Regardless of the sector your business resides in, sustainability in the workplace should be a key consideration – but did you know that HR can actually help to improve sustainability? Forward-thinking HR practices emphasise sustainable policies that benefit employees, the organisation, and the planet.
In this blog, we highlight four effective sustainable HR practices that companies can implement to not only make a positive environmental, but also a social impact.
1. Adopt flexible and remote work options
Offering flexible and remote working options is one of the most accessible and impactful sustainable HR practices a company can implement. The rise of hybrid work since the pandemic has proven that many roles can be effectively performed remotely, reducing commuting-related carbon emissions. A report from The Carbon Trust highlighted the environmental benefits of working from home and showed that if an employee works from home for two days a week, they can on average reduce their annual carbon footprint by 390kg.
If more employees work remotely, that ultimately leads to fewer people commuting. Less commuting results in lower emissions, less traffic congestion, and reduced infrastructure strain. Remote work also offers employees a better work-life balance, helping to improve mental health and overall job satisfaction.
To increase the effectiveness of remote working, employers need to invest in digital collaboration software and ensure employees have suitable working set ups at home.
2. Promote green office initiatives
When employees are in the office, ensuring the workspace is as green as possible is crucial for sustainability. Simple practices, such as reducing – or where possible entirely eliminating – paper use, switching to LED lighting, and ensuring that waste is recycled, can make a significant impact. For example, according to Enexus Energy, using LED lights can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% when compared to incandescent bulbs, and reduced energy consumption also reduces energy costs.
Sustainable HR practices also include implementing company wide green policies like reducing single-use plastics, promoting reusable containers, and using sustainable office supplies for example.
Many companies are now opting to go paperless by making many HR processes digital. Taking this approach can cut costs, enhance data security, reduce paper waste and increase productivity. Digital HR platforms, like HRX, also facilitate remote access to documents and HR services, which is crucial for a mobile and flexible workforce. This type of software allows forms to be completed online which removes the need for traditional paper forms.
3. Create a culture of sustainability and employee engagement
HR have a key role to play in ensuring that a business creates a culture that values sustainability and engages employees in sustainable goals and practices. Employees are more likely to support sustainability when they understand its importance and feel part of a larger mission. According to survey data published by People Management, 77% of employees want their employer to be more transparent on sustainability and 82% of business leaders believe that organisations should support employees in making sustainable decisions.
HR can play a pivotal role here by initiating training on sustainability, encouraging eco-friendly commuting options, and creating platforms for employees to share their ideas for improving workplace sustainability. Employee-led sustainability groups are also a great way to engage staff and gather insights on green practices that could benefit the organisation.
To maximise impact, employers should communicate openly with staff about their sustainability goals and track progress, which should then be regularly reviewed and reported on by HR so employees can really see the difference they are making.
4. Integrate sustainability into talent management and retention
Employees, especially from younger generations, are actively seeking to work for employers with strong commitments to sustainable and ethical practices. A report by Deloitte found that 55% of employees, who are classed as Gen Z or Millennials, carried out research on the environmental impact and policies of potential employers before accepting a job, and more than 40% reported that they already have, or plan to, change jobs due to climate concerns.
Integrating sustainability into recruitment is relatively simple. Employers can emphasis and communicate their your company’s green initiatives in job adverts, recruitment information and interviews. Highlighting the company’s sustainability mission can attract candidates who align with those values, leading to a more motivated workforce and stronger employee retention.
Furthermore, sustainability can be reflected in performance evaluations. Recognising employees who contribute to sustainability goals, for instance, can incentivise green behaviours across the workforce.
See how HRX can help with your sustainability
Sustainable HR practices are essential for businesses that want to lead responsibly and attract talent that shares their values. Businesses that embrace these sustainable HR practices will be well-positioned to meet both environmental goals and employee expectations.
Our HR software can help companies to take a step towards more sustainable HR practices. By collating all HR documents into one software system, the need for hard copy employee files, annual leave request forms, and a printed employee handbook for each member of staff is eliminated. These simple steps will drastically reduce the amount of printing and paper needed in HR processes and help to make a business greener. If you’d like to find out more about HRX, book a free demo now or sign up to our FREE 30 day trial today.
