Encouraging Environmentally Conscious Behavior in the Workplace
Environmental concerns in the workplace are a high priority; activity such as greenwashing or ticking boxes for the sake of company image is not good enough, and action needs to be taken throughout company culture. As well as the business and leadership team themselves, encouraging environmentally conscious efforts from employees at work and home is one-way businesses can contribute to a better future.
This blog will explore ways your company can promote environmentally conscious behaviour among your employees.
Education ~ The importance of environmental sustainability.
Many people are just not aware of how their actions impact the environment. Information can help raise awareness; your company can organise workshops, training sessions, or online resources to provide information about the effects of climate change, resource depletion, and other environmental issues. This information can help employees to understand why it is crucial to act sustainably and motivate them to change their behaviour.
WWF have an environmental footprint calculator that can be used to discover individuals’ impact. Check it out here.
Set environmental goals and targets.
Setting environmental goals and targets with a sustainability policy can encourage employees to adopt environmentally conscious behaviour.
Plans could include:
reducing the company's carbon footprint,
increasing recycling rates
reducing water consumption
By setting specific targets, employees clearly understand what is expected of them. They can work together to achieve these goals. The business could also consider incentivising employees to meet these targets, such as offering recognition for exceptional sustainability efforts.
Provide sustainable alternatives.
Providing sustainable alternatives to traditional products and services is an effective way to encourage environmentally conscious behaviour.
For example:
Companies could provide reusable water bottles or coffee cups, such as those from Klean Kanteen, rather than disposable cups.
Encouraging virtual meeting options rather than travelling to meetings can reduce carbon emissions.
Providing recycling bins alongside general waste.
Install energy and water-saving devices.
Encourage volunteering with an environmental charity.
Encouraging employees to volunteer with an environmental charity can benefit your company and those volunteering.
Volunteering can help foster a sense of community and teamwork among employees, who can learn about sustainable practices and ways to reduce their environmental impact by volunteering with an environmental charity.
It also provides an opportunity to develop new skills and gain valuable experience that can be applied in the workplace.
It’s reported that employees who volunteer with an environmental charity often report higher levels of job satisfaction, increased engagement with their work, and a greater sense of purpose.
Creating a company culture starts with the commitment from the top to address environmental issues; there are many ways to give back; one option might be joining a movement such as 1% For The Planet. You can contribute in many ways, such as donating time, and money, raising awareness, providing advice and much more.
1% for the Planet represents a global network of businesses, individuals and environmental partners tackling our planet's most pressing environmental issues.
Lorna Evans, the founder of Time & Tide coaching, is the COO of the national charity Seaful, an environmental charity providing a connection to ocean and waterways in the hope that their beneficiaries become Ocean Citizens. Seaful is an Environmental Partner of 1% For The Planet.
Communicate regularly about sustainability.
Regular communication about sustainability is essential to promote environmentally conscious behaviour and help employees see what impact their actions have and are more likely to feel motivated to adopt sustainable practices.
Use company newsletters, email updates, or social media to communicate sustainability initiatives, updates, and progress.
Lead by example.
Finally, leading by example is a powerful way to encourage environmentally conscious behaviour.
Your leadership team should demonstrate sustainable practices and prioritise environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
Encouraging environmentally conscious behaviour from employees at work and home is essential for businesses to contribute to a sustainable future.
Companies and employees can significantly reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices by working together.
It is vital to create a culture of sustainability where employees feel motivated and inspired to act sustainably.
A team coaching session in nature can be an excellent way to support the ideas discussed in this blog post. Being in nature can help individuals feel more connected to the environment and more motivated to act sustainably.
Our team coaching sessions at Time and Tide Coaching facilitate activities that promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable behaviour.
Here are a few examples of activities that are incorporated into a team coaching session in nature:
Nature walk and discussion: We lead the team on a nature walk and encourage a conversation about humans' environmental impact. The team could discuss reducing their effects and adopting more sustainable practices.
Beach clean: A cleanup activity that can help reduce pollution and promote environmental awareness. The team works together to clean up the environment. We discuss the origins and where the responsibility sits for disposal, introducing the idea of a circular economy.
Mindfulness meditation: The coach could lead the team in a natural mindfulness meditation activity. This activity can help individuals feel more connected to the environment and more motivated to act sustainably.
Outdoor adventure challenge: The coach could plan an adventure challenge such as a hike, obstacle course, or other physical activity that requires teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. This activity can be fun and challenging, encouraging team members to push themselves and work together to overcome obstacles. Additionally, being in nature can help individuals feel energised and inspired, leading to more workplace creativity and productivity.
Overall, a team coaching session in nature can be an effective way to support the ideas discussed in this blog post. Providing a hands-on, experiential learning environment makes individuals more likely to adopt sustainable practices and feel motivated to act sustainably.
Promoting environmentally conscious behaviour from employees at work and home is essential for businesses to contribute to a better future.
By educating employees, setting environmental goals, providing sustainable alternatives, incorporating sustainability into company culture, communicating regularly, providing training and resources, and leading by example, businesses can create a culture of sustainability and inspire their employees to act sustainably.
By working together, businesses and employees can positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future for generations to come.