People who work outside of the home tend to spend more time at their place of employment than at home or any other location. To help create an environment for your employees that will keep them healthier, happier, and less stressed, you should take certain steps in relation to sustainability. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Sustainability in the Workplace?
A sustainable workplace is a work environment that has a goal of producing long-term viability and success. Ultimately, a company’s primary goal is to balance profit, people, and the planet, allowing it to safeguard its employees’ safety, health, and wellness. In the end, a sustainable workplace will work on reducing the waste of essential resources and minimize its overall impact on the environment.
Why Is Workplace Sustainability Important?
A sustainable workplace offers a host of benefits for your company as a whole. For instance, a sustainable work environment will allow your employees to be happier and less stressed. Eventually, a sustainable workplace will help reduce work-related hazards, mishaps, and illnesses.
As a result, your employees will remain healthier and have greater productivity while improving the overall reputation and revenue of the company. Further, companies that focus on creating a successful, sustainable workplace will reduce operational costs and fulfill corporate social responsibilities.
How Can I Be Sustainable in the Workplace?
There are many steps you can take to create a sustainable work environment. Here are a few of them.
- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Many companies use single-use and disposable products, such as cups and plates. Opting for reusable options can be more cost-effective and help the environment. Place different bins throughout the building for glass, paper, compost, and electronic waste and educate employees on how to use these bins properly.
- Conserve Water and Electricity. This is by far one of the most effective ways to create a sustainable workplace. Choose LED lights, smart power strips, automatic light switches, low-flow faucets and toilets, and more to be more eco-friendly and save the company money.
- Go Paperless. Reducing paper waste is an easy way to become more sustainable. Switching over to a digital system will also make work easier, as it is less time-consuming and can save space. This may be a step you want to take a little at a time, but digitizing processes can be incredibly valuable in the long run.
- Engage Employees. The more engaged your employees are, the better they will perform. Consider rewarding your employees for any sustainable acts, providing them with proper training regarding workplace sustainability, and planning a tree planting project (or something similar).
- Give Back. From volunteering and organizing charity events/fundraisers to raising money for important environmental causes and participating in local community service projects, you can give back to both the local community as well as the environment. This will also show your commitment to helping the environment and corporate sustainability.
Ready to learn more about sustainability in the workplace and what steps you can take to create a sustainable work environment? Contact our team in San Jose, CA, at CIWA, Inc. We are ready to discuss how and why you should invest in a sustainable workplace.