--- title: How we saved money and cut carbon emissions by going remote-first description: Since pivoting to remote-first working, Flux has saved money, cut carbon emissions and proved that our people can work productively from anywhere in NZ. image: https://www.fluxfederation.com/hubfs/Commuter%20blog.png --- aw of [![flux](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hubfs/flux_2023/images/logos/flux.svg) ![flux\_dark](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hubfs/flux_2023/images/logos/flux_dark.svg)](https://www.fluxfederation.com) Platform ##### [![20230822 Flux Nav - Billing -1](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hubfs/General%20Images/20230822%20Flux%20Nav%20-%20Billing%20-1.svg) Billing Configurable, flexible energy billing for today, and tomorrow.](https://www.fluxfederation.com/products-billing) ##### [![20230822 Flux Nav - Billing use cases-1](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hubfs/General%20Images/20230822%20Flux%20Nav%20-%20Billing%20use%20cases-1.svg) Billing use cases Solar and battery, electric vehicles, time of use, PPA, VPP and more.](https://www.fluxfederation.com/billing-use-cases) ##### [![20230822 Flux Nav - Market Operations -1](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hubfs/General%20Images/20230822%20Flux%20Nav%20-%20Market%20Operations%20-1.svg) Market Operations Complete the picture for end-to-end energy retail solution.](https://www.fluxfederation.com/market-operations) ![20230822 Flux Nav - Market Operations use cases-1](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hubfs/General%20Images/20230822%20Flux%20Nav%20-%20Market%20Operations%20use%20cases-1.svg) ##### Market Operations use cases Customer communications, single customer view and more. ##### [![20240314-Flux-Preparing-for-success-Nav-Crop](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/General%20Images/20240314-Flux-Preparing-for-success-Nav-Crop.jpg?width=1386&name=20240314-Flux-Preparing-for-success-Nav-Crop.jpg) Featured resource Preparing for Success: Four key billing transformation learnings. A must-read for energy companies on the precipice of change. Download now](https://www.fluxfederation.com/preparing-for-success) Insights ##### [![20210608 Flux Icon HOME AUTOMATION CONNECTION BULB\_1 WHITE](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Icons/20210608%20Flux%20Icon%20HOME%20AUTOMATION%20CONNECTION%20BULB_1%20WHITE.png?width=1386&name=20210608%20Flux%20Icon%20HOME%20AUTOMATION%20CONNECTION%20BULB_1%20WHITE.png) Insights The latest updates on everything energy. From growing business value to digital transformation and industry insights. Read more](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog) ![20210608 Flux Icon MOBILE ELECTRICITY PURCHASE\_1 WHITE](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Icons/20210608%20Flux%20Icon%20MOBILE%20ELECTRICITY%20PURCHASE_1%20WHITE.png?width=1386&name=20210608%20Flux%20Icon%20MOBILE%20ELECTRICITY%20PURCHASE_1%20WHITE.png) ##### Resources A knowledge hub that shares our insight for energy businesses undertaking the changes needed to evolve the sector. Explore the hub ##### [![20240411-Nav-Featured-Resource---iPad-user-preparing-for-success](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/General%20Images/20240411-Nav-Featured-Resource---iPad-user-preparing-for-success.jpg?width=1386&name=20240411-Nav-Featured-Resource---iPad-user-preparing-for-success.jpg) Featured resource Preparing for Success: Four key billing transformation learnings. A must-read for energy companies on the precipice of change. Download now](https://www.fluxfederation.com/preparing-for-success) [Why Flux?](https://www.fluxfederation.com/flux-offering) Company ##### [About Find out more about the people behind our leading edge platform, our Executive team and Board of Directors. About](https://www.fluxfederation.com/about) ##### [Careers Find out what it's like to work for a remote-first company designing and building innovative retail software for leaders of the energy transition. Careers](https://www.fluxfederation.com/careers) ##### [![20240212-the-benefits-of-modern-tech-1](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20240212-the-benefits-of-modern-tech-1.jpg?width=1386&name=20240212-the-benefits-of-modern-tech-1.jpg) Featured post The time is now: Why the energy sector must adopt modern billing tech Read more](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/the-time-is-now-why-the-energy-sector-must-adopt-modern-billing-tech) Talk to an expert Talk to an expert # How we saved money and cut carbon emissions by going remote-first [Flux Federation](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/author/flux-federation)  |  17 November 2020 ![Commuter blog](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hubfs/Commuter%20blog.png) ![blue gradient waves](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/flux_2023/images/bgs/blog-bg.png?width=1386&name=blog-bg.png) Becoming a remote-first company has been part of our game plan for a while. We’re a global SaaS company based in a small island nation at the bottom of the world and we knew being remote-first would be a smart, strategic way to access a wider talent pool. However, we certainly didn't expect that it would happen so quickly - or that it would be so seamless.  