Green business practices were a hot topic pre-pandemic. Yet as workplaces closed and many employees shifted to remote working, the concept of eco-friendly workspaces seems to have fallen to the wayside.
While it’s unclear when businesses will return to on-site working, it’s still crucial for organizations to practice sustainability. Sure, we’re reducing emissions without the daily commute to and from the office, but climate change is a rapidly growing and major global concern. If we all do our part to reduce our carbon footprints, we can make a difference. Encourage your employees to adopt some of these simple eco-friendly habits in their daily living.
Ditch the Disposables
Single-use products seem to be more common in public spaces due to COVID-19. For restaurants, hospitals, and offices, disposable utensils, dishes, cups and napkins act as a safety measure to prevent the spread of the virus. However, it’s crucial to reduce the use of these types of products at home. Educate your employees about the environmental impact of paper and plastic goods to inspire them to switch to more sustainable options. For example, avoiding bottled water, plastic straws, paper napkins, and disposable dishware at home are easy ways to reduce waste. Make it easier for employees to make these swaps by sending an employee appreciation package that includes a reusable water bottle, metal straw, and a coffee mug for their home office.
Let the Light In
A little sunshine and fresh air can go a long way, especially during the workday. Relying on natural lighting (when possible) will help your employees save on energy costs while reducing their carbon footprint, but did you know it can also positively impact your business outcomes? When surveyed, nearly three in four U.S. workers say that natural light and views of the outdoors improved their overall happiness and wellbeing, their work satisfaction, and their performance while on the job. Suggest that your remote teams set up for work near a window if it’s available. For those who don’t have easy access to an outdoor view at their workstation, taking regular mini-breaks to step outside can also give them a healthy dose of vitamin D to improve wellbeing and focus.
Create a Green Workspace
People who feel connected to their surroundings perform better. Simply placing house plants in a bare office or workspace can significantly increase productivity and boost morale. Encourage workers to go green in the literal sense by adding a plant or two to their at-home workstation. Your employees don’t need to have a green thumb to reap the benefits—there are plenty of low-maintenance plants that will brighten up your workspace with minimal care.
Going green isn’t just good for the environment—it’s also good for our health and wellbeing. Help the members of your workforce to adopt eco-friendly habits by sharing educational information, content, and resources through your digital health platform and setting up a company-wide challenge to recycle and reduce waste. Your employees will feel better knowing that they’re contributing to global efforts to reduce climate change with just a few simple changes to their daily routine, and your organization can expect a more engaged and productive workforce in return.