How can employees cut costs in the workplace?

As the cost of living crisis continues to take its toll on UK households, employees are set to face the biggest squeeze; with energy, public transport, petrol and food costs presenting a challenge for Brits all across the country, research shows that nine in ten employees are asking to work from home.

In light of this, Mark Sait, CEO and founder of SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC) explains the simple and cost-effective swaps that employees can make in workplace, to help cut costs whenever necessary.

Upgrade to an electric bike:
Research from RAC’s Fuel Watch reveals that petrol prices have risen more in March than any previous month on record; the average cost per litre has gone up by 11.62p – now at 163.28p – while Brits have also seen the average diesel price increase by 22.06p in the last month alone. The fuel shortage likely means that 40% of Brits could fall into fuel poverty from October. In tandem, train fares saw a 3.8% increase at the start of the year, meaning that workers could be paying over £142 a month on public transport costs.

Electric bikes have seen a 70% rise from 2019 to 2020, and is likely to continue rising due to extortionate fuel prices in the current climate. Sait states that the affordability and convenience of electric bikes could likely change the face of transport in the years to come. With the ability to assist those who may have asthma, knee pain or heart conditions, electric bikes are the perfect alternative to cars – not only can workers cut hundreds off their monthly costs, it provides an energy-friendly mode of transport, integrated with speed and innovative technology.

Bring your lunch in a stasher bag:
According to research from Nationwide Building Society in 2020, Brits spend over £1700 a year on office treats and social events with colleagues. Sait discusses the little swaps you can make with your lunch routine at work. For example, cutting takeaway coffees can save you more than £700 a year, while cutting takeaway lunch can help save significantly more. SMCC offer reusable stasher bags on their online store – providing a more environmentally friendly and convenient method to cut costs on lunch at work.

Solar & electric vehicle solutions for the workplace:
Last year, the UK government announced the Workplace Charging Scheme, which will help businesses, public sector organisations, charities and local authorities save 75% on the cost of installation per electric vehicle (EV) charge-points – a saving of up to £14,000. In addition, they have also pledged to install over 250,000 home and workplace chargers across the country to promote the usage of electric cars.

Sait explains that the government-led transition into EVs will likely generate greater demand, and in turn generate a more affordable, accessible and sustainable way in travelling around. In line with this, SMCC offers OZEV approved, grant fundable, high-quality and long-lasting EV charging cables to assist with reducing oil usage.