Flux pivoted to [remote-first working](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/boldly-going-remote-first) on March 18, a week before New Zealand moved into Level 4 lockdown. Most of our team were fully remote by March 20.  Now, nearly eight months later, we’ve adapted quickly. Remote-first working is our new normal. It’s brought so many benefits to our business and our people. We’ve proved that we don’t necessarily have to work out of central offices in Auckland or Wellington to achieve our ambitious goals. In a world turned upside down by Covid-19, we are continuing to forge ahead. Our people have more autonomy and time, our collective carbon footprint has shrunk massively and we’re saving money, all while continuing to perform for our clients in three energy markets. Here’s how we’ve done it so far. | ![Weekly collective distance travelled has reduced by 74%](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Distance-1.png?width=315&name=Distance-1.png) | ![Weekly CO2 emissions from commuting has reduced by 76%](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/carbon.png?width=308&name=carbon.png) | | --- | --- | | ![Average number of days working from the Flux office has reduced from 4 days to 1 day](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Office%20Days.png?width=318&name=Office%20Days.png) | ![Average individual weekly commute time given back to our people is 2 hours 7 minutes](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Commute%20Time.png?width=319&name=Commute%20Time.png) | | ![41 new employees since lockdown](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20employees.png?width=333&name=New%20employees.png) | ![Total office expenditure reduced by NZ$5000+](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Expenditure.png?width=322&name=Expenditure.png) | #### **Our remote-first goals** We didn’t have any real roadmap when we set out to change the way we worked - but we knew we couldn’t leave things to chance either. Figuring out where we wanted to get to was the first step.  Our goal is to be a truly remote-first company. That means we strive for total inclusivity and equality regardless of where, when, or how we work. Our aim is that everyone has equal access to the information they need to do a great job. Most importantly, we recognise that we need to invest time and energy into connecting and having fun together, whether we’re all in the same place or not. #### How we got started on our remote-first journey While there’s nothing quite like a Government-imposed Covid-19 lockdown to speed up your remote-first plans, talking to our people was key to understanding how we could support each other to work productively from diverse locations. We identified several key remote-first principles to guide how we do things: - Everyone is empowered to work remotely - We aim for asynchronous communication - Our processes and tools are designed to include everyone equally - Everyone has equal access to people, tools, and information - Key decisions are discussed online where relevant people can be included - We encourage an inclusive culture, regardless of where our people are based. #### What we’ve learned about remote-first life While we’re lucky to work in an industry built for remote-working, we quickly learned that it wasn’t just as simple as taking our laptops home. Everyone’s home situation is different and some of our people needed extra help to settle into a new way of working. We quickly learned that it’s critical to stay connected to our people and monitor their performance. Since April, we’ve been using [15Five](https://www.15five.com/), an online performance and feedback tool, to help us have regular, online conversations about our achievements, challenges and priorities right across the business. This makes it easy to keep an eye on changes in individual/team responses, and promptly address any concerns. We’ve also increased our focus on asynchronous communication - ensuring all our people have access to the same information, no matter how or when they may receive it. We record presentations and All Hands sessions, so people can watch them at a time that suits. We make sure we [document our decision-making processes](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/working-in-the-open-techniques-for-tech-companies), so no one misses out. Our Remote Working Playbook helps answer questions about how we manage the day-to-day business and keep moving forward. One of the biggest challenges is figuring out how we build face-to-face time into our remote work lives. We’ve recognised that we need to be deliberate about real-life engagement beyond catching up occasionally in our Auckland and Wellington hubs. In November 2020 we’re all gathering in Taupō, in the central north