
The Role of Employees in Sustainability
Understand the critical role employees play in sustainability efforts. Learn how small actions, when encouraged and recognized, can collectively drive significant environmental impact reductions and advance the company’s sustainability goals.
Explore ways to create a sustainable workplace by designing environments that support sustainable habits. Learn about the benefits of green zones, accessible recycling, and smart technologies that automate energy savings, enhancing both environmental impact and employee well-being.
Discover the importance of participating in sustainability programs, ranging from local environmental clean-ups to corporate initiatives. Learn how these opportunities contribute to personal growth, foster a culture of sustainability, and how recognizing these efforts can incentivize participation.
Learn how to encourage sustainable innovation within your organization. Understand the importance of supporting employees’ innovative solutions to environmental challenges and how dedicated time, resources, and recognition can lead to significant advancements in sustainability.
Understand the value of setting personal and team sustainability goals. Learn how collaborative goal setting enhances team cohesion and amplifies sustainability efforts, and how regular reviews and celebrations of milestones maintain motivation and commitment to sustainability
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VIDEO KEY POINTS
- Sustainable Practices at Work: Highlights the adoption of green office initiatives, like energy-saving practices and sustainable office designs, to transform the workplace into a more eco-friendly environment.
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- Participating in Sustainability Programs: Encourages employee participation in sustainability training and volunteer projects, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and rewarding these green efforts.
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- Encouraging Sustainable Innovation: Focuses on fostering a culture where employees are motivated to bring forward innovative ideas that contribute to sustainability goals.
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- Setting Personal and Team Goals: Discusses the importance of setting specific, measurable, and achievable sustainability targets at personal and team levels, promoting collaboration and tracking progress.

DID YOU KNOW?
- UK businesses could save up to £1.6 billion per year through simple energy efficiency measures, such as encouraging employees to turn off lights and equipment when not in use.
- Over 80% of UK employees say they are more likely to work for a company that prioritizes environmental sustainability, highlighting the importance of engaging staff in green initiatives.
- Around 70% of UK employees participate in corporate volunteering programs, with environmental projects being among the most popular. This not only supports local communities but also strengthens employee engagement.
- Businesses that set team-based sustainability goals experience a 30% improvement in achieving environmental targets. Regularly reviewing and celebrating these goals helps maintain high levels of employee motivation and commitment.
- Implementing effective recycling programs can reduce office waste by up to 50%. UK businesses that provide clear and accessible recycling bins see higher participation rates from employees.

FURTHER READING & RESOURCES
Acas – Promoting Environmental Responsibility
- Acas offers guidance on how employers can promote environmental responsibility and engage employees in sustainability initiatives.
- https://www.acas.org.uk/promoting-environmental-responsibility
Business in the Community – Engaging Employees in Sustainability
- This resource provides insights and strategies for businesses to engage employees in sustainability efforts, including case studies and best practices.
- https://www.bitc.org.uk/toolkit/engaging-employees-sustainability/
Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) – Employee Engagement
- IEMA offers resources and training to help businesses foster employee engagement in sustainability practices and initiatives.
- https://www.iema.net/resources/reading-room/2020/07/28/engaging-employees-in-sustainability-practices
Carbon Trust – Employee Engagement Guide
- This guide provides practical advice on how to engage employees in carbon reduction and sustainability initiatives.
- https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/guides/employee-engagement
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) – Sustainable Workplaces
- CIPD offers resources and research on creating sustainable workplaces and the role of HR in promoting sustainability.
- https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/fundamentals/relations/sustainable-workplaces
Green Alliance – Greening the Workplace
- Green Alliance provides insights and case studies on how businesses can create greener workplaces and engage employees in environmental initiatives.
- https://green-alliance.org.uk/resources/Greening_the_Workplace.pdf
Recycle Now – Workplace Recycling
- Recycle Now offers resources and tips for implementing effective recycling programs in the workplace.
- https://www.recyclenow.com/reduce-waste/recycling-at-work
Global Action Plan – Employee Engagement Programs
- Global Action Plan offers programs and resources to help businesses engage employees in sustainability and environmental initiatives.
- https://www.globalactionplan.org.uk/what-we-do/employee-engagement