In today’s world, sustainability is a crucial consideration for companies across the globe. By reducing their environmental footprints and cultivating eco-friendly behavior, organizations are committing to becoming sustainable. One way to achieve this is by involving employees and building eco-friendly policies together. This collaborative approach has already yielded results, as shown by companies like WeWork and Starbucks, who have announced measures to reduce their carbon footprint.
Sustainability efforts have a positive impact on business performance, as 80% of customers prefer to buy products and services from companies who have a proven record of sustainability. However, to build an environmentally conscious workplace, it is essential to start with engaging employees who must believe in the vision and practice sustainable activities. While this is not always an easy task, there are ways to motivate employees to embrace sustainable practices.
To engage employees in embedding sustainability internally, companies can follow five powerful ways. Firstly, companies should refine their brand’s long-term mission to include sustainability goals. Every organization should define a clear, long-term social purpose in their overall strategy that focuses on doing good for the people and the environment while earning profits. Secondly, provide sustainability knowledge and training to the employees at all levels, such as managers, leaders, consulting professionals, and entrepreneurs. This training will create a ‘can do’ attitude towards creating a sustainable culture. Thirdly, companies should co-create sustainable brand practices with employees, which will increase their morale and loyalty towards the company. Fourthly, gamification is an effective tool to motivate and educate employees about sustainable practices. Finally, companies should make their sustainability efforts visible by tracking and sharing the progress with employees and celebrating successes – big and small.
In conclusion, engaging employees in sustainability initiatives has become mandatory for companies to succeed in today’s world. These five powerful ways are effective in motivating employees to embrace sustainable practices and have a positive impact on the company’s performance.
