To address the urgency of climate change and respond to economic, political, social, and environmental pressures, the Energy sector is transforming as it shifts toward decarbonization and carbon neutrality. With a common goal of curbing emissions, the Energy industry is uniting around increased efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability. Recognizing the need for collective action to create meaningful change, new partnerships are emerging between large Energy companies, mid-size companies, and startups. Energy sector companies are rethinking the workspace and looking for more types of collaborative space to facilitate and accelerate this transformation.

Even with workers for essential services, such as R&D, trading, and manufacturing, who are continuing to be engaged in the physical office environment, working from home has become an accepted work mode for the Energy sector. According to Gensler’s U.S. Workplace Survey 2020 Summer/Fall, 60% of U.S. Energy workers prefer a hybrid work model. Energy companies will need to find ways to continue to maintain and reinforce culture and connectivity among an increasingly distributed workforce. Energy employees expect crucial changes in the workplace as they return, including more flexibility to accommodate both in-office and remote workers.

U.S. energy workers overwhelmingly note that working in-person and connecting with colleagues are the most important reasons to come to the office. The workplace will need to provide both ample private spaces and spaces that promote collaboration and social connection. To serve myriad functions, workplace strategy and planning must focus directly on the needs of workers across each hybrid work model.