Encouraging Your Employees to Embrace Sustainable Practices

Julie Starr • May 19, 2020



Sustainability at home, on the road, and in the workplace is something that everyone should strive for in the modern world. But not everyone ‘ believes’ in sustainability , either because of the information they seek out, or they are set in their ways. As a business, this can impact your dedication to creating a more sustainable working environment, and so you must encourage all of your employees to embrace sustainable practices.

But they can still be resistant to your encouragement, which can put you in a tricky position. However, it’s not something that you should give up on altogether. Instead, it would be best if you found reliable solutions for encouraging sustainability in your workforce.

Allow Flexible Working
Flexible working is the future and anyone who disagrees risks being left in the past. While the Coronavirus pandemic has caused unsettling ripple effects across the world, with unemployment and business closures, it has also proved to doubters that remote and flexible hours can work. This doesn’t just come at the benefit of the employee, but also the planet. By going into the office less frequently , there will be fewer carbon emissions from petroleum. There will be less waste created at the office, and your employees will save money every month. Even if there are instances where everybody needs to be in the office, carpooling, public transport, or cycling and walking to work are decent alternatives to everyone taking their car.

Provide Work Laptops or Tablets
Many companies still use desktop computers that all connect to a central server in the office. However, desktops need to be plugged in all day long, and in many offices, they are never actually switched off, even over the weekend.

We don’t need to explain why this is a problem. But there is a solution. Using company laptops and tablets will provide a more sustainable solution, and businesses can install the company software and connect it to the intranet to ensure that nothing is lost.

Neither laptops nor tablets need to be plugged in at all times to operate. Furthermore, they are more portable, which means employees can work whenever and wherever, without needing to rely on the office server system.

Minimize Office Space
 Such ideas also translate to reducing office space. While the intranet is a useful thing for many businesses, it’s also becoming more outdated as the years ago on. Cloud storage is the thing that is replacing it, and considering database migration is both simple and effective, it’s something for any business seeking to encourage sustainability should investigate further.

Eliminating dedicated servers in the office and choosing cloud computing will help to reduce how much space each office needs drastically. Furthermore, with remote working, you can half the number of desks and chairs required if only half the team is in all week.

Through this, you will save money on office rental and energy, and that’s what sustainability is all about.

Offer Sustainability Incentives
 Sometimes, people need to feel like they are earning something if they are going to change their ways, even if it is as mutually beneficial as sustainability. By providing incentives to make people change their ways, such as meal vouchers, discount gym memberships, or even big monthly prizes, you may find that more people are willing to explore how they can be more eco-friendly at home and the office.

Creating league tables and encouraging friendly competition will inspire the winning mentality that you need. If one person wants to bike to work three times a week, another may want to do it four times a week. Over time, more people will recognize that such competition is fun, and more people will get on board.

If you offer perks with every milestone that others achieve, you will witness a higher drive to do better. At their core, people can be very simple to understand, and competition is one of the ways to do that.

Don’t Negatively Compare
 Despite this competition, you should also always remember that any efforts made are a good thing. Because of this, it doesn’t matter if someone doesn’t hit their sustainability targets, they should be encouraged to do what they manage regardless.

Not everyone has the opportunity to live a more sustainable life at home or the office, so you should consider this when determining who has performed ‘best’. As there is always the chance of mitigating circumstances at home, it’s never right to scold or demean just because an employee didn’t do as well as they’d hoped.

Not only could this embarrass them, but it could also demotivate them. So, no matter who does what, positive reinforcement and encouragement is the way forward.

Educate and Train
 Often, people ignore embracing sustainable practices because they aren’t sure how to be more eco-friendly. They may try researching by themselves, but as there is so much information out there, it can feel intimidating to try and get through and remember it all.

Again, this can be demotivating and demoralizing. It’s worth offering beginner training for anybody who wants to get involved but doesn’t know where to start. This training shouldn’t be something too serious, and there shouldn’t be a Pass or Fail type of exam at the end. Instead, you can use it to share your knowledge with whoever is interested.

By providing this training free of charge and using infographics , you’ll be able to witness clear and evident changes in staff behavior when it comes to seeking sustainable solutions.

Give An End Goal
Incentives will get people started, but if they don’t believe there is a valuable end goal in sight, they are unlikely to stay motivated for too long. Of course, the primary end goal is to leave a healthier and more livable planet. This reasoning is unlikely to work on everybody, though, and so you need to consider something that appeals closer to them.

Monetary bonuses and increased vacation days could all factor into encouraging people to continue a sustainable approach. They may also look for time at home rather than at the office if flexible working is not a company-wide policy.

You can also look to inspire an emotional response within them if they are struggling to stay motivated while making office-wide promises for pizza parties, and other treats could also give them the drive to keep going.

Lead By Example
 You cannot expect your staff to embrace sustainability if they do not believe that you are as dedicated to the cause as you suggest. Being a leader means leading by example, and therefore you should do what you can to prove to your staff that you are all in this together.

Rather than claim to be more sustainable, you can include yourself on any statistics and leaderboards. Some managers prefer to lead the pack, while others make it seem as though others are overtaking them to boost motivation and see the results they want.

Whichever tactic you choose, it’s vital to show everybody that you are not just talking about sustainability, but also living the lifestyle that you encourage them to follow.