island of New Zealand, to spend some time together reflecting on the successes of this past year and plotting our course for 2021. Because while working from home has lots of benefits, nothing beats all being in the tent together when it comes to getting to know each other and building connections. #### How remote-first working has changed our processes and spaces While we continue to maintain office hubs in Auckland and Wellington, most of our people have fully embraced the opportunity to work from anywhere. Since we moved to remote-first working, we’ve onboarded 41 new people. Six of this cohort (15%) live outside Auckland or Wellington, in locations as diverse as Tauranga, Te Awamutu, Nelson and Palmerston North. Two of our longer-serving people have also taken the opportunity to move to regional centres of New Zealand.  For now, the global environment means we’re concentrating on growing our New Zealand-based team. In the longer term, we’re excited about the opportunity to include overseas countries in our remote-working locations. The flexible nature of remote-first working means our people use our Auckland and Wellington office hubs in different ways. A survey we conducted in October revealed that the average weekly time spent in the office has dropped from four days a week to one. Our people now use our hubs as collaborative spaces, where they can connect in person with their team. As a result, we’re switching it up and moving to a new, significantly smaller Wellington office space in early 2021. Our new space will better serve our people’s needs. #### **How we saved time, money and carbon emissions (without leaving the house)** Going remote-first has helped us have a hugely positive impact on our carbon footprint. In-house research has shown that we’ve slashed our weekly commuter CO2 emissions by 76% (731.8kg). We’ve eliminated unnecessary flights between Flux offices and reduced the weekly collective distance travelled by 74% (9,268.8km).  Spending less time in the office means we’re consuming differently. During New Zealand’s initial five-week Level 4 lockdown, we diverted our office housekeeping spend to charity as a way to do our bit for the community. Moving to a smaller Wellington hub will also mean further cost savings. We’re also saving time, the most precious resource of them all. Working from home means our people save an average of just over two hours each every week that they can spend how they choose.  #### **What to do before you make the switch to remote-first working** We’re not going to claim that we’re doing everything perfectly - a successful transition to being fully remote-first takes time and willingness to change. In our experience, it’s totally worth it.  If you’re thinking about making the switch, here’s what’s good to think about upfront: - Engage your people: Talk to your team about what remote-first might look like for them. Discuss their concerns - and involve them in finding solutions. Test and iterate to find the right way to remote-work for your business. - Talk tech: Technology is your friend. Work out ways to fully embrace the tools at your fingertips to keep connected. - Change it up: How you lead, coach and communicate will change when you’re not all in the same space together every day. - Connect and communicate: Put your people first. Clearly communicate any plans with them as soon as you can - and keep the channels of communication open. - Put wellness first: Look after your teams’ physical and mental health. Have regular check-ins to make sure their working environment is safe and ergonomically appropriate, and that they’ve got the support they need to do their work. - Remember to have fun: Celebrate wins and successes, eat birthday cake, share jokes. A good laugh lightens everyone’s load, whether you’re in one room or many. ### Continue learning how we can help you ##### [![20240516-streamline-debt-manangement](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20240516-streamline-debt-manangement.jpg?width=1386&name=20240516-streamline-debt-manangement.jpg) Growing business value Streamline debt management and drive profitability Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/streamline-debt-management-and-drive-profitability) ##### [![20240319-4-challenes-for-seller-1](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20240319-4-challenes-for-seller-1.jpg?width=1386&name=20240319-4-challenes-for-seller-1.jpg) Growing business value 4 big challenges for energy sellers, according to the tech experts Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/4-big-challenges-for-energy-sellers-according-to-the-tech-experts) ##### [![20220211-VPP-blue-noise](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20220211-VPP-blue-noise.jpg?width=1386&name=20220211-VPP-blue-noise.jpg) Growing business value Turning virtual into reality: Operationalising Virtual Power Plants Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/turning-virtual-into-reality-virtual-power-plants-for-energy-business) ##### [![20221208-Cost-out-value-in](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20221208-Cost-out-value-in.jpg?width=1386&name=20221208-Cost-out-value-in.jpg) Digital