In our blog post, you can find out what impact New Work has on climate action, the importance of corporate social responsibility and how this should be seen in the context of sustainability.
New Work refers to a new understanding of work and the world of work in the age of globalisation and digitalisation. New Work aims to put the focus on people and make the world of work and the working environment more people-centred in order to improve the work-life balance of employees and ultimately the motivation and productivity of employees. New Work is seen as a response to the dynamic changes in the economy, technology and society.
The core values of this new world of work are freedom, independence and participation in the community. Flexible working models, independent working and more freedom of choice for employees are increasingly placing the work-life balance of employees centre stage. New Work therefore has an impact on the choice of work locations as well as working hours. Practical examples of new ways of working include terms such as remote work, workation (combining work and holidays), the four-day week and co-working spaces.
New Work can have a positive impact on climate protection if various measures and approaches are promoted that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to ecological sustainability in the company.
Ways in which New Work can promote climate action:
Reduction of commuter traffic
A key element of New Work is flexibility in terms of work location and working hours. Remote working, working from home or flexible working hours mean that employees commute to the office less or outside peak times. This leads to a reduction in traffic emissions. With the right mobility offers from companies that enable more flexibility, sustainable mobility can also be promoted, which further reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Efficient use of office space
New Work is not only changing the way we work or where we work, but also the office itself. Hybrid and flexible working models mean that office space is being used less and also differently - keyword flex desk or hot desk. This offers companies the opportunity to create sustainable office environments that are designed for energy efficiency, among other things. This includes the use of renewable energies, intelligent building automation systems and energy-saving lighting technologies.
Digitalisation and virtual meetings
With New Work, communication is increasingly taking place digitally. Even if not every customer appointment can be held online: Virtual meetings reduce the need for many business trips. Fewer flights and car journeys mean fewer traffic emissions.
Sustainable corporate culture
Companies that adopt New Work approaches tend to establish a more sustainability-orientated corporate culture. In addition to environmentally friendly initiatives such as waste reduction and recycling programmes, this is expressed above all in sustainable employee mobility. Employees who travel to work by train or bike emit less CO2 than employees with company cars.
Change in business models
Finally, New Work can even help companies to change their business models and develop innovative approaches that are less resource-intensive. This includes, for example, the development of products and services that are more environmentally friendly and reduce the use of raw materials.
The extent to which New Work ultimately has an impact on climate protection depends heavily on how it is actually implemented. Even if there is potential for reducing emissions and operational sustainability, companies and employees must take measures to utilise this potential.
Companies are increasingly responsible for social, ecological and ethical issues that go beyond the mere pursuit of economic goals. This is what is meant by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The concept of New Work, which is based on flexibility, self-determination and a sense of purpose, can be applied here and promote a sustainable corporate culture.
Companies that integrate CSR values into their organisation tend to do justice not only to their social responsibility, but also to their responsibility for the environment. These companies can implement aspects such as sustainable employee mobility, energy efficiency, waste reduction, carbon neutrality and sustainable procurement within their New Work strategy to support a sustainable and responsible way of working.
Digital technologies and flexible working models
Digital technologies and more flexible working models, which are becoming increasingly important due to New Work, also offer opportunities for climate protection. Companies can reduce their environmental impact by, for example, minimising business travel, increasing the use of virtual meetings and introducing digital mobility solutions such as a mobility budget.
Transparency and open communication
Transparency and open communication are among the core values of CSR. Companies should be transparent about their efforts in terms of sustainable working practices and environmental protection. This strengthens employer branding and the trust of the company's stakeholders. With the upcoming CSRD, transparent sustainability reporting will become essential for companies anyway.
Employee engagement
Finally, CSR also depends on the commitment of employees to sustainable behaviour. New Work concepts that promote employee participation and self-determination can help to raise awareness of CSR and sustainability. Employees who participate in sustainability initiatives can actively support the company in achieving its social and environmental goals.
The topic of sustainability has become increasingly important in recent years. The last few years have shown ever more clearly that the challenges and effects of climate change are becoming ever more real and that the need for action on the topic of sustainability is therefore increasing dramatically. New Work approaches are particularly relevant in this context, as they not only encompass modern working methods and organisational structures, but can also help to promote sustainable business practices.
New Work emphasises flexibility, self-determination and a sense of purpose in the world of work. It therefore offers an ideal basis for integrating sustainability aspects. Companies that implement the principles of New Work not only have the opportunity to improve the quality of life of their employees, but also to support environmentally conscious behaviour.
At a time of increasing urgency in the area of climate protection, New Work offers an opportunity for sustainable change at an individual, organisational and social level. By implementing modern ways of working with a focus on sustainability, companies can not only respond to the needs of their employees, but also make a significant contribution to climate protection.
More climate action is also possible in your company. With these measures and approaches, you can promote climate protection in your organisation and help to minimise your company's ecological footprint:
Mobility and transport
Energy efficiency and resource management
Promotion of renewable energies
Sustainable procurement and supply chain
Awareness raising and training
Measurement and reporting
Implementing these measures not only helps to drive climate action in your company, but also to achieve long-term savings and strengthen your employer brand as a sustainable company.
