ROTTERDAM, 31 October 2024 – Office workers in South Holland may save thousands of euros annually by working closer to home, according to recent research on commuter costs and spending patterns. Lower travel and meal expenses, alongside improved work-life balance, are noted benefits.

Study highlights cost savings of working locally

New research has revealed that office workers across South Holland could save up to €15,270 annually by working locally four days a week instead of commuting daily. These findings come as transport cuts, disappearing connections, and rising costs increasingly prompt workers to seek alternatives to daily commuting. Lower public transport, fuel, and meal expenses are cited as primary drivers of this financial relief, allowing workers more flexibility to achieve personal financial goals.

The research was conducted by the International Workplace Group (IWG) and surveyed 1,036 full-time office workers across the Netherlands to analyse commuting and spending habits. For many South Holland residents, the study suggests that working closer to home reduces weekly travel costs and supports a stronger work-life balance, with more time available for family, hobbies, and personal well-being.

Lower commuting costs

According to the survey, local work models offer significant savings for South Holland employees, reducing expenses on public transport, fuel, parking, and other commuting-related costs. Sixty-eight per cent of respondents reported weekly travel cost reductions, with seven per cent noting savings of 50 per cent or more.

These savings particularly benefit younger workers aiming to reduce student loan debt or save for a home. For instance, a 24-year-old Rotterdam employee working four days locally rather than commuting to a company headquarters in Amsterdam could save up to €15,270 annually, as estimated by Development Economics, a research firm that analysed the financial impact of hybrid working models. Among respondents, 61 per cent indicated that fewer commutes had improved their ability to achieve financial goals, with savings allocated to future investments (60 per cent), holidays (29 per cent), and home renovations (18 per cent).

Improved work-life balance

The study also found that working locally can positively influence employees’ personal lives. Seventy-nine per cent of South Holland workers who work closer to home noted a positive impact on their work-life balance due to the reduced time spent commuting. In Rotterdam, the extra hours gained from reduced travel were often used for relaxation, hobbies, and health activities, with 32 per cent engaging in fitness or wellness pursuits. Additionally, 31 per cent of South Holland workers used this extra time to pursue professional development.

Commuting challenges prompt shift towards local work

South Holland workers cited traffic congestion and high transport expenses as primary factors motivating a shift to local work options. In the survey, 44 per cent of respondents who preferred working locally highlighted congestion as their main reason, followed by increased train fares (20 per cent) and higher bus fares (15 per cent).

Hybrid Work Calculator provides insight

To help workers estimate potential savings, the IWG has introduced the Hybrid Work Calculator. This tool provides quick calculations of the time and financial benefits of working closer to home.

Mark Dixon, CEO of the International Workplace Group, commented, “The concept of a long daily commute may soon become outdated. Office workers will no longer have to wake early, face crowded or polluting transportation, and travel significant distances to their workplace. This shift could fundamentally change the way people view commuting.” Dixon also emphasised the role of hybrid working models in empowering workers to allocate savings towards housing and other financial goals.

The IWG, which operates brands such as Spaces and Regus, has over 100 flexible office locations across the Netherlands, including recent expansions to meet the growing demand for hybrid work solutions.

ROTTERDAM, 27 August 2024 – Households in Rotterdam saw the lowest reduction in energy costs in Zuid-Holland last year, according to new data. However, both gas and electricity consumption still declined.

Rotterdam records the lowest energy savings in Zuid-Holland

While households across Zuid-Holland managed to reduce their energy consumption in 2023, those in Rotterdam achieved the lowest average savings, according to new data from the sustainability platform Slimster. The figures, based on the most recent data from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), show that households in Rotterdam saved an average of €154 on their energy bills, the smallest reduction among all municipalities in the province.

Rotterdam's gas and electricity consumption sees a modest decline

Despite having the lowest overall savings, households in Rotterdam still managed to lower both gas and electricity use. Gas consumption in the city dropped from an average of 680 cubic metres in 2022 to 600 cubic metres in 2023, representing a decrease of approximately 12%. Electricity consumption also fell, from 2,230 kWh in 2022 to 2,090 kWh in 2023, a reduction of around 6%.