transformation Can you have it all? Driving value in and cost out in a digital transformation Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/driving-value-in-and-cost-out-in-a-digital-transformation) ##### [![20240410-billing-software-for-australia](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20240410-billing-software-for-australia.jpg?width=1386&name=20240410-billing-software-for-australia.jpg) Growing business value How modern billing tech can help energy sellers with the energy crisis Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/how-modern-billing-tech-can-help-energy-sellers-with-the-energy-crisis) ##### [![20240411-Energy-Transition-Blueprint-Refresh](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20240411-Energy-Transition-Blueprint-Refresh.jpg?width=1386&name=20240411-Energy-Transition-Blueprint-Refresh.jpg) Growing business value Invest to stay in the game: Flexible tech is a blueprint for success Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/invest-to-stay-in-the-game-a-blueprint-for-the-energy-transition) ##### [![20231116-customer-retention](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20231116-customer-retention.jpg?width=1386&name=20231116-customer-retention.jpg) Growing business value How modern billing software supports customer retention Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/how-modern-billing-software-supports-customer-retention) ##### [![20240212-the-benefits-of-modern-tech-1](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20240212-the-benefits-of-modern-tech-1.jpg?width=1386&name=20240212-the-benefits-of-modern-tech-1.jpg) Digital transformation The time is now: Why the energy sector must adopt modern billing tech Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/the-time-is-now-why-the-energy-sector-must-adopt-modern-billing-tech) ##### [![20231214-End-energy-user](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20231214-End-energy-user.jpg?width=1386&name=20231214-End-energy-user.jpg) Growing business value Why we mustn’t forget the customer as we power the energy transition Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/why-we-mustnt-forget-the-customer-as-we-power-the-energy-transition) ##### [![20231213-Nic-in-Europe---Collaboration](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20231213-Nic-in-Europe---Collaboration.jpg?width=1386&name=20231213-Nic-in-Europe---Collaboration.jpg) Industry Insights Collaboration: the critical success factor of the energy transition Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/collaboration-the-critical-success-factor-of-the-energy-transition) ##### [![20231009-modern-billing-tech](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20231009-modern-billing-tech.jpg?width=1386&name=20231009-modern-billing-tech.jpg) Digital transformation Why modern billing tech is essential in the new energy economy Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/why-modern-billing-tech-is-essential-in-the-new-energy-economy) ##### [![20230922-Dreamforce-insights](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20230922-Dreamforce-insights.jpg?width=1386&name=20230922-Dreamforce-insights.jpg) Industry Insights Dreamforce 23: Insights into the energy revolution and our roles in it Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/dreamforce-23-insights-into-the-energy-revolution-and-our-roles-in-it) ##### [![20230913-Flux-Dreamforce-product-launch-1000x525](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20230913-Flux-Dreamforce-product-launch-1000x525.jpg?width=1386&name=20230913-Flux-Dreamforce-product-launch-1000x525.jpg) Digital transformation Flux launches world-first product for scaling decarbonisation solutions Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/flux-launches-world-first-product-for-scaling-decarbonisation-solutions) ##### [![Decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitalisation of the energy sector](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20230907-Flux---The-3-Ds.jpg?width=1386&name=20230907-Flux---The-3-Ds.jpg) Digital transformation Is the energy sector ready for the 3 Ds? Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/is-the-energy-sector-ready-for-the-3-d-s) ##### [![20230822-Customisation-over-configuration-noise](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flux%202.0/Blog/20230822-Customisation-over-configuration-noise.jpg?width=1386&name=20230822-Customisation-over-configuration-noise.jpg) Growing business value Configurability vs customisation: 4 tips for your next tech purchase Read the story](https://www.fluxfederation.com/blog/configurability-vs-customisation-4-things-to-consider-for-your-next-tech-purchase) ![purple gradient waves](https://www.fluxfederation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/flux_2023/images/bgs/form-bg.png?width=1386&name=form-bg.png) ## Be the first to know! 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