companies.
Throw in the savings from not having a fully occupied building and things are looking better and better. For example, when Microsoft Japan tested a four-day work week, they found productivity jumped by 40%; electricity use was down 23%; and paper use was down by 59%.
Seems like everyone wins. Us, Businesses and…(did we put this last?) The Planet.
Ok got it. So how do I take action?
There’s a real chance here for society to shake up some habitual norms, switching to more flexible or remote working, 4 day weeks, 6 hour days - all of which cost less, increase productivity, boost us more and markedly reduce our collective carbon footprint.
Some jobs though are logistically difficult to have a work-from-home arrangement. The win here could be car-pooling or cycling in if you can, as well as lobbying for more efficient energy use, bike racks and showers at work.
If you are able to work from home, here are some ways to go:
Ask your boss/team if you can work from home one day a week (or whatever rhythm is possible for your job). If you’ve already got a day working at home consider if you could take that up to two.
If you’re the boss, encourage your team members to do so - the proven increased productivity means everyone wins.
If there’s not already one in place, ask your workplace if they can adopt a flexible working policy, with more people getting to work from home, more of the time.
Become a champion for the cause with your organisation, colleagues and friends.
Try not to look too excited about it or get out your socks too soon.
But will it cost me more money?
It’s individual, this one. You’ll definitely save money if you drive. If you use public transport it would depend on whether you have a season ticket or pay per journey. At home there’s the cost of heating/air-con (if it’s needed) and electricity to consider. There’s always the option of working in a local cafe or co-working spot too.
We…
Aimee: I try to work from home one day per week which gives me a chance to do my ‘deep work’ undisturbed and to clear the decks. However, I noticed that I barely move once I’m at my desk so I’ve built in an early morning yoga class to get the blood flowing before I start!
Sonia: As a coach, I work with people over the world and most of it is on Zoom conferencing. It works great. For my London clients, I hop on the train into town. I like the mix.
“Let’s play Home and Away
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Photo by Ali Yahah