As flexible workspaces are increasingly being located outside of major cities and are situated more locally to employees, staff are cutting down on their commutes and helping with the fight against climate change.
The Suburban Economic Study, which was commissioned by Regus, and conducted by independent economists found that the growth of flexi-working in smaller towns and suburban areas by 2029 will reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 65 transatlantic flights between London and New York.
Regus helps other businesses adopt flexible workspaces.
The study found that these local flexi-office spaces will save workers an average of 411,000 of commuting days per annum by 2029.
It was also found that the “flex economy” could add more than £12 billion to local economies over the next decade.
Mark Dixon, CEO for Regus’ parent company IWG, said:
Commuting can be uncomfortable, unfriendly, and incredibly time-consuming. It is also a huge source of global pollution. In an age where every business and individual has a responsibility for their environmental impact, commuting into major cities looks increasingly old fashioned.
Over the next decade we expect to open many more locations in smaller towns, cities and suburban areas. Our vision is that, in the near future, there will be a professional workspace available on every corner ending the idea of commuting for good. This will benefit our personal health, as well as that of our planet.
Those who have received training on flexible working technologies are five times happier at work than those who have not (56 per cent vs 11 per cent). Trained flexible workers are also as twice as likely to get more work done (45 per cent vs 18 per cent).
Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.