Sustainable Work Practices and Why Remote Working Matters

Business schools for may decades taught their students that the business of business is to make a profit. Many of their teachings were based on the expoits of Neutron Jasck (Jack Welch) who unashamedly proclaimed that the singular responsibility of the executive is to make money for the shareholders.

However, times are changing and over the last decade or two, this approach has been softened to include all stakeholders, driven the main by a world facing environmental crisis, rising inequality, and shifting workforce expectations. Businesses are being called to do more than simply turn a profit. They’re expected to operate responsibly, ethically, and sustainably.

That’s where sustainable working practices come in: a way of working that supports not only business goals but also the health of our planet and society. And one of the most impactful tools in this shift is something many of us have become familiar with in recent years: remote work.

Sustainable working practices are about embedding environmental, social, and ethical responsibility into everyday business operations. These practices aim to:

• Reduce environmental impact

• Promote employee wellbeing and social equity

• Operate transparently and ethically

• Build long-term business resilience

It’s a shift from a narrow focus on short-term profit to a broader, more balanced approach that considers people, planet, and performance.

And why do they matter? Simply because the environment cannot wait! Businesses play a significant role in global carbon emissions. From energy-hungry offices to daily commutes, our traditional ways of working are unsustainable. Change is no longer optional - it’s urgent.

Besides, people deserve batter: Fair pay, flexible work, mental health support, and inclusive hiring aren’t “nice-to-haves” — they’re essential for a productive, loyal, and resilient workforce. It is underscored by the reality that investors and customers are watching. Today’s customers and investors are increasingly values-driven. They want to support companies that act responsibly and take sustainability seriously.

If these reasons do not convence you, then tightening regulations should. Governments and regulatory bodies are rolling out stricter environmental and social governance standards. Businesses that adapt now will avoid being left behind.

Remote work has emerged as a powerful enabler of sustainable working practices. Here’s how:

✅ Fewer Commuters = Lower Emissions

Remote work slashes daily travel, significantly cutting carbon emissions from cars, trains, and buses. This isn’t just theory — cities worldwide reported improved air quality during lockdowns.

✅ Smaller Offices = Less Energy Waste

With fewer people in the office full-time, businesses can downsize or redesign their spaces to be more energy-efficient, reducing water, electricity, and waste.

✅ Better Work-Life Balance

Remote work allows for greater flexibility, reducing stress and improving mental health. Happier, healthier employees are a key part of social sustainability.

✅ More Inclusive Workplaces

By removing geographic and physical barriers, remote work opens doors for people with disabilities, caregivers, and those in rural or underserved areas — supporting diversity and inclusion.

✅ Local Economic Uplift

Remote workers contribute to their local economies rather than concentrating spending in major business districts. This helps support more balanced economic development.

To unlock the full sustainability benefits of remote work, organisations should:

• Promote eco-conscious behaviour at home (e.g., energy efficiency, paperless work)

• Invest in sustainable tech and cloud solutions

• Set clear goals and track impact on emissions and wellbeing

• Ensure fair, inclusive remote work policies that support all employees equally

Sustainable working practices aren’t a trend — they’re a necessity. And remote work isn’t just a convenience — it’s a catalyst for change.

By combining ethical business strategies with flexible work models, we can build a future where people thrive, businesses grow responsibly, and the planet stands a chance.

The question is no longer whether we can afford to be sustainable — it’s whether we can afford not to be.

Want to start building a more sustainable workplace? Let’s talk about how remote work and responsible business practices can support your goals. Talk to us here: support@outprof.com