Thou Shall Spread The Gospel of Sustainability
Developing an eco-conscious organization begins on the ground level with your workforce, as it is crucial for your people to believe in your vision and practice environmentally-friendly habits in the office in order for your mission of sustainability to signal out accordingly.
There are various accessible and cost-effective measures your company can take to reduce your carbon footprint and affect your environmental impact. Here are ten examples of sustainable initiatives you can implement to encourage an environmentally conscious workplace for your employees, not just on Earth Day, but every day.
Implement a recycling program
One standard way of supporting mindfulness around sustainability is to establish a recycling program within your office. From the kitchen area to your workspaces, provide education on responsible waste disposal through clear signage on designated waste stations to help your people distinguish between what items belong in recycling, compost, and in the trash bin.
Conserve energy within the office
Turning off the lights and switching off electronic equipment around the office during off-hours will help to conserve energy resources as well as save your company a significant amount on your electric bill.
Promote a paperless office
Digital and cloud computing solutions have enabled companies to become more collaborative, streamlined, efficient, and yes, green too. From using desktop applications such as Microsoft Office and Google Drive for coordinating work projects to investing in digital HR and payroll software to handle workforce management, paper and ink are swapped out for an eco-conservative alternative.
Support green vendors
Opt to do business with green-friendly brands and companies to create a more environmentally conscious workplace. Conduct research into vendors of interest to learn more about their sustainability efforts and see if they align with your company’s own vision and values regarding environmental impact.
Reduce by reusing
Discourage this wasteful habit from your employees by encouraging the use of reusable coffee mugs, along with reusable water bottles. You can promote this initiative in office by offering company merchandise items such as travel mugs and stainless steel water bottles, and also by incentivizing the program by doing a monthly gift card draw for team members who use their reusable mugs for an entire week.
Invest in office plants
Placing plants around the office can help to beautify your workspaces, uplift the overall atmosphere of your workplace, and reduce stress and anxiety for your workforce. Indoor greenery can boost oxygen levels and remove harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide and formaldehyde.
Conserve human energy
This may not be an idea that readily comes to mind when considering environmental practices, but the wellbeing of your people is crucial to the healthy habits of your organization. Mindfulness is just as important. Consider that sustaining healthy and energetic employees will be beneficial to your company’s overall productivity.
Get outside and volunteer
Cause-driven volunteer programs are an excellent way to support something meaningful and have a big impact on your communities. There are all sorts of green causes and conservation campaigns your company can participate in.
From promoting workplace wellness through a mindful and healthy office environment to allowing your team members to think of the bigger picture, encouraging environmentally conscious practices in the workplace will help your people feel healthier, more satisfied with your company, and more driven to thrive at work. Above all, the benefit of leaving a lasting impression of environmental impact for your organization will stay for generations to come.
