Workers are less likely to think about their energy consumption at work (Image: Getty Images)
A recent report has revealed that over a third of small business employees are less mindful of their energy use at work because they aren’t the ones footing the bill.
The survey found that three quarters of employees are unaware of how much their employer spends on monthly bills, and nearly half claim they are too busy during the working day to consider how they could be more energy efficient.
The poll, which surveyed 1,000 small business workers, discovered that half have left devices on standby instead of switching them off, regularly keep unused equipment plugged in, and have printed unnecessary documents.
Furthermore, 48% have boiled the kettle with more water than needed, 38% have left lights switched on in empty rooms, and nearly a fifth admit to having kept doors open unnecessarily when heating or cooling is on.
The research also found that 12% even shower in their office to save themselves the money on bills.
Can you spot the energy wasters in this image?
“Employees are more mindful of energy use at home but, understandably, at work, they have their mind on other things,” said Victoria Bacon, a director at Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research.
She suggests that there’s an opportunity for small businesses to engage staff in managing their energy use, and encourage them to adopt more energy-saving behaviours in the workplace.
Victoria suggested: “One small thing owners can do is to get a smart meter installed. The data they provide can help businesses monitor their usage and identify where they can make cost savings.”
Two thirds of respondents said they would be likely to speak up if they spotted a colleague being wasteful, which Victoria found encouraging, as it can help businesses monitor their energy use.
“Being mindful of waste, and even making small changes, could save money on their employers’ energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment.”