Bridging The Gap Between Home And Office

Employees working from home often face distractions, such as household chores and family responsibilities, which can hinder productivity. Alienation is another concern – research shows that three out of five employees feels disengaged from their workplace, as organisations grapple with shaping the post-pandemic work culture. Nevertheless remote work has undeniable advantages too – commutes have been shown to increase sickness, lateness, and burnout rates, which costs UK businesses more then 8 billion in losses. On top of that, hybrid work is increasing work-life balance, can save employees up to £2.5k per year, is combating sleep deprivation and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide by a staggering 54 million tons. And these benefits matter, as polls show that personal wellbeing, environmental impact and company values are driving the Millennial and Gen Z workforce, with 44% ready to turn down an employer based on ethic and belief mismatch. This situation creates a conflict of priorities, where 83% of employees prefer remote or hybrid work models, but 98% of employers wish employees would return to the office.

$8.8 Trillion

Worldwide lost in productivity due to employee disengagement

£8 Billion​

Annual loss in sickness absence in the UK

18 Billion

Extra tones of carbon emissions annually worldwide, due to commuting

Is your business aiming to reduce carbon emissions or achieve net zero? If so, you’re likely paying for carbon offsets, which involve funding projects like reforestation or renewable energy to “cancel out” your emissions. However, recent research suggests that carbon offsets may not be as effective as initially believed. To start with, many carbon offsetting initiatives are slow to take effect, like tree planting, that can take years to have an impact. Offset project effectiveness lacks transparency, as there is no single international body overseeing the process, just different industry standards. In 2023 Guardian and researchers from Corporate Accountability, analysed the top 50 emission offset projects and concluded that 78% per cent were likely ‘junk or worthless’. On top of that carbon offsetting can shift the responsibility for reducing emissions from wealthy countries to developing countries and ultimately can distract from the real solutions to climate change, like reducing emissions directly. For digital businesses, big part of their carbon output are the so called indirect emissions, produced from business travels and employee commuting. These emissions are called Scope 3 emissions. According to YouGov, Scope 3 emissions can account for 80-95% of an organisations total footprint. While most Scope 3 disclosures are voluntary, limited reporting can create an information gap for governments, stakeholders, the general public and investors to truly assess the climate risks. Measuring and reporting emissions, paired with direct reduction, are key steps for organisations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and meet government’s Net Zero target.

78%

Of top 50 carbon offsetting projects
deemed “junk”

95%

Of company carbon output a result of Scope 3 emissions like commuting

Net Zero

Targets depend of transparent and accurate reporting and direct emissions reduction

A sedentary lifestyle, characterised by prolonged sitting and minimal physical activity, has profound negative impacts on both physical and mental health. It is shown to can also raise the risk of premature death and the more sedentary you are, the higher your health risks are. Physically, it increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Mentally, a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

This is particularly concerning for office workers, who often spend the majority of their day sitting at a desk. Prolonged sedentary behaviour can lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism due to health problems, and decreased job satisfaction. In fact research shows the higher the level of sitting time, the lower job satisfaction and greater fatigue.  Furthermore, it can contribute to a decline in cognitive function, affecting concentration, creativity, and decision-making abilities. Encouraging regular movement and breaks throughout the workday is crucial for mitigating these negative effects and promoting a healthier and more productive workforce.

Harms Heath

Impacts Cognitive Function

Reduces Productivity