Working from Home | Climate Change | Mental Health | Hypocrisy
Another day living in a parallel world where the majority of people want one thing but the power of the beings wants to dictate how all of us have to live our lives, even when that means sacrificing better performance, happier employees, and an actual radical change to reduce pollution and ease the environmental impact of the everyday living. Because why would corporations and the government give a little autonomy to the people, and allow them to save money and have some control of their time?
It is enraging to see companies forcing people to unnecessarily go back to an office while simultaneously pledging to be sustainable companies, like come on, being sustainable is not an ornament or a marketing tool, it is an action. Paying to have “sustainable” logos on boxes and bags, is not it when simple measurements can be put in place to actually make a change.
Here are some key contaminants produced by driving and using public transportation:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A major greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change.
Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Other greenhouse gases emitted from vehicles that contribute to climate change.
Air Pollutants:
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): These compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter, leading to respiratory problems and smog formation.
Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny particles suspended in the air that can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless and odorless gas that can be harmful when inhaled in large quantities.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
Hydrocarbons: Unburned fuel and other organic compounds released into the air contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog.
Heavy Metals:
Lead: Although phased out in many places, leaded gasoline used to be a significant source of lead emissions.
Noise Pollution:
While not a chemical contaminant, noise pollution from traffic can have negative impacts on human health, including stress, sleep disturbances, and hearing loss.
Oh, but electric cars eee no, please don’t get me started on lithium and uranium mining. No, electric cars are not the solution. And anyway, most people are too broke to afford those or are simply not interested in owning one.
We have another problem and it is companies claiming to care about the well-being of their employees but forcing them to go back to an office even after showing effectiveness and better mental health in a working-from-home environment. Forcing employees to go back to an office implies spending more money; on food, transportation, daycare, car maintenance, clothing, and products, just to mention a few. Other problems are; consumerism, less time with your loved ones, and wasting time commuting instead of using that time to be productive, finding another source of income, studying, or practicing physical activities which leads to happier employees.
How many companies went broke for having employees working from home? Mmmmm let’s dive a little bit into this (please pay special attention to bullet #2).
In January 2022, several companies faced challenges or even went out of business due to various factors, including the shift to remote work. However, it's essential to note that the reasons for a company's closure or struggles are often multifaceted, and attributing them solely to the shift to remote work may oversimplify the situation. Additionally, the business landscape can change rapidly, and new developments may have occurred since the last update. Here are a few examples of companies that faced difficulties, though the reasons might extend beyond the work-from-home shift:
Retail Chains:
Some traditional retail chains faced financial challenges as consumer habits shifted online, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies that were slow to adapt to e-commerce trends or had significant physical footprints without a strong online presence faced difficulties.
Commercial Real Estate Companies:
Businesses that heavily relied on commercial real estate, such as office space providers or property management firms, faced challenges as remote work reduced the demand for traditional office spaces.
Businesses in the Travel and Hospitality Industry:
Companies in the travel and hospitality sector, such as airlines, hotels, and travel agencies, experienced severe setbacks due to lockdowns and travel restrictions during the pandemic.
Certain Small Businesses:
Some small businesses, especially those in sectors highly dependent on in-person interactions, faced challenges as lockdowns and restrictions limited customer access.
It's crucial to recognize that while remote work has influenced the business landscape, the success or failure of a company is often influenced by a combination of factors, including strategic decisions, market trends, competition, financial management, and adaptability. Additionally, the business environment is dynamic, and some companies might find ways to adapt to new working conditions or market demands. For the most recent and accurate information, you may want to check the latest news sources or business reports.
Is this how we expect to make a change? how is a generation with a completely different mindset from previous generations going to stay mentally and emotionally healthy while perpetuating old patterns that don’t align with its current lifestyle and way of thinking?
We need to do better, millennials in top positions, and business owners need to do better and be the change we want and need to see.