In today's business landscape, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainability, not just for the planet, but also for employee wellness.

Creating a healthier, eco-focused business is not only beneficial for the environment, but it also promotes the physical and mental well-being of employees.

Here are some options your company can consider to help employees and offices go green.

A study by Gallup found that companies with highly engaged and healthy employees see an 18% increase in productivity and an 81% reduction in absenteeism compared to those with lower engagement and well-being levels.

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1. Promote Active Transportation

Encouraging employees to use active transportation methods, such as walking, biking, or even public transit, can significantly reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Many businesses are now offering incentives like bike storage, shower facilities, and public transit subsidies to support sustainable commuting.

Active transportation not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes physical activity, which is essential for employee health.

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, employees who walk or bike to work experience a 45% reduction in the likelihood of developing heart disease and a 30% lower risk of cancer.

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2. Adopt Green Office Practices

There are numerous ways to make your office greener, from energy-efficient lighting and appliances to reducing paper use.

Encourage employees to embrace digital workflows, and set up recycling stations for paper, plastic, and electronic waste. Additionally, consider switching to eco-friendly office supplies, such as recycled paper, biodegradable pens, and non-toxic cleaning products.

These small changes can collectively make a big difference in reducing your office’s environmental impact (as well as your bottom line!).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that businesses can reduce their energy costs by up to 35% by adopting energy-efficient practices. Additionally, reducing paper use by going digital can lower office paper costs by up to 90%.

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3. Implement Flexible Work Policies

Flexible work arrangements, including remote work and flexible hours, can greatly contribute to sustainability. By reducing the need for daily commuting, companies can decrease their environmental impact while also supporting work-life balance.

Additionally, remote work reduces the need for large office spaces, leading to lower energy consumption and a smaller environmental footprint.

A study by Stanford University found that employees who worked from home were 13% more productive and took fewer sick days compared to their in-office counterparts. Furthermore, Global Workplace Analytics reports that telecommuting could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54 million metric tons annually if employees worked from home just half the time.

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4. Promote Plant-Based and Sustainable Eating

The food choices we make have a profound impact on the environment. Encouraging plant-based and sustainable eating habits in the workplace can contribute to a healthier planet and healthier employees.

Consider offering plant-based options in your cafeteria or organizing "Meatless Monday" events. You can also support local, organic food vendors for office catering and snacks, which not only reduces your carbon footprint but also provides employees with nutritious and sustainable food options.

The EAT-Lancet Commission reports that a shift towards plant-based diets could reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Moreover, a study found that employees who had access to healthier food options at work were more likely to report higher job satisfaction.

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5. Encourage Sustainable Practices at Home

Sustainability shouldn’t stop at the office door. Encourage employees to adopt green practices at home by offering resources and tips on energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable living.

You might even consider organizing sustainability challenges or workshops that help employees implement eco-friendly habits in their personal lives. By supporting sustainable living both at work and at home, you can foster a culture of environmental responsibility that extends beyond the workplace.

A study by Culture Amp found that employees who deemed their employers to be genuinely committed to sustainability reported a 16% increase in workplace engagement and job satisfaction.

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6. Support Mental Wellness through Connection with Nature

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. Encourage employees to take breaks outside, whether it’s in a nearby park or a green space created on company premises.

You can also organize team-building activities that involve outdoor experiences, such as hiking, gardening, or nature clean-ups. By promoting a connection with nature, you help employees recharge and maintain their mental well-being.

A study published in the journal Nature found that spending at least 120 minutes in nature per week is associated with good health and well-being. Employees who have access to outdoor spaces during breaks report a decrease in stress levels and an increase in overall job satisfaction.

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7. Create a Green Office Space

The design of your office space can significantly affect both employee wellness and sustainability.

Incorporate natural elements like plants, which can improve air quality and create a calming, productive work environment. Choose sustainable materials for office furniture and decor, such as reclaimed wood or recycled metal.

Additionally, optimize natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting and create a more pleasant workspace.

Research shows that introducing plants into the workplace can increase employee productivity by 15% and enhance overall well-being. Additionally, optimizing natural light can reduce energy costs and improve employee satisfaction.

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8. Reduce Energy Consumption

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of sustainability.

Implement energy-saving practices in your office, such as using programmable thermostats, LED lighting, and energy-efficient appliances. Encourage employees to turn off lights and devices when not in use and consider investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power your office.

Reducing energy consumption not only lowers your carbon footprint but also cuts down on operational costs.

A study by the World Green Building Council found that energy-efficient offices can improve employee productivity by up to 11%.

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9. Promote Waste Reduction and Recycling

A comprehensive waste reduction and recycling program is essential for a sustainable workplace. Educate employees on proper recycling practices and encourage them to minimize waste by using reusable items such as water bottles, coffee mugs, and lunch containers.

You can also set up a composting program for organic waste, reducing the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.

A 2023 Deloitte survey of nearly 23,000 employees found “55% of respondents reporting that they research brands’ environmental impact and policies before accepting a job, and more than 40% reporting that they already have, or plan to, change jobs due to climate concerns.

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10. Ecodrive: Engage Employees in Global Sustainability

The final step in creating a healthier, more sustainable workplace is engaging your employees in global sustainability efforts through technolog platforms like Ecodrive.

By partnering with Ecodrive, your company and your employees can actively contribute to reforestation and ocean plastic removal projects worldwide.

Ecodrive is designed to seamlessly integrate into your current business processes, making it easy to track and promote sustainability efforts.

Attach eco-friendly projects to almost any metric you can think of. Plants trees or pull a pound of plastic from the ocean with every product sold, meeting booked, review left, target met, or employee hired!

Ecodrive gives your team a tangible way to participate in environmental protection, fostering a sense of purpose and collective responsibility. Whether it’s through individual contributions or company-wide challenges, Ecodrive helps you to create a workplace culture that values both employee wellness and environmental stewardship.

Companies that engage in sustainability initiatives see up to a 67% increase in employee loyalty and retention, according to a study by Cone Communications. Additionally, a survey by Nielsen found that 81% of global respondents feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment.

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Why Going Green in the Office Matters

Creating a more sustainable company is not just about reducing your environmental impact; it’s about fostering a culture of well-being, responsibility, and collective action.

By implementing the practices outlined above and engaging employees in eco-friendly efforts through platforms like Ecodrive, your company can become a leader in promoting wellness and sustainability.

A green workplace is a healthier, happier, and more productive workplace, benefiting your employees, your business, and the planet.

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Begin building a healthier, more eco-conscious workplace with Ecodrive.

Book a demo with a member of our client success team here.