As the world grapples with the escalating effects of climate change, amplified by the current El Nino cycle’s temperature rise, Flexible Work Arrangement models could emerge as a critical element in our battle against this global menace.
According to a wealth of statistics shared by Global Workplace Analytics, the transformational shift towards flexible work holds potential not only for workforce convenience but also for long-term environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the concept of the 15-minute city, as discussed in the C40 “‘How to build back better with a 15 minute city” article, presents an opportunity for companies to further enhance this impact on our fight against climate change.
The ’15-minute city’ model embodies a vision where all city residents can meet their basic needs within a short walk or bike ride from their homes. This urban planning concept, when intertwined with the surge in flexible work arrangements, has the potential to drastically reduce carbon emissions and help mitigate climate change.
The latest data from Global Workplace Analytics shows that 56% of the U.S. workforce holds jobs that are compatible with remote work. An astonishing 173% increase in people telecommuting since 2005 has been observed, dwarfing the 15% growth of traditional workplaces. This shift to flexible work schedules is resulting in massive greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, with the potential of eliminating the equivalent emissions of the entire New York workforce’s commute if the trend continues.
Moreover, the adoption of the 15-minute city model in conjunction with telecommuting can magnify these benefits. By enabling employees to access their essential needs within a 15-minute radius, cities can reduce the need for long-distance travel, thereby shrinking our carbon footprint even further.
The energy savings associated with this transformation are noteworthy. If those with compatible jobs worked from home part-time, the yearly energy savings could total more than 640 million barrels of oil, as reported by Global Workplace Analytics. The integration of the 15-minute city concept would amplify these savings by reducing the reliance on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles for local travel.
In addition to the environmental advantages, telecommuting and the 15-minute city model offer considerable financial gains. Global Workplace Analytics estimates that employers can potentially save over $11,000 per year per half-time telecommuter through increased productivity, lower real estate costs, and reduced absenteeism. Employees, too, can save between $2,500 and $4,000 annually due to decreased commuting and work-related costs.
To maximize the sustainable benefits of flexible work and the 15-minute city model, companies should:
- Foster Geographic Flexibility: This encourages employees to relocate to less emissions-intensive areas, furthering the principle of the 15-minute city.
- Prioritize Virtual Conferencing: The preference for virtual meetings over business travel could lead to a substantial decrease in emissions associated with transportation.
- Promote Energy Efficiency: Fewer employees in the office means less energy consumed for heating, cooling, and lighting.
- Advocate for Sustainable Commuting: When physical presence is needed, promote the use of public transit, walking, or cycling to minimize carbon impact.
The shift towards flexible work, coupled with the 15-minute city model, paints a promising picture for a more sustainable future. Companies that adopt proactive and enlightened work arrangements not only boost their bottom line but also contribute significantly to the fight against climate change. The data and concepts put forth by Global Workplace Analytics and the C40 How to build back better with a 15 minute city article underscore this potential and call for thoughtful implementation.