4 Ways To Show Your Employees They Really Are Important to You

Julie Starr • April 5, 2022



As businesses, we should try to make sure that our employees are putting their best foot forward. When we employ the right people , we find someone that has the ability to do their job correctly, but there’s a lot more we need to consider, not in terms of the business itself, but in terms of their impacts on the organization as a whole. What can we do to help our employees understand their impacts? 

Refocus on Their Health

Health is inherently linked with well-being, and when our employees have a better understanding of their health, it can feed into a more effective workplace culture, especially in businesses that are trying to operate more sustainably. You can do this through enforced practices like drug and alcohol testing , but you can also be more holistic in how your employees focus on their health. Regular meetings or one-to-ones can help your employees vent and give their opinions of how they are feeling in relation to the organization. 

Giving Employees More Control Over How They Work

Autonomy is more important than ever in the modern workplace. And as the workplace demands increase, this can have a bigger impact on their mental health. Less control over their work will drastically reduce their well-being, so giving your employees more training to take on new tasks and practices can help them to make changes to how they work, but can also bring these benefits into other areas of the business. 

Providing More Flexibility

It’s something that every organization has to do these days. Giving your employees more flexibility, not just about when they work, but where they work, will ensure they feed into the benefits of the business and are more inclined to stay with you. Incentives are so important to the overall culture of an organization these days, but they can’t be based on rewards alone. An employee needs to feel they can leave the desk if their child is unwell . So many employees don’t feel that they can rock the boat, and as a result, productivity will always decrease if their morale is impacted. 

Encourage Line Managers To Support Personal Needs, Not Just Professional Ones

Many employees are parents or caregivers, and they can benefit from supervisors being more supportive of the challenges they face on a daily basis. Balancing work and life is one of the biggest challenges in the modern world. So many are looking to get more work because they simply cannot earn enough. If you have a sympathetic ear to employees’ personal needs, they will have higher job satisfaction, which will improve job performance. Additionally, they won’t be as inclined to leave their jobs to find something that pays more. 

Ensuring that your employees value their impact on the business is vital. Everybody is a piece of the puzzle and when someone doesn’t feel they are contributing to the overall workload, there is no motivation to stay. But there are things you can always do to make them realize they are important.

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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