To get started, reach out: info@taigacompany.com
How To Make Your Meeting All Inclusive
Julie Starr • December 21, 2021
One of the hardest things for businesses to do is to
communicate with their employees
and their audience when people are working from home. Remote working has taken much of the personalization out of the office and in-person communication has changed. When it comes to meeting as a team, you want to make sure that it’s delivered in a way that engages your staff and makes sense for your business at the same time. There are plenty of options to ensure that you can all get online, with a range of platforms and choices to use.
Every single business has different needs to consider when they are making their meetings inclusive for all. You want to make a start with a webinar or a platform that allows everything from video and audio to screen sharing and collaboration. You want to make your meetings all-inclusive so that every single person you invite can have the chance to be involved in the conversation. Below, we’ve got some of the best practices that you can use to host a virtual meeting that includes all.
- Keep a list of ground rules in place for your meeting. Whether this is the first remote meeting you’ve ever had or you have half the team in the office and half at home, you need to maintain some ground rules so that all online are going to be able to be a part of the meeting. These include things like encouraging attendees to show their faces rather than hide behind a black screen, and keeping all audio muted unless presenting a question or answering one. Background noise is then not a distraction when people are talking. You should also make a point of recording the meeting so that you and your employees can go back and watch it.
- Break the ice. Some of your employees may have never spoken to one another when they’ve been working remotely. One of the best things that you can do is make sure that you break the ice between them all. You want to ensure that unfamiliar folks get familiar with each other, and that means playing games and mixing it up a little for the questions. There’s also the option to pass the mic to each other to hear new responses after someone speaks.
- Make sure that you offer a structure. Your meetings should be structured in a way that makes sense for all the attendees, with a plan emailed out to everyone in advance. This way, you can ensure everyone is aware of the expectations of them through the meeting. Using the ‘hands up’ feature on the video platform you’re using is going to help you to keep your meeting structured with an opportunity for all to speak.
- Stay on track. Whatever your meeting is about, make sure that you have a clear agenda and keep the conversation on the right track. You need it to be on time and staying the course is a good way to keep things moving smoothly.
The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and celebration, but it’s also a time of excess. Each year, Americans generate 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s—that’s approximately one million extra tons of trash per week. From single-use wrapping paper to food waste and disposable decorations, the environmental impact of the holidays is staggering. At Taiga Company, we believe that with intentional action, the holidays can still be festive without compromising our planet. Here are the key statistics behind holiday waste and practical solutions for reducing it, including ways consumers and companies can take part in creating a more sustainable future. The Holiday Waste Problem in Numbers 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper : Americans use this much wrapping paper annually, and much of it isn’t recyclable due to metallic coatings or glitter. 38,000 miles of ribbon : Enough to wrap around the planet, most of which ends up in landfills. 40% of food waste : Nearly half of the food prepared during the holidays goes uneaten. 2.3 billion pounds of e-waste : Many old electronics are discarded as new ones are gifted, contributing to rising electronic waste levels. Alternatives for Responsible Disposal While these numbers are daunting, small changes can make a big impact. Here are a few sustainable alternatives: Rethink Wrapping : Use recyclable or reusable materials like kraft paper, fabric wraps, or old maps. Avoid wrapping paper with glitter or metallic elements, which cannot be recycled. Mindful Gifting : Opt for experiences over physical items, such as concert tickets, cooking classes, or charitable donations in a loved one’s name. Choose gifts with minimal packaging or items made from sustainable materials. Reduce Food Waste : Plan holiday meals carefully to avoid over-preparing. Donate leftovers to food banks or compost food scraps. Recycle Smartly : Break down cardboard boxes and remove plastic tape before recycling. Research local recycling rules to ensure items are sorted correctly. Handle E-Waste Properly : Donate old electronics in working condition to schools or charities. Use certified e-waste recycling programs to dispose of unusable electronics responsibly. How Consumers Can Take Part Individuals play a crucial role in reducing holiday waste. Here’s how: Educate Yourself : Learn about what can and cannot be recycled in your area. Shop Smart : Purchase items with minimal or recyclable packaging. Reuse and Repurpose : Save gift bags, bows, and ribbons for future use. Spread the Word : Share tips and resources with friends and family to inspire sustainable holiday habits. How Companies Can Lead the Way Companies have a unique opportunity to set the tone for sustainability during the holidays. Here’s how: Employee Education : Host workshops on reducing waste and responsible recycling. Share holiday waste reduction tips via internal communications. Community Engagement : Partner with local organizations to host recycling or composting events. Sponsor donation drives for clothing, electronics, or food. Sustainable Gifting : Offer eco-friendly corporate gifts or donate to environmental charities in employees’ names. Reduce waste from holiday parties by using reusable or compostable serving ware. Measure Impact : Track waste reduction efforts and share results with employees and the community to encourage ongoing participation. Benefits of Reducing Holiday Waste The benefits of holiday waste reduction extend beyond a cleaner planet: Fewer Resources Used : By reusing and recycling, we conserve raw materials and reduce the strain on natural ecosystems. Lower Carbon Emissions : Cutting down on waste and adopting sustainable practices helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Improved Community Well-Being : Sustainable practices foster a sense of collective responsibility and environmental stewardship. This holiday season, let’s celebrate in a way that honors both tradition and the planet. By making small, intentional changes, we can significantly reduce waste and create a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone. At Taiga Company, we’re here to support individuals and organizations in their sustainability journeys, ensuring that our celebrations align with the values of environmental stewardship and care. Ready to make this season greener? Contact us to learn how we can help your company lead the way in holiday sustainability efforts.
