Innovation
How new technologies are changing our working lives
The way we travel to and during work is undergoing a massive transformation. Innovation in mobility plays a crucial role in this, with trends such as electric vehicles, shared mobility, and smart infrastructure becoming increasingly commonplace. But what does this mean concretely for how we work? And which figures support these developments?
The four trends in mobility innovation:
Sustainable mobility and electrification
More and more companies are encouraging the use of electric vehicles, bicycles, and public transport. Many offices are installing charging stations and offering tax benefits for electric drivers.
Shared mobility and Mobility-as-a-Service
The rise of car sharing, e-bikes, and MaaS platforms is creating more flexible and cost-efficient mobility solutions. Employees combine various modes of transport via a single app.
Hybrid working and reduced peak traffic
Due to working from home and flexible working hours, employees travel less frequently and spread the journeys throughout the day. This reduces traffic congestion and decreases the need for large parking facilities.
Smart infrastructure and data-driven mobility
Technologies such as smart parking solutions, traffic management, and real-time travel information make it easier to travel to the office more efficiently and sustainably.
Sustainable Mobility and Electrification
The shift to electric transport is in full swing. In 2023, 25% of newly sold cars in Europe were electric models, and this percentage continues to rise. Governments and companies are investing heavily in charging networks and tax incentives to accelerate this transition. For employees, this means cleaner, cheaper, and quieter commutes, while companies benefit from lower operating costs and a more sustainable image.
In addition, cities are encouraging emission-free zones and environmentally friendly mobility options. In the Netherlands, for example, from 2025 onwards, only zero-emission vehicles will be permitted in certain urban areas, forcing companies to adapt their fleets.
Shared Mobility and Flexible Working
The rise of car sharing, e-bikes, and mobility subscriptions has led to a change in how employees travel. According to PwC, by 2030, approximately 35% of all urban mobility will be via shared transport. This lowers costs, reduces traffic congestion, and contributes to a more sustainable environment.
At the same time, mobility is changing how we organize work. Hybrid working has reduced the need for daily commuting. Research by the Institute for Mobility Policy shows that in 2023, approximately 40% of employees worked from home at least one day a week, reducing peak traffic congestion and making flexible mobility solutions more attractive.
Autonomous Transport and Smart Infrastructure
Self-driving vehicles are no longer science fiction. Tesla, Waymo, and other companies are testing and implementing advanced autonomous technologies that make commuting safer and more efficient. Autonomous vehicles are expected to constitute a significant share of the market by 2035, which will have a particular impact on the logistics and transport sectors.
Smart infrastructure, such as traffic lights that respond to real-time traffic flows and smart parking solutions, contribute to more efficient mobility. In cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen, these technologies are already being applied on a large scale to reduce travel times and emissions.
Conclusion
Innovation in mobility is changing not only how we travel, but also how and where we work. Electrification, shared mobility, and autonomous vehicles are making transport more efficient and sustainable. Employers and employees who embrace these trends benefit from greater flexibility, lower costs, and a smaller ecological footprint. The future of work is closely intertwined with the future of mobility – and that future is smarter and more sustainable than ever.
Jan-Willem de Bruijn
CEO
D&B The Facility Group
Jan-Willem
