Sustainability and Wellbeing at Work

Julie Starr • December 22, 2022



Workplace well-being is really important. The happier and healthier your employees are, the more productive they will be, the better your business image will be, and the easier it will be for you to retain your staff long-term, amongst other things.

Sustainability is also increasingly important in the workplace because consumers increasingly demand that companies they patronize are environmentally aware. Business owners are increasingly conscious of their impact on the world too.

So, how do you combine well-being at work with sustainability in the workplace? It’s surprisingly easy and effective to do.

Offer recycling schemes

Simple things like offering recycling schemes in the workplace can have a positive impact on employee wellbeing because staff will feel like they are working in a company that genuinely cares about the planet, they can be proud to work for a company that takes its sustainability responsibilities seriously, and this will make them much happier coming to work each day.

Offer sustainable employee perks

Employee rewards are important for staff well-being. Employees who do a good job deserve to be rewarded as an incentive to continue the hard work and an acknowledgment of the value you place on them.

Often, rewards are not particularly sustainable in nature; things like company cars and extra cash are only likely to negatively impact the planet, but there are, in fact, lots of sustainable options you can choose from instead.

Employee rewards like meditation classes , cycling, tree planting, and nature hikes, which you can offer vouchers for in return for your employees doing them, are all good ways to boost mental well-being while also encouraging love and care for the planet, with the added bonus that your staff will get healthier, and here for be less likely to take sick days too.

Volunteering

Having your employees’ volunteer for a good cause is a great way to boost your PR as a company. Philanthropic businesses are almost always looked upon more favorably than those that are not, and this makes it worthwhile just for your business alone.

It can also be good for your employees and the planet too. Your staff will really value having the day off to go and clean plastic from the ocean or plant trees in the local park, and doing so will not only boost their well-being by giving them lots of fresh air and an important purpose, but it will actively help to make the planet a better place too.

Implement a four-day workweek

Allowing your employees to work fewer days will be great for their stress levels, and mental health in general, It will also mean fewer commutes, which will do so much good for the planet and help your company to encourage more sustainability too.

As you can see, sustainability and well-being at work go hand in hand, so if you are looking to boost employee health and well-being, start with sustainable measures right from the off, and you will not regret it.

By Julie Starr March 3, 2025
At the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, leaders from around the globe convened to address pressing environmental challenges. The discussions underscored the urgency of climate action and highlighted innovative solutions to safeguard our planet. Effective communication plays a pivotal role in amplifying these efforts, ensuring that critical initiatives gain traction, engagement, and long-term support. Here are three key takeaways from Davos 2025 and the vital role of communications in advancing these initiatives: Launch of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor A landmark announcement was the creation of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor , aiming to restore and protect 540,000 km² of land across the Congo basin. This initiative not only seeks to conserve biodiversity but also to foster sustainable economic growth for local communities. The Role of Communications: Strategic storytelling can elevate awareness of the Green Corridor’s impact, ensuring that global audiences understand its significance. Media engagement and public relations efforts can generate widespread support from governments, NGOs, and investors. Thought leadership initiatives can position conservation experts as authorities, driving further collaboration and funding. Integration of Indigenous Knowledge in Climate Solutions Davos 2025 emphasized the importance of blending cutting-edge climate science with the wisdom of indigenous communities. This approach ensures that solutions are contextually relevant and culturally sensitive. The Role of Communications: Effective stakeholder engagement ensures that indigenous voices are heard and respected in global decision-making forums. Social media and digital storytelling can amplify the invaluable contributions of indigenous communities, fostering greater appreciation and inclusion in policy frameworks. Clear, accessible messaging can bridge gaps between scientific research, policymaking, and indigenous traditions, leading to more holistic climate solutions. Recognition of Groundbreaking Environmental Initiatives The inaugural Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Awards at Davos honored five innovative projects advancing systemic transformations for people and the planet. The Role of Communications: Public relations efforts can shine a spotlight on award-winning initiatives, securing media coverage that attracts further investment and collaboration. Brand positioning and digital outreach can help environmental organizations establish credibility and thought leadership in sustainability. Social media engagement can rally communities around these initiatives, ensuring continued momentum and impact beyond Davos. In conclusion, the insights from Davos 2025 highlight a global commitment to environmental sustainability. Communications serve as a bridge between action and awareness, ensuring that transformative initiatives receive the recognition, resources, and engagement necessary to drive meaningful change. By strategically leveraging media, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement, we can amplify impact and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future.
By Julie Starr February 24, 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.
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