As we move into 2025, the landscape of sustainability corporate communications continues to evolve at an accelerated pace. Stakeholders are more informed and connected than ever before, placing greater emphasis on authenticity, transparency, and tangible progress. Here at Taiga Company, we’ve been closely monitoring the trends shaping sustainability communications, helping purpose-driven brands stay ahead of the curve. Here are the key marketing trends defining 2025, along with actionable insights to implement them effectively. 1. Authenticity and Transparency Stakeholders expect more than promises—they demand measurable action and open dialogue. In 2025, companies will be: Enhancing Accountability : Frequent updates on ESG commitments, such as net-zero goals or water stewardship efforts, build trust and demonstrate progress. Leveraging Third-Party Validation : Collaborations with credible organizations and certifications are essential to reinforcing authenticity. Telling Stories Through Data : Visual and interactive formats, such as infographics or dashboards, make data accessible and engaging, enhancing transparency. 2. Integration of AI and Data Analytics Artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming the way sustainability narratives are crafted and delivered: AI-Driven Content Creation : Tools like ChatGPT streamline the development of tailored, impactful messaging. Predictive Analytics : These tools help identify emerging sustainability trends and stakeholder concerns, informing more proactive communication strategies. 3. Stakeholder-Centric Engagement Effective communication goes beyond broadcasting—it involves creating meaningful connections: Personalized Messaging : Tailor content for all stakeholders - investors, employees, and customers - to make it relevant to their unique interests. Interactive Platforms : Encourage two-way conversations through live Q&A sessions, social media interactions, or virtual town halls. 4. Emphasis on Circular Economy Circular economy initiatives are gaining momentum as businesses adopt sustainable production and consumption models: Showcasing Circularity : Highlight innovative recycling programs, product reuse initiatives, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) strategies . Collaboration Stories : Share success stories of partnerships across the supply chain to demonstrate collective impact. 5. Climate Action as a Core Theme Climate change remains a central focus for sustainability communications: Net-Zero Narratives : Companies must set clear, measurable goals and provide regular updates to showcase progress . Localized Impact : Emphasize how climate initiatives are tailored to specific regions or communities for maximum relevance. 6. Social Media for Sustainability Social platforms remain critical for amplifying sustainability messages, with new trends emerging in 2025: Short-Form Videos : Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are ideal for quick, impactful storytelling. Behind-the-Scenes Content : Showcase the authentic work behind sustainability efforts to connect on a human level. Hashtag Campaigns : Use branded and trending hashtags strategically to expand global reach. 7. Employee Advocacy Employees are powerful ambassadors for sustainability initiatives: Internal Champions : Empower employees to share their personal stories and the company’s sustainability milestones. Training Programs : Equip your workforce with tools and knowledge to effectively amplify your message. 8. Purpose-Driven Partnerships Collaborations will continue to play a significant role in 2025: NGO and Community Alliances : Partner with organizations to co-create solutions to shared challenges. Cross-Industry Partnerships : Highlight efforts to address systemic issues like renewable energy adoption and water scarcity . 9. Technology and Interactive Formats Engaging, tech-driven content captures attention and educates audiences: Augmented Reality (AR) : Create immersive experiences to visualize sustainability impacts, such as carbon reduction or waste diversion. Interactive Content : Gamified quizzes, journey maps, and other interactive tools engage audiences while educating them. 10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Sustainability Sustainability communications must integrate DEI principles : Equity-Focused Messaging : Showcase how initiatives promote inclusion, particularly in underserved communities. Intersectional Narratives : Highlight how environmental goals align with social equity and justice. 11. Global-to-Local Approach Localizing global sustainability efforts ensures they resonate with diverse audiences: Localized Content : Adapt messaging to reflect regional needs, priorities, and cultural context. Community Impact Stories : Share tangible benefits delivered to local communities through sustainability initiatives . 12. Compliance and Risk Mitigation Stakeholders value organizations that proactively address regulatory and compliance challenges: EPR and Regulatory Messaging : Demonstrate leadership in complying with extended producer responsibility and other regulations. Proactive Crisis Communication : Develop clear plans to address ESG-related challenges transparently and effectively. Closing Thoughts 2025 is set to be a transformative year for sustainability corporate communications. By staying ahead of these trends, purpose-driven brands can strengthen stakeholder trust , amplify their impact, and authentically showcase their commitment to a sustainable future. At Taiga Company, we’re here to help you navigate this evolving landscape and craft communications strategies that resonate and deliver results. Let’s create change together. Contact us today to explore how we can elevate your sustainability communications in 2025 and beyond!