It’s easy being green: Using your green agenda for employee engagement

Despite the economic downturn, employers around the world are still reaping the rewards by staying committed to the green agenda and promoting their green credentials.

According to HR specialists, Kenexa Research Institute, even in a time of fairly substantial economic challenges, many organisations are still practising green or eco-friendly efforts to actively engage employees.

A recent study by Kenexa found that employees who work in organisations with strong green credentials reported stronger pride in the organisation – translating into higher employee productivity and engagement.

After all, the surroundings that people work in can have a huge effect on how they feel and behave.

Interestingly, the study seems to support the emerging trend we reported on back in 2008 where ‘green savvy’ candidates are actually choosing what companies to work for based on factors such as public transport links, options for car sharing and recycling processes.

So to ensure that your organisation uses its green policy to positively impact employee engagement, check out our top 10 tips below:

1. Get employees excited – Create an internal “green team” to help develop and promote environmentally-friendly initiatives and new ideas throughout the organisation. Check out fun sites such as www.carbonrally.com for green ideas.
2. Research local green charities – research any local environmental charities that your organisation could forge a partnership with to help improve green credentials
3. Save paper – Print on both sides of the paper. Or even better, don’t print where avoidable – especially emails!
4. Green stationery – Use recycled copier paper and green office products. Recycle printer toner cartridges.
5. Promote recycling – An obvious one but place categorised recycling bins in high-traffic areas, such as copy or lunch rooms, to promote recycling of paper, plastics, bottles and cans
6. Save energy – Optimise energy settings on all company computers and encourage employees to turn off their computers and office lights when they leave work.
7. Encourage carpooling – Encourage employees to take alternative methods of transportation to work (public transportation, bike riding) or organise an internal carpool.
8. Conference call – Reduce the energy spent travelling to and from business meetings.
9. Promote your green credentials – Advertise your green policy and any other green initiatives on your website and in job descriptions to attract eco-friendly candidates
10. Finally….make tea rounds – don’t boil the kettle for one!

Many thanks
Carl Freelove
jobs.ac.uk