As energy prices continue to skyrocket, employees want their workplaces to be increasingly efficient and sustainable, and expect these buildings to be designed and operated to support these values, according to a new report. Infogrid, a leader in building intelligence, recently published research on employee attitudes about workplace energy efficiency, in a report entitled, Energy Management and the Workplace of the Future. The survey of more than 4,000 U.S. and U.K. respondents reveals that employees are highly aware and concerned about energy efficiency, costs, and environmental impact. Findings show many are calling on their employers and governments to take action.
"Employees in both the UK and US are concerned about energy efficiency in their workplaces, and its global environmental impact. They want greater energy efficiency at work, and they hold building managers and owners accountable," said Ross Sheil, senior vice president at Infogrid. "Our surveys show that employees have immediate worries about how to handle heat waves and energy shortages. Companies and landlords should acquire the right energy management technologies and partner with employees to reduce carbon footprint."
Key Findings
- Employees worry that work-at-home will cost them. Three-quarters of respondents in the US (74%) are concerned about the impact of the energy crisis on the cost of working from home. Over one-third (37%) of US employees say they have increased the use of facilities away from home, as a result.
- Heat waves keep employees in the office. 34% say they spend more hours at work due to high temperatures, especially if they lack air conditioning at home.
- Workplace energy efficiency matters. A majority of employees (70%) are concerned about the energy efficiency of their workplace.
- Employees judge their employers on carbon footprint. 48% of US employees (and 41% in the UK) say their companies don't do enough to reduce their environmental impact.
- Employees are clear who carries environmental responsibility. Approximately one in four (28%) feel the main responsibility for cutting greenhouse emissions lies with those who manage or run the building. One in five (20%) respondents believe the government should do more through stronger policies and regulation.
- Companies should make workplaces more energy efficient. Over one-third of employees (36%) want their employers to invest in the right digital technologies to improve energy efficiency.
To view a copy of the report, click here.
