As people return to their offices to work, a global study shows they have increased environmental expectations as half of the respondents say they have become more eco-conscious while working from home. As they return to their offices, 46% are disappointed that their employer did not improve anything during the pandemic.
The Tork Eco Office Survey, conducted on behalf of global hygiene company Essity among 14,000 workers in seven countries across Europe and in the US, reveals that a resounding 83% of employees want to see a more environmentally friendly office.
The research shows a marked increase in awareness of sustainability in people’s private lives being reflected in their workplace attitude. In the US, 77% of the workers surveyed are now prioritizing a company’s sustainability reputations and actions when looking for a new job. Combine this with the fact that 58% feel their current office is ‘shamefully’ eco-unfriendly, it becomes clear that an eco-friendly office is important for retaining and attracting people. Learn more about the results in the US here: U.S. employees returning to the office are ‘greener’ than when they left at the start of the pandemic, Essity survey finds | Tork US (torkusa.com)
In Europe It is clear that action is needed by facility managers and management as 78% think their employer could do more to create an eco-friendly office. Additionally, almost 60% feel that the same employer should communicate better about sustainability in the workplace. Learn more about the EU results here: Providing a consistently healthy and hygienic work environment is key to employee satisfaction, well-being and productivity. | Tork UK
Currently almost 7 out of 10 employees globally feel that they are left to take the lead when it comes to sustainability actions in their offices, and many have already considered implementing eco-friendly practices themselves. Recycling waste is a top topic to be considered, as 9 out of 10 finds this an important action to address.
With Essity’s Tork PaperCircle® service, we already help businesses in 14 countries across Europe to recycle used paper hand towels. This service makes a big impact as it reduces the waste, but also delivers on reducing the overall carbon footprint. An additional benefit is the fact that 95% of existing customers said the Tork PaperCircle® service has increased the overall sustainability awareness* among staff in their facility. Learn more about Tork PaperCircle here: Tork PaperCircle - the world’s first paper hand towel recycling service. | Tork UK
*Based on survey results conducted in January 2022 of 41 Tork PaperCircle® customers in Europe