Businesses must be invested in solving the climate crisis and being forces for good, but this can’t be achieved without their people power and an engaged workforce. In the busy technological world of today, employees are constantly bombarded with information, and it can be hard to cut through the noise to engage them in sustainability. In this blog, we go through some strategies that can be employed to help employees engage in sustainability, reduce their emissions, and become net zero heroes.
Raise awareness
The first step in getting staff to reduce their emissions is to ensure that they understand why it is important. Employees must understand the impact that their actions have on the environment and that by making changes they can create real-world positive impacts that are relevant to their daily lives. Organisations can invest in training, hold workshops and town hall meetings to educate staff on the importance of sustainability and provide information on the various ways they can reduce their emissions at home and in the workplace.
Set targets and goals
Organisations should set targets and goals for reducing scope one, two, and three emissions. This means taking into account employee actions both at home and in the workplace. To achieve these goals, organisations should set specific targets for areas such as energy consumption, water usage, and staff travel. Employees can be encouraged to participate in achieving these targets by providing incentives and rewards for meeting or exceeding targets. This will motivate employees to be more mindful of their behaviours and will help them adopt sustainable habits.
Provide resources and support
Organisations need to provide their people with the resources they need to reduce their emissions. This can include things like secure bicycle storage, reusable water bottles, showers and changing rooms, and vegan options in catering. Making a sustainable action convenient for employees is far more likely to elicit the response you desire. Secondly, sustainability training is important, as employees who understand the importance of sustainability and how they can contribute to it are more likely to be invested in this area and take pride in their achievements.
Lead by example
Executives should lead by example when it comes to reducing emissions. This includes creating an effective sustainability strategy, making sustainability a part of the brand, and listening to employees find innovative solutions for going net zero. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, executives can inspire their people to do the same.
Encourage virtual communications
Virtual meetings are becoming increasingly popular in today’s workforce, and they can be a great way to reduce emissions. By encouraging employees to work from home a few days a week, organisations can reduce their carbon footprint while also providing their people with greater flexibility. This can also be a cost-effective solution for organisations, as it can reduce the need for office space and other resources.
Recognise and celebrate achievements
It is important to recognise and celebrate the achievements of staff who take steps to reduce their emissions. Companies can hold awards ceremonies or recognise individuals in company newsletters or on social media. This will encourage others to get involved and create a culture of sustainability within the organisation.
Make it a team effort
Reducing emissions should be a team effort, and companies can encourage this by promoting a sense of community and collaboration among their staff. This can be achieved by organising green initiatives and encouraging staff to participate in sustainability projects and volunteering. Organisations should also create a town hall forum where staff can share their ideas and experiences on how they are reducing their carbon footprint.
Keep the conversation going
Finally, it is important to keep the conversation going about reducing emissions. Organisations should put sustainability at the top of the agenda and hold regular meetings or workshops to discuss new ideas and strategies for reducing emissions. This will keep the issue at the forefront of employees’ minds and ensure that sustainable practices are being implemented consistently.
Ultimately there are many strategies that organisations can employ to encourage their staff to reduce their emissions both at home and in the workplace. By raising awareness, making it accessible and convenient, leading by example and keeping it at the forefront of employees’ minds, organisations will find sustainability success. If you would like to know more about how you can encourage employees to reduce emissions, we are holding a webinar on the 20th of April titled ‘Sustainability Engagement Masterclass: Driving Behaviour Change Through Tech and Communications’, which you can sign up for here.