Greener Office Living
 Creating a cleaner and greener office environment is not just something to make the business look good to outsiders. It will also benefit everyone who comes into the office every day. By working together to encourage a greener atmosphere through a variety of measures, you can guarantee that your employees will feel better, be happy, experience less stress, and severely reduce the risk of burnout. Even if it takes them a while to come around to sustainability, they will be convinced once they witness the benefits.

Why Telling Your Sustainability Story Matters — And How Taiga Company Can Help

By Julie Starr • December 17, 2024
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Consumers, investors, and stakeholders are demanding more transparency and accountability from brands. They don’t just want to know what you sell; they want to know who you are, what you stand for, and how your work contributes to a better world. That’s where your sustainability story comes in. Sharing your achievements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about building trust, fostering loyalty, and inspiring action. At Taiga Company, we specialize in helping organizations authentically communicate their sustainability achievements in ways that drive measurable impact and align with their goals. Why Sharing Your Sustainability Achievements Is Good for Business Build Trust with Stakeholders Sustainability storytelling builds credibility and trust. Whether you’re addressing investors, employees, or customers, sharing your sustainability milestones demonstrates your commitment to accountability and long-term value creation. For example: Highlight your efforts in achieving science-based targets, reducing carbon emissions, or adopting circular economy practices. These stories resonate with audiences looking for businesses that align with their values. Differentiate Your Brand In a competitive marketplace, sustainability can set you apart. Brands that communicate their achievements in regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, or biodiversity conservation position themselves as industry leaders and innovators. Think of it this way: A well-told sustainability story is not just a report—it’s a statement of leadership, authenticity, and purpose. Drive Stakeholder Engagement Sustainability stories invite dialogue. By showcasing meaningful milestones, like successful recycling initiatives or community reforestation projects, you foster stronger relationships with stakeholders who want to be part of your mission. Engagement isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about inspiring action. Whether through social media campaigns, press releases, or executive thought leadership, your achievements can encourage others to collaborate and support your goals. Attract Purpose-Driven Talent and Customers Today’s workforce and consumers seek brands with purpose. Communicating your impact helps attract talent and customers who align with your mission. A transparent, well-executed sustainability strategy speaks volumes about your leadership and values. At Taiga Company, we specialize in results-driven communications that empower purpose-led brands to share their sustainability achievements with confidence and clarity. Our services ensure your story resonates with the audiences that matter most. Your sustainability achievements deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, innovating in sustainable packaging, or leading water stewardship initiatives, telling your story is an opportunity to inspire trust, drive action, and shape a better future.

Why Going Green Is No Longer Optional for Industry Leaders

By Julie Starr • December 16, 2024
Alright, so here’s the deal, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore. Sure, at this most most industries, yes, even the most unsustainable industries have this general idea, right? Well, you’re always going to find some businesses in some niches (and yes, industries too) who think that it doesn’t apply to them. But no, it applies to all niches and all industries, and yes, it’s a business requirement. Now, across every industry, the companies that are embracing green practices are the ones that are thriving. Why? Well, because customers, investors, and employees are all paying attention. If a business isn’t making an effort to be sustainable, it’s not just falling behind, it’s losing out. Overall, sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about saving your business. Yes, this needs to be hammered in, so industry leaders, here’s why you’re just not excused. Green Practices Mean Growth Yep, it’s that plain and simple, So, sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s about doing the smart thing. Businesses that prioritize green practices are cutting costs, staying competitive, and building trust with their audiences. So, reducing waste, switching to renewable energy, and sourcing materials ethically aren’t just good for the planet, they’re great for the bottom line. Simple enough, right? Well, take packaging, for example. Cutting down on unnecessary plastics doesn’t just make customers happy; it slashes production and disposal costs. So, switching to energy-efficient operations isn’t just environmentally friendly, rather, it saves a fortune on utilities. There don’t need to be roadblocks seen, rather they should be opportunities! There’s Plenty to Gain Okay, so sustainability isn’t just for industries with obvious environmental impact, it’s critical in healthcare too. Again, no excuses here. Hospitals and clinics use massive amounts of energy, and the waste from single-use supplies piles up fast. The same can be said for labs, and pharmacies too. Actually, go ahead and take specialty drugs as an example. Now, most people know that these life-changing treatments are for serious conditions, but they often come with sky-high costs. But why? Well, the production and distribution processes can be incredibly resource-heavy. But even sustainable practices can help lower prices, such as energy-efficient manufacturing or even cutting down on excess packaging. It might be hard to see, but little changes can make massive impacts on costs (and what’s being spent on both ends). Tech Easily Shows How Sustainability Drives Innovation The tech industry has been leading the charge when it comes to sustainability, and the results speak for themselves. Actually, companies like Google and Apple are proving that being green isn’t just possible, but this can actually be pretty profitable! If tech companies can do this, then yeah, all industries are capable. So above, medicine was mentioned, but data centers are also a great example ( since they use a lot of energy). Well, nowadays, most companies are now powering these centers with renewable energy, cutting costs and emissions at the same time. No Industry Gets a Free Pass It doesn’t matter if it’s healthcare, tech, retail, or manufacturing, basically, every industry has something to gain by going green. There are small examples like retailers ditching plastic bags for reusable ones. Then there are bigger examples like factories rethinking supply chains to cut emissions and save costs. But the reality is that businesses sticking to wasteful, outdated practices are falling behind. Besides, governments are rolling out stricter regulations.
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