Climate change is already a reality and, as a consequence, the catastrophic effects it may bring are worrying thousands of companies that are starting to commit to sustainability in the workplace and an environmental and green policy. In fact, Forbes magazine published last year that companies such as Bimbo, Nestlé, Grupo Herdez or Iberostar already have sustainability plans in place since the beginning of this century. One of them is Bimbo's Integrated Environmental Management System, which has been in place since 2002. Did you know that?
Although the attempt to driving sustainability at work it can pose numerous challenges such as lack of budget, time constraints for implementing measures, or difficulty changing the company's business culture, the advantages are countless.
Firstly, being sustainable can help you to collaborate with and profit from other sustainable businesses. On the other hand, a large number of investors target sustainable businesses, so we can attract new market opportunities.
Awareness of sustainability has gained significant traction in various sectors such as textiles and food. Given that customers are increasingly passionate about sustainable practices, you'll be able to add value to your products while enhancing your company's image. Furthermore, practices like recycling or material repurposing can, in the long run, reduce production costs and increase profits.
Here's how you can boost sustainability at work and get your employees on board.
Since many of your employees are likely to lack knowledge about sustainability or may not have worked for a sustainable company, it is essential to develop an action plan to train them in this regard.
Therefore, if you have the scope to do so, hire people trained in this area and create informative sessions for your workers on topics such as recycling. To make it more enjoyable, you can organise ‘sustainable breakfasts’ where talks are given while your workers take a break for breakfast.
Designate an area in your offices for waste recycling. One of the challenges that arises from workplace sustainability is that employees don't dispose of their waste in the correct place, so creating bins that clearly indicate where to throw rubbish can prevent waste and, therefore, environmental problems. It's basically about making it easy for people.
Your offices are what they are, though, if we seek to promote sustainability in the workplace, Try to use the windows for light by leaving the blinds open, and you won't have to consume so much electricity. This will not only save on electricity costs but will also make your employees happy by receiving vitamin D and giving them a moment of relaxation during their break.
Whenever you need to buy supplies, aim to favour local products over imported ones. This applies to everything from computers and desks to breakfast for your employees. In the latter case, there will always be a trustworthy company that can supply you with fruit and other healthy, organic products at a reasonable price.
Local purchasing will ultimately make travel less necessary. All of this will help reduce pollution and, consequently, promote sustainability in and from work.
The fight against plastic is already a reality. A large number of companies are committing to avoiding the use of this material by reducing packaging or eliminating everyday items made from plastic.
Products such as water bottles or typical single-use cups can be replaced by eco-friendly glass bottles and mugs.
To encourage people to use these materials, give away sustainable packs that motivate employees to make sustainability at work part of their daily routine. As you can see, your decisions can be crucial in making your company, a fairer and greener world. Therefore, implementing this and other decisions can make your company more attractive, involved, and ecological. And in your office, have you already put any of these measures into practice? Which of these tips will you promote from now on? Tell us on social media and stay tuned to our blog, as we'll soon be back with labour-related topics that will be of great use to you. See you soon, edenreder!
