(Image: Unsplash/Israel Andrade)
Just one in five workers believe their employer is taking net zero seriously, according to a new report.
The Energy Efficiency in the Workplace 2026 Report, published by business energy supplier D-ENERGI, reveals a worrying disconnect between corporate sustainability ambitions and employee perceptions, particularly among junior and entry-level staff.
D-ENERGI said only 16% of entry-level workers believe their employer is taking net zero seriously.
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Meanwhile, just 40% of business owners believe their employer is taking net zero seriously.
Confidence in achieving net zero by 2050 is also low, with only 45% of workers believing it is possible for their organisation.
A quarter of employees doubt their employer will meet the target.
While 78% of C-suite executives are confident their business will achieve net zero, only 34% of entry-level staff share this view.
Mike Williamson, business analyst at D-ENERGI, said: "The disparity between younger and entry-level workers and those higher up in the business is stark and suggests the issue may lie in communication rather than strategies in place.
"At D-ENERGI we’re seeing a clear increase in demand for renewable energy solutions and more businesses are actively seeking renewable energy in order to reduce emissions and accelerate net zero progress.
"The big question is, is that trickling down the rest of the workforce?"
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More than one in five workers are unaware of any energy-related initiatives within their organisation, raising questions about whether sustainability efforts are being effectively communicated throughout the business.
Despite these concerns, the report found that employees are still taking action at an individual level.
A total of 70% said they consider the energy they use at work and 40% have taken steps to reduce waste and improve recycling.
A third of employees switch off equipment when not in use and try to limit heating and cooling to conserve energy.