3 Trends That Will Bring Sustainability to Your Workplace
You don’t have to search too far to find companies flexing their green credentials and sustainability commitments online. And why wouldn’t they? A 2019 study by Living Social Greenway found that 34% of consumers admitted they would be more likely to spend money with a business that boasted a green action plan.
Sustainability is a business responsibility, not a nicety. Gone are the days when businesses could call themselves green without renewable energy or zero carbon footprint commitment. Creating more sustainable workplaces goes beyond a positive impact on climate. For starters, green workplaces are typically cheaper to operate and correlate closely to increased worker satisfaction that returns higher retention and work rate.
Irrespective of the motivation, it’s essential that the offices of tomorrow have a smaller environmental footprint than they do now. Here are some simple green solutions that companies can adopt and implement in 2021.
Dispose of Waste Responsibly
Reducing a company’s carbon footprint begins with the way that they handle their rubbish removal and green waste disposal. In addition to implementing a three-prong (landfill, paper, and mixed recycling) and four-prong (plus organics) waste disposal plan, your waste management plan should specify collection frequency and ensure that problematic items (batteries, printers, laptops) are disposed of in a responsible matter.
You can also improve your environmental standing and reduce your carbon footprint by checking the credentials of your green waste provider. In 2021, there are rubbish removal services that implement zero waste initiatives such as Ozone-infused E-water (a chemical-free cleaning agent) to further mitigate wastage.
Implement Sustainability in All Spaces
Simple initiatives such as bringing more plants into the office can dramatically improve air quality. A 2019 study by the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment found that plants are also responsible for boosting productivity and enhancing workplace satisfaction in employees.
Small changes in different spaces throughout the office can add up to big changes. Before redesigning your existing space, or moving into a new one, look at ways that you can improve the look at feel with green initiatives. Workspace renovations or office upgrades provide an ideal time to reduce waste and improve sustainable practices. Widespread adoption and ‘buy-in’ from staff are necessary, so take the time to educate them around decisions and keep them informed of changes.
Hold Your Suppliers to A Higher Standard
The suppliers that you choose say everything about your business. In the same way that a friendship circle or recommendation provides valuable insight into our human characteristics, the workplace relationships that you form speak volumes about the workplace you are striving for. Each business should audit its supply chain to investigate the environmental impact.
Before you sign a new contract or renew your dealings with an external provider, ask them about their green practices. Engaging suppliers in dialogue around goals, values, and environmental concerns is an effective way to vet prospective suppliers.
Final Thoughts
2021 will be a defining year for workplaces around the country. Smart companies are already leading the way in terms of sustainability and the responsibility now sits firmly with other companies to follow their lead. Creating a greener, the more sustainable workplace must be a goal in 2021.