Other municipalities in Zuid-Holland make greater energy savings

Elsewhere in Zuid-Holland, other municipalities experienced more substantial reductions in energy costs. Seven municipalities, including Bodegraven-Reeuwijk, Albrandswaard, Goeree-Overflakkee, and Hoeksche Waard, achieved average savings of over €300 per household. The municipalities of Molenlanden, Krimpenerwaard, and Wassenaar saw the most significant savings, with the average household saving €226 across the province.

Molenlanden tops the list for gas savings

The municipality of Molenlanden recorded the highest reduction in gas usage, with a decrease of over 17% last year. By contrast, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, and Midden-Delfland saw a reduction of just over 10%, partly due to the higher number of flats in these areas, where gas consumption tends to be lower.

Albrandswaard achieves the largest reduction in electricity use

In terms of electricity, Albrandswaard led the way, with a reduction of 18.1% in net electricity consumption. This decline is particularly notable given the municipality’s relatively low number of homes with solar panels. The municipality was not among the top scorers in Slimster’s recent 'Eco-Electric Index,' which evaluates the number of homes with solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicles. Pijnacker-Nootdorp emerged as the overall winner in this ranking.

Why are these reductions happening?

Commenting on the findings, Marco Schuurman of Slimster noted, “The decrease in electricity supply is largely due to the growing number of homes with solar panels. One in three households now generates its own power. While actual electricity consumption may have risen, many households are using their own solar energy, which isn't reflected in the supply figures. The CBS measures only the amount of electricity delivered to households by energy providers, not the consumption that happens 'behind the meter.'”

ROTTERDAM, 19 August 2024 – Rotterdam creatives and global artists can now connect with Caribbean talent through Caribbeans Connects, a new platform designed to bridge local and international creative communities.

A new digital platform, Caribbeans Connects, has launched with the aim of connecting creatives from the Caribbean with those in the UK, the United States, Europe, and beyond. Rotterdam, known for its vibrant arts scene, now has direct access to Caribbean talent through this platform, enhancing opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange.

A global stage for Caribbean creatives

Caribbeans Connects offers a space for a wide range of creative professionals, including models, content creators, musicians, dancers, photographers, music producers, videographers, and actors, to collaborate and gain recognition. By uniting local Caribbean talent with international markets, the platform seeks to boost the earning potential of these creatives.

Founded in the United Kingdom, Caribbeans Connects is designed to make it easier for those visiting Caribbean islands to discover and hire local talent. The platform serves not only individual artists but also film productions, fashion brands, and other entities looking to tap into the rich pool of Caribbean creativity.

Strengthening ties between Rotterdam and the Caribbean

Rotterdam, with its diverse population and strong ties to the Caribbean community, stands to benefit from the connections facilitated by Caribbeans Connects. The platform already hosts a significant number of UK-based creatives, eager to collaborate with their Caribbean counterparts, offering new possibilities for projects involving Rotterdam's creative professionals.

Registered users on the platform can enjoy various features, including posting and applying for job adverts, both national and international. The platform also allows creatives to communicate via a forum, and musicians can link their Spotify profiles to their Caribbeans Connects profiles.

Jermaine Young-Bushay, the founder of Caribbeans Connects, shared his vision for the platform, stating, “The vision for Caribbeans Connects is to make it easier to discover untapped talent across the Caribbean so that creatives can connect with local and visiting creatives. When you look at the way certain countries have built their own industries like Hollywood, Nollywood and Bollywood, there should be a Caribbean equivalent. I hope that when people hear Caribbeans Connects it reminds them that the Caribbean is also a hub for creativity, not just tourism.”

Addressing challenges in the Caribbean

While the Caribbean is often celebrated for its natural beauty, it is also one of the most vulnerable regions to climate-related natural disasters. These events often lead to significant debt and reluctance from external investors. Caribbeans Connects aims to empower local creatives by building a global network, enabling them to create and find opportunities independently.

Commercial featuring Caribbean talent

Caribbeans Connects has produced a commercial featuring talent from within its network, showcasing individuals both in front of and behind the camera. The commercial, which highlights the platform's mission and the creativity within the Caribbean, can be viewed below:

How to join Caribbeans Connect

Creatives and those seeking to engage with Caribbean talent can visit the website at https://caribbeansconnects.com/talents/ to register and start connecting.