IWG, the world’s largest provider of hybrid work solutions, has announced that it is opening its doors to office workers who choose to cycle to work, in celebration of UK Bike Week.
The IWG will offer free access to its workspaces nationwide between 5-11 June 2023, with workers able to enjoy more than 300 IWG sites across the UK.
To participate, all workers need to do is find the nearest location and download a file IWG or Regus applications. When they arrive at the center of their choice, they will only need to show a photo of their bike parked with that day’s timestamp or a receipt from the bike-sharing company to the IWG team and they will be given access to a business lounge or co-working space.
All IWG locations have fully furnished spaces, high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, 24/7 customer service, and dedicated meeting room spaces. On the app, users can access a range of professional products and services from booking meeting rooms to printing documents to using facilities including private offices, meeting rooms, co-working and creative spaces.
The daily commute is a major contributor to emissions, with the traditional five-day commute to the city center with the largest carbon footprint of all, according to a recent study from IWG and sustainability consultancy Arup. The report found that in March 2020, global carbon dioxide emissions fell by a quarter, due to people staying indoors, demonstrating the importance of reducing mobility in combating climate change.
Reducing long daily commutes – in local workplaces accessible on foot or by bike – can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70%, according to research. In London specifically, the study found that carbon emissions were 49% lower for those who mixed time between a city-centre HQ and a local workspace, and 43% less when splitting time between a local workspace and home.
Iwg and Arup’s study endorses the concept of the 15-minute city – where people live, work and play locally, within 15 minutes of their home – which has gained popularity since the pandemic and enabled more people to choose sustainable transport to work. A recent IWG survey showed that 60% of UK workers would like to work within 15 minutes of home to spend more time with friends and family and less time commuting.
“Sustainability is top of mind for many companies around the world – and their employees are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Mark Dixon, CEO and Founder of IWG.
“During UK Bike Week, we’re promoting sustainable transport and access to office space closer to home – both of which are growing trends and interests for our customers. The shift to a hybrid business model is underpinned by the growing popularity of the 15-minute city concept across the UK and around the world. , where people live and work within 15 minutes of their homes.”
IWG data for the past year shows that demand for workplaces outside of busy city centers grew by 36%. To meet the growing demand for working locally and in the 15-minute city model, the IWG will open 1,000 new locations over the next year and the majority will be in suburban and rural locations – including in cities with populations as small as 10,000 such as Crewe, Taunton and Preston.