How A Sustainable Work Environment Increases Productivity

Julie Starr • April 13, 2021



Creating a sustainable work environment has become common within the corporate world as it offers businesses numerous benefits . One such benefit is an increase in the business’ overall levels of productivity. A company that operates at high productivity levels is more likely to retain loyal and satisfied customers, content employees, and expand its goal. So, how do greener options positively impact productivity? Here are a few ways.

  • Improves cognition amongst employees

Cognition is the process of acquiring and processing information. This is crucial to improving productivity as it encourages basic comprehension, boosts memory skills, and sharpens one’s evaluation and problem-solving skills. A sustainable environment makes this possible as it eliminates the need for employees to work on time-consuming tasks that would lead to backlogs and stress. 

For example, within a sustainable work environment,  instead of employees spending time on debt management strategies, the business would hire solutions like Improved Data Services to take care of that on its behalf. This leaves employees with more room to take on courses and webinars to expand on their skills. This, in effect, would lead to an increase in productivity as they can work with minimum supervision and produce work of high standards. This is confirmed in the study conducted by Harvard University, which concluded that the cognition rates in a sustainable work environment had increased by 26%.

  • Keeps the workplace safe

A safe workplace breeds happy, healthy, and productive employees. A sustainable workplace ensures that employees are comfortable and safe. Therefore a sustainable office will be designed with this in mind. For example, plants are placed in strategic areas to ensure good ventilation within the workspace. For light, windows that encourage natural light are used. However, these are strategically done to prevent glare and trap the heat generated by the sun. 

Some offices have created rooms for employees to relax and meditate in, ensuring they work at optimum levels without stressing themselves. The furniture in such work environments is sturdy and durable, making it easy for employees to sit while they work comfortably. When a workplace offers sufficient comfort and safety, employees are less irritable and distracted. This allows them to stay focused on completing tasks in time- therefore, increasing productivity. It also increases productivity as it eliminates a reduced workforce’s chances due to health issues associated with the work environment.

  •   Improves workplace morale

When you create a sustainable workplace, you increase workforce morale amongst your employees. Research has shown that by creating a green and safe environment for your employees, you put the message across that you care. This, in turn, makes employees happier to be in the workplace and deliver as expected. A study conducted by the University of Exeter showed that a company’s productivity increased 15% because of the indoor plants in its office space. Happy employees are more motivated to complete and take on new tasks, which leads to increased productivity. It is time to take the right decision for your business and employees by ensuring you have a sustainable work environment.

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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