Top Tips for Engaging Your Staff in Sustainability

Engaging your staff in sustainability, at every level and role is vital when it comes to the success of your sustainability strategy. You can have the best possible strategy on paper, but if your staff aren’t aware or inspired to take action, then it’s likely you won’t meet your goals. Of course, here at Action Sustainability, we’re all about “action”…so how can you make sure that your strategy leads to action amongst staff, and willingly rather than begrudgingly? Here are some of my top tips…

1. Lead by Example

As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability through your daily practices. Talk about sustainability in a genuine and positive way. When employees see leadership taking sustainability seriously, they are more likely to follow suit.

2. Educate and Inform

Many employees may not fully understand what sustainability entails or why it’s important. This will be a barrier for them as they may feel powerless or not knowledgeable enough. Provide regular training sessions and workshops on sustainability topics. How can these be interesting, appropriate for their role/availability and accessible? People are also more likely to engage in training sessions that are fun, social and competitive – be creative! Share resources, such as articles, videos, and case studies, to keep everyone informed about the latest developments and best practices in sustainability. This should always be done in a positive and encouraging way.

3. Create a Green Team

Form a dedicated group of employees who are passionate about sustainability. This “Green Team” can help drive initiatives, brainstorm ideas, and lead by example. Encourage team members to take ownership of specific sustainability projects, which can foster a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm. Ensure that they meet on a regular basis and are held accountable for their responsibilities and tasks.

4. Encourage Innovation

Empower your employees to come up with creative solutions to sustainability challenges. Create an environment where innovative ideas are welcomed and rewarded. Consider implementing a suggestion box or holding brainstorming sessions to gather input from all levels of the organisation. People are much more likely to stay engaged if they play their part in the decision-making/innovation process.

5. Make Sustainability Part of Your Culture

Integrate sustainability into your company’s values and mission statement. Highlight sustainable practices during onboarding and performance reviews. Ensure that sustainability is not just an add-on but a fundamental aspect of how your business operates.

6. Provide Incentives

Incentivise sustainable behaviour by offering rewards or recognition for employees who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This could be through awards, bonuses, or public acknowledgement of their efforts. Consider organising friendly competitions with sustainability goals to foster a sense of fun and camaraderie. Think of the carrot vs the stick idiom – it’s best to entice people with some sort of reward rather than through the absence of pain. Sustainability shouldn’t be seen as a chore but something that is good and exciting.

7. Promote Sustainable Practices in Daily Operations

Encourage simple yet effective practices, such as recycling, reducing paper use, and conserving energy. Provide the necessary tools and infrastructure, like recycling bins, energy-efficient lighting, and digital communication platforms, to make these practices easy and accessible.

8. Engage in Community Sustainability Initiatives

Get involved in local sustainability initiatives and encourage your employees to participate. This could include organising volunteer days for environmental clean-ups or partnering with local organisations on sustainability projects. Community involvement can strengthen the sense of purpose and connection to sustainability efforts.

9. Communicate and Celebrate Successes

Regularly share updates on your company’s sustainability efforts and achievements. Use internal newsletters, bulletin boards, and meetings to keep everyone informed. Celebrate successes, both big and small, to keep the momentum going and show appreciation for your team’s hard work.

10. Keep Nudge Theory in Mind

Nudge theory, developed by behavioural economists Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, is a concept that proposes subtle interventions to influence people’s behaviour without restricting their choices. Instead of using mandates, bans, or significant economic incentives, nudges aim to encourage people to make decisions that are in their best interest or align with broader societal goals.

Nudges are small, often unnoticed interventions that steer people towards certain choices while still allowing them complete freedom to choose differently. An example would be a sustainability poster at eye level where people make their coffee every day. These small everyday reminders can be a very effective way of engaging staff without it being too overwhelming or time-consuming.

Conclusion

Engaging your staff in sustainability is not just about implementing policies; it’s about fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation. By leading by example, educating your team, and creating an environment that values and rewards sustainable practices, you can inspire your employees to embrace sustainability as a core aspect of their professional lives. Together, you can make a significant impact on the environment and set a positive example for other organisations to follow.

Connect with our strategy team in a free discovery call to build a clear, actionable roadmap for your sustainability goals.