Environmental wellbeing is not just a trend; it is an essential aspect of a thriving, modern organisation.
By integrating sustainable practices and promoting environmental consciousness, businesses can lead their organisations towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
This holistic approach not only benefits the environment but also enhances employee satisfaction and organisational resilience, proving that going green is indeed good for business.
We’re proud to be ISO 14000 accredited, demonstrating our commitment to our environmental impact. If you’re thinking about doing the same for your business, I’ve listed some suggestions on how to ensure your business could embrace environmental wellbeing.
The Significance of Environmental Wellbeing
Environmental wellbeing involves adopting practices that reduce your ecological footprint and promote a healthier work environment.
This approach aligns with the growing expectation for businesses to be socially responsible, attracts talent who value sustainability, and boosts employee engagement and satisfaction.
Strategies for Businesses
1. Implement Sustainable Practices:
Encourage recycling programs, reduce paper usage, and invest in energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
Simple actions can collectively have a big impact on reducing your business’s carbon footprint.
Some of the ways Astute People are committed to this is by championing a paperless office (accelerated since the pandemic and something we have stuck to), providing recycling facilities for battery recycling, food waste, paper cups and mixed recycling- all readily accessible for our employees to utilise.
We also recycle any equipment through sustainable methods, re-using where we can.
2. Natural Environment Workspaces:
Create office spaces with plenty of natural light, indoor plants, and ergonomic furniture.
These elements not only reduce energy consumption but also create a more pleasant and healthier work environment.
A great example of this is the Lakeside North Harbour offices in Cosham.
Office space set between two lakes, with floor to ceiling windows and plenty of green space for outdoor meetings.
3. Promote Employee Engagement:
Communication is key when it comes to environmental awareness.
Empower your employees to adopt sustainable habits both at work and at home.
Engage them in green initiatives to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards environmental wellbeing.
We’ve recently been lucky enough to partner with the Final Straw Foundation CIO, where we created a community of beach cleaning volunteers to raise awareness of our environmental impact whilst also doing something to help our local area.
This charity also offer environmental accreditations worth taking a look at.
4. Encourage Flexible Working:
Promote remote work and flexible schedules to reduce commuting, thereby lowering carbon emissions.
Flexible working arrangements also contribute to better work-life balance, enhancing overall employee wellbeing.
Considering the local train and bus timetable against the business start and finish times has enabled our staff to utilise public services.
Having secure bike racks and showers on site creates a greener way of traveling to work and celebrating a 9 day fortnight and work from home practices has allowed staff the flexibility and better work-life balance whilst also reducing our carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Creating a culture that values environmental wellbeing requires commitment and collaboration.
Developing environmental wellbeing in your workplace is not just beneficial for the planet; it’s also good for your business.
By adopting sustainable practices, designing green workspaces, promoting employee engagement, and encouraging flexible working, you can create a thriving, sustainable workplace.
This holistic approach will not only enhance your brand and attract top talent but also contribute to a healthier, more productive work environment.
Let’s take the steps today to build a sustainable future for our businesses and our planet.
About the author
Samantha Bradshaw is Head of People at Astute People and is passionate about wellbeing and inclusivity.
