Sustainability has become an increasingly important topic in recent years. Not only is it crucial for the health of our planet, but it also has a positive impact on the bottom line for businesses.
Incorporating sustainability into the workplace has the potential to improve employee morale, increase productivity, and enhance the company’s reputation.
Let’s take a look at seven sustainability-minded benefits that your employees will love.
1) Working from home
Offer flexible work policies such as 'work from home'. Employees won’t have to travel to and from the office, and they can still easily collaborate with colleagues by using video chat, instant messaging or other teleconferencing tools.
Telecommuting is both a convenient way to work and a great way to reduce your workforce's carbon footprint from commuting.
2) Going paperless
In the age of technology, there are many alternatives to paper. Take some time to reflect on current processes and workflows to see whether paper is really a necessary tool.
By avoiding printing and using digital copies, files and documents can be made more easily accessible from devices, whether it's for presentations, reports, or spreadsheets. This is not only sustainable as it saves paper, but it also eases collaboration amongst employees.
3) Carpooling with colleagues
Encourage your employees to carpool. One of the main climate benefits of carpooling is that it helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When multiple people share a car, they are effectively reducing the number of cars on the road, which in turn reduces the amount of emissions produced.
Carpooling also allows your employees to share the cost of gas and parking, cutting their expenses by nearly 50% or more.
Other than being sustainable, carpooling is also a good way to catch up with colleagues on the way to work and socialise together.
4) "Eco Employee of the Month"
"Eco Employee of the Month" is a recognition program that is designed to encourage and reward employees who are committed to promoting sustainability in the workplace.
The program typically recognizes one employee per month who has demonstrated exceptional efforts in reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in the workplace.
The recipient of the "Eco Employee of the Month" award may be recognized for actions such as reducing energy usage, promoting recycling and composting, using sustainable transportation, or implementing other eco-friendly practices.
The recognition program can help to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability and encourage other employees to adopt more environmentally-friendly practices. It can also help to foster a culture of sustainability within the organization, which can have long-term benefits for both the company and the environment.
5) Set monthly green challenges
Monthly team challenges can be a fun way of combining friendly competition and going green. For example, you can challenge the office to go a month without using plastic eating utensils, and reward those who stick with it by offering small prizes, such as coffee gift cards or snacks.
6) The use of automation to streamline procedures
Whether it’s paying bills or planning daily tasks, automation can be used to accelerate and streamline processes and contribute to a more sustainable future at the same time.
For example, instead of sitting hours on end in front of a computer scheduling the week, it would be much faster and more energy-efficient to use an AI tracker to complete this task. Another example are bill payments.
7) Upgrading office decor
Having real plants in the office can be a great way to promote sustainability and create a healthier work environment.
They improve an office's air quality by removing pollutants from the air. They also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which can help create a healthier and more breathable environment for employees.
Studies have also shown that having real plants in the office can increase productivity and improve focus. The presence of plants has been found to reduce stress and improve mood, which can lead to increased motivation and productivity.
A study by the University of Technology, Sydney, has discovered reductions in stress levels amongst workers in the presence of plants, a 37% fall in reported tension and anxiety; a 58% drop in depression or dejection; a 44% decrease in anger and hostility; and a 38% reduction in fatigue.
Support your employees to take small proactive steps daily and accompany them on their way to a planet-friendly lifestyle!