As the Baby Boomer generation retires and Gen Z begins to fill the gaps, it has become critical for HR leaders to work to understand this generation and their sentiments. In fact, 65% of Gen Z graduates say they would not apply to an employer whose values don’t align with their own.
The issue of sustainability has become front and center for the latest generation to enter the workforce. It’s clear that Gen Z employees care about the environment, and they want their employers to follow suit.
As an HR leader, there are ways you can join the fight for sustainability and inclusion. From encouraging eco-friendly office policies to promoting employee wellness to fostering inclusivity through green initiatives, here’s how you can use this Earth Day to build a more sustainable workplace and workforce.
Sustainability and Employee Wellness Go Hand in Hand
Survey data from today’s workforce suggests that employees are stressed, lonely, and burned out. Just 34% of employees are thriving in their overall well-being. While it may seem counterintuitive, sustainability initiatives may be just what your employees need to help them get back on track.
A healthier environment with clean air and water can enhance mental and physical health. This means participating in sustainable practices can foster a sense of agency, purpose, and positive self-image.
Working toward sustainable goals also requires collective action, which can lead to more social connection and the formation of tight-knit communities.
How to Encourage Eco-Friendly Policies and Activities Across the Organization
Fortunately, there are simple ways for HR leaders to promote employee wellness by incorporating sustainability into company culture. It’s important to get buy-in from your leadership team in advance of developing your plans to ensure everyone is aligned and supportive. Creating key metrics that support business goals and sustainability equally is a great way to approach your leadership team.
Employee Education
Communicate with employees about the broader issues driving the company’s sustainability goals and how their work helps meet them. You can also host lunch-and-learn sessions about how employees can incorporate sustainable practices into their everyday work and wellness routines, such as by biking or using public transportation to get to work. If you haven’t already put an ancillary benefits plan in place to promote biking or public transportation to get to work, consider doing so if it fits your budget. A perfect example might be offering a flexible spending account employees can add pre-tax dollars into to pay for public transportation expenses.
Office Policies
Increasing the use of technology in the office is an easy way to curb the use of paper and pens for recording information. If your workplace includes a cafeteria, consider using sustainable utensils or encouraging the chef to offer more plant-based options.
Hiring Practices
Explore incorporating sustainability goals into job descriptions to attract candidates who share your values. Additionally, you can minimize candidates’ mental load and the need to use paper and fuel by conducting virtual interviews instead of having candidates travel to your office, so long as this suits your culture.
You can also prioritize digital recruitment and provide new hires with digital handbooks and onboarding materials.
Employee Benefits
In addition to public transportation discounts or plant-based cafeteria meals, try offering flexible work options like hybrid or remote work one or more days per week to save electricity and fuel and promote work-life balance. You can also offer employees additional time off to volunteer with a local organization focused on environmental sustainability.
Rewards and Incentives
Consider offering rewards and recognition to those whose behaviors align with your policies and initiatives. For example, facilitate team-based sustainability challenges or a “Green Champion” award for employees going above and beyond in achieving green goals.
Fostering Inclusion Through Sustainable Initiatives
Sustainability is about so much more than just saving the planet. A truly sustainable future also makes room for everyone to enjoy it. Here are several strategies you can use to foster a culture of inclusion through your green initiatives:
- Encourage diversity in hiring for green roles in your organization, such as energy consultants and health and safety officers
- Design sustainability programs and initiatives with accessibility in mind, considering disability access and cultural sensitivities
- Use data to identify areas where environmental and social issues intersect, and create opportunities for employees to get involved with causes that address both
These practices can help you foster both mental well-being and sustainability for all across your organization.
Starbucks: A Shining Example of Successful HR-Led Sustainability Programs
Starbucks is one example of a company that is leading the way in HR-driven sustainability. The company offers its employees robust opportunities for sustainability-related learning and development through its Greener Apron course.
The company also provides a Greener Store Practitioner course through Starbucks Global Academy that teaches managers, architects, and designers how to minimize waste, create an earth-friendly supply chain, and develop sustainable policies and practices in the built retail environment. The course is translated into multiple languages, which fosters inclusivity.
Educational opportunities like these encourage Starbucks employees to become green champions in their everyday work and communities, contributing to a better world even beyond its doors.
Sustainability and Compliance Are Key to Future-Proofing Your Organization
Ensuring that your organization values sustainability in word and deed is critical for attracting talent in this generation and promoting their well-being. As you develop and implement strategies, though, you must remain aligned with federal and state regulations surrounding environmental reporting, remote work, paid time off, and diversity initiatives.
Fortunately, VirgilHR’s automated compliance platform provides an easy way to check current laws and stay updated with changes. Schedule a demo with our team today to see how VirgilHR can help you build a greener, more inclusive workplace without raising your compliance risk.
References:
1. https://joinhandshake.com/docs/network-trends/gen-z-benefits-expectations.pdf
2. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/03/generation-z-sustainability-lifestyle-buying-decisions/
3. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/229424/employee-engagement.aspx 4. https://www.worldwildlife.org/blogs/sustainability-works/posts/greener-apron-inside-starbucks-refreshed-sustainability-course
