As we realize the importance of preserving the planet’s resources for future generations, learning how to build a sustainable workplace is crucial.
Most people have a general sense of how to build a sustainable workplace. It’s called reduce-reuse-recycle they’ll say, and when sustainability is mentioned, probably think somewhere along the lines of deforestation.
And, they’d be right. But sustainability has taken on so much more. Now, sustainability encompasses every aspect of life, touching on environmental, social, and economic factors.
Most Valuable Resource
While business practices focus on the internal and external impact a company exerts on society, sustainable workplace practices focus on creating a safe and healthy place to work and do business in.
Minimizing our environmental impact by recycling, carpooling, and using energy efficient bulbs is a great start. However, for a business to say they are sustainable, they must first assess themselves, measuring both environmental impact and employee overall happiness and wellbeing.
In fact, people are a company’s most valuable resource. Businesses cannot claim to be sustainable if they are not protecting the safety, health, and overall wellbeing of their employees.
Some companies get it, and have gone beyond what the law requires, creating wellness programs that include free gym-access.
Small Steps. Big Leaps.
Start by evaluating the areas in which your company needs to improve most and set some goals.
Maybe you’ve seen that your electronic management could use some improvement. If so, why not invest in some smart products. There is a constant supply of technological advances.
Use occupancy sensors that will turn the lights off when a room is not in use or install smart thermostats that learn the temperature needs of each room through the day. And if you’re not ready to jump into new tech yet, then simply hibernate your computer and rearrange desks to leverage natural light and reduce the need for fluorescents.
There are simple tasks you can incorporate to your daily routine on your way to becoming a sustainable workplace.
For example, purchasing locally sourced food items, as well as products that are made from recycled materials, are both great ways to reduce waste and improve sustainability.
Consider how you could improve each area of your workplace. All small changes eventually add up.
Once you’ve set some goals, create a plan of action and keep your employees up-to-date. Make sure to give appropriate training and ask for input.
When employees understand the broad impact that small choices can have, both personally and as a company, you empower them to work harder. Encourage input as people will feel more invested and may even provide valuable feedback you hadn’t considered.
Everything We Do Has an Effect
Something that is often overlooked when considering the scope of sustainability is how our workplaces are cleaned and maintained. A healthy workplace can be the first step to increased productivity, and expand environmental awareness.
Improved workplace wellness can reduce missed days, limit stress, and improve overall moral of your staff. Stephen Ashkin states in his insider report The Environmental Impacts of Cleaning Products, FacilitiesNet, “Commercial and institutional buildings in the U.S. annually consume 6.2 billion pounds of chemicals, 4.5 billion pounds of sanitary paper (about 30 million trees), and 1 billion pounds of janitorial equipment.”
Wait, how much? That is a staggering number. What resources are being depleted in the creation of these chemicals? How are these products and packaging effecting the environment upon disposal? What are these chemicals doing to the health of our workplace as we breathe them in day in and day out? Choosing to use a cleaning company dedicated to green cleaning is a simple first step to change that can directly impact the environment and the health of your company.
Making a change is something every employee can take part in. You don’t need to be a CEO to make a change. Bring a plant for your desk, take the stairs, use a glass bottle to carry your water, and use green products at your desk. Your choices set an example to those around you and can be the spark that sets a fire for real change in your work place.