How Companies Can Empower Their Employees to Live Green

As eco-consumerism rises in America, companies must enhance the sustainability of their practices. They work to decrease atmospheric and surface-level pollution, improving climate change prevention measures. Meeting client demands can significantly improve sales, helping a company remain competitive in its field.

A business is only as green as its least sustainable employee, though. Owners can enhance the eco-friendliness of an entire system by empowering their workers to decrease ecologically degrading behaviors. When everyone works towards an eco-conscious goal, companies can attain efficiency labels and increase their success.

Set Attainable Goals Together

Employers can effectively enhance the sustainability of their company by setting goals with their employees. Workers are more likely to take action when they feel supported in their transformation. The employer can schedule a time to set sustainability goals face-to-face with employees, appearing as their partner rather than a commander.

Leaders can also discuss the importance of the goal to the company’s greater good. If you are enhancing the energy efficiency of your workspace, you may develop an employee goal to change the air filter each month. The goal might seem tedious, holding a minuscule impact before you describe its importance.

But clogged air filters can place significant stress on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It must utilize high quantities of electricity to maintain optimal air quality. Simply changing the filter can drastically enhance the system’s energy efficiency, decreasing emissions and lowering utility costs.

Hold Each Other Accountable

After setting sustainability goals, employees and employers can help each other achieve their objectives by checking in. Leaders can schedule a one-on-one follow-up meeting, offering support and tracking the progress of their eco-friendly practices. You can also develop a check-off sheet, reminding employees to partake in their assigned activities.

Employers can also offer bonuses and special offerings when employees achieve their sustainability goals. Similarly, they can give them a strike when they fail to meet their assignment. Employees can also hold each other accountable, supporting the greater good of the office.

Leaders should provide a supportive space for employees to discuss their sustainability achievements and challenges throughout the transition. Enhancing workplace transparency can increase accountability and aid for workers. It can also help individuals remain on the same page and develop together for the greater good of the business.

Discuss the Benefits

Individuals are more engaged in professional positions where they feel valued and supported. Employers can discuss the benefits of enhancing office sustainability to empower employees’ eco-friendly practices. Understanding the complexity of environmental actions can improve a worker’s knowledge and willingness to engage.

Prominent corporations are installing light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs in their offices to decrease their electricity reliance. They are additionally adding smart shades, increasing their use of natural lighting. When powered by renewable energy sources, lighting devices can significantly enhance sustainability and improve workers’ health.

Nearly 60% of U.S. electricity comes from fossil fuels. During combustion, the substances generate greenhouse gas emissions. On Earth’s surface, the emissions degrade air quality, creating smog and ground-level ozone.

When inhaled, air pollution degrades an individual’s lung health. It causes chest pains, coughing, wheezing, and frequent asthma attacks. Additionally, air pollution increases one’s risk of developing lung cancer and other fatal illnesses.

Reducing emissions can protect workers from adverse lung health effects. Utilizing natural lighting can also improve individuals’ mental health. Transitioning a building’s reliance away from artificial lighting towards sunlight can decrease depression and seasonal affective disorder in employees.

Natural light exposure also improves an individual’s sleep cycles at night. When employees understand the full benefits of adopting a sustainable work environment, they are more likely to support the transformation. A greater understanding may also help individuals decrease environmentally degrading practices to preserve the well-being of their work colleagues.

Where to Start

When you are ready to improve the sustainability of your workplace, you may begin by evaluating its ecological challenges. Some companies use large quantities of paper and could benefit from digitizing their work. Other businesses rely on fossil fuel-derived electricity and may enhance their eco-friendliness by installing solar panels.

Communication is essential in a business’s transition towards eco-consciousness. Talking to your employees, employer, or co-workers can increase individual awareness of environmental impacts. It can also help develop an effective pollution reduction strategy.

Author Bio:

Jane works as the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers environmental news and sustainable living tips.