The challenges of the modern office continue to evolve

Today’s employees have more choices than ever when it comes to where, how, and with whom they work. Companies must now offer more than just competitive salaries and healthcare benefits — they need to provide unique, value-driven experiences that resonate with their workforce.

Since the pandemic, retaining talent and bringing employees back to the office has become a major challenge. Many workers have grown accustomed to remote or hybrid work models, making the office experience more critical than ever. Businesses are now rethinking what makes a workplace attractive and meaningful.

Employees are also demanding more from their employers when it comes to environmental responsibility. According to Gallup, 71% of employees consider a company's climate action when deciding whether to join. And those who feel their employer is making a positive impact are more likely to stay.

Electric mobility is becoming a key part of the sustainability conversation. With the number of EVs on the road increasing rapidly, the need for charging infrastructure is growing fast. But how does this connect with offices? Workplace charging offers a practical solution for employees without home charging options, allowing them to charge slowly during the day at low power.

The total number of charging points in Europe is expected to jump from 3 million today to nearly 30 million by 2030. Workplace charging will grow from 10% to 15% of all stations in that time frame.

Workplace charging is crucial, especially for those without a home charger. People go to work for multiple hours and can charge slowly over the course of the day at low power.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the evolution of the modern sustainable office, the reasons businesses are investing in EV charging as an employee benefit, and how it supports broader sustainability goals.

More sustainable office buildings

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have — it's a must-have for many employees. A recent study found that 70% of millennials prefer to work at companies with strong sustainability agendas, and around 75% would even accept a lower salary for that opportunity.

To meet these expectations, companies are prioritizing energy efficiency, circular economy principles, and biodiversity in office design. Certifications like BREEAM and LEED serve as proof of a company’s commitment to sustainability.

Take Deloitte’s Amsterdam office, The Edge, as an example. This energy-positive building produces more electricity than it consumes, uses rainwater for toilets and gardens, and incorporates smart, sustainable technologies. It received the highest BREEAM score ever awarded to an office building.

Modern offices are also focusing on creating healthier and more productive environments. Natural lighting, ventilation, and indoor green spaces are becoming common features, not only for environmental reasons but also for the well-being of employees.

These trends are set to accelerate in the post-pandemic world. Integrating electric mobility and EV charging into your office strategy can help you achieve greater sustainability while boosting employee satisfaction.

Bring your employees back to the office

Working from the office used to be a given, but now it's more of a privilege. Employees are only willing to return if the office experience meets their expectations.

A 2023 report by the European Central Bank found that one-third of European employees still prefer more remote working. The main issue? Commuting. Workers who commute more than an hour each way prefer to work from home 10 days a month, compared to those with shorter commutes.

While there has been some debate about the benefits of commuting, it's clear that it brings stress to many employees. Your office needs to make the commute worth it. While EVs aren’t the only solution, they can help reduce the burden of long commutes and make the office experience more appealing.

By offering EV charging at your workplace, you give employees the option to charge their cars, or even encourage them to switch to electric vehicles. Free or discounted charging can make the transition easier and more attractive.

Even though traffic and other issues remain, an EV commute is often more comfortable than crowded public transport or waiting for buses in the rain.

More employees will start driving electric vehicles

Even if you haven't made the switch yourself, your employees might be. In recent years, the number of electric cars on the road has increased significantly in both Europe and the U.S.

According to EY, by 2050, 65% of vehicles in the U.S. could be electric, up from just 2% in 2020. Globally, electric vehicles are expected to account for 80% of the market by 2050.

This shift is being driven by falling battery prices, improved range, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and government incentives.

As the EV market accelerates, the likelihood that your employees are considering or already driving an EV increases.

Most EV drivers are full-time employees, tend to have higher education levels, and earn a median income of $150,000. One in three are under 35 — a demographic that represents top talent your business is likely seeking.

EV chargers can attract and retain top talent

In the competition for top talent, sustainability is becoming a major differentiator. Employees are actively seeking out companies with strong environmental records.

EV charging can attract and retain talent because, despite the growth of electric mobility, public charging infrastructure hasn't kept pace. Not everyone has access to a home charger, so workplaces are becoming a key destination for charging.

Charging at work is convenient. Employees plug in when they arrive and leave with a fully charged vehicle, eliminating the stress of finding a public station or worrying about a low battery.

Offering this benefit can enhance your Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and improve overall morale.

Businesses are electrifying their fleet

Business fleets play a key role in the transition to electric mobility. With two-thirds of new cars in Europe bought by private companies, businesses have the power to shape the direction of the EV market.

According to EY, fleet electrification should lead the way in decarbonizing road transport. This presents a huge opportunity for businesses to get ahead in the electric mobility ecosystem.

Many large organizations are already committing to electric vehicles. For example, Amazon, Walmart, General Motors, and FedEx have all announced plans to go electric.

As more employees experience EVs through company vehicles, this “new normal” will influence their attitudes and expectations. By purchasing EVs early, businesses can drive economies of scale, reducing costs and making electric vehicles more accessible to everyone.

One of the most important pieces of this puzzle is charging infrastructure. According to McKinsey, Europe needs 3.4 million charging stations by 2030 to support its fully electrified fleet. The number of charging points is expected to grow from 3 million today to nearly 30 million by 2030, according to ChargeUp Europe.

In the U.S., President Biden has announced a $7.5 billion investment in EV charging infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.

As this shift continues, charging stations will become a key factor in shaping employees’ experiences with electric mobility. Making charging as accessible as possible is a step toward a more sustainable future.

EV chargers help increase the office’s reputation

Whether you're an owner-occupier, real estate agent, or office leaser, EV chargers can help elevate your office’s image as a forward-thinking and sustainable workplace.

EV chargers are visible and noticeable. Anyone passing by your parking lot will see them. Whether your employees or customers drive EVs, they will take notice. Six out of ten people say reducing CO2 emissions in transportation is important to them, and 88% want organizations to help improve their environmental footprint.

Offering charging facilities shows your commitment to sustainability. While certifications like LEED or BREEAM are valuable, they’re not always obvious to visitors. EV chargers, on the other hand, are a tangible and visible sign of your environmental efforts.

EV chargers can increase revenue for your facility

For forward-thinking businesses and facility managers, adding EV chargers isn’t just about sustainability or reputation — it can also be a new source of revenue.

Many real estate businesses are using EV charging as a new revenue stream. By adding public charging stations, they can increase their asset value, attract new customers, and even cross-sell services.

With innovative charging technology, businesses can control access, set pricing, and manage user experiences based on specific needs.

For example, you could implement a flat rate for all users or a tiered system where employees pay less than external guests. You can also use charging stations to boost your visibility on platforms like Google Maps or Waze, helping attract new customers.

“Clear leadership and collaboration seem key to ensuring effective action on the net-zero carbon challenge,” states the Future Workplaces Report 2022. “The climate emergency is a global crisis, and we all have a duty to act.”

Read more about workplace EV charging

The benefits of equipping your workplace with EV charging stations and offering electric company cars to employees are numerous. But did you know that EV charging can also attract customers and generate revenue? Take a look at our free guide to discover how workplace EV charging goes beyond improving employee satisfaction.