Ways to Create an Environmentally Conscious Workplace

It’s everyone’s responsibility to conserve our environment, small changes can make a big difference; also creating an eco-friendly and sustainable environment can lead to happier, healthier and more efficient employees. We strive to create a more sustainable workplace and our Hong Kong office has participated the 2020 Hong Kong Awards for Environment Excellence. Here are the ways on how to create an environmentally conscious workplace.

1. Minimize unnecessary wastage

• Encourage to recycle all used materials instead of throwing in the trash bin, giving second life to all used materials. Minimize unnecessary wastage.

2. Conserve energy within the office

• Turn off the lights and switch off electronic equipment around the office during off-hours. It's not only helping to protect the environment but also reducing a significant amount of your electric bill.

3. Promote a paperless office

• Only print when it's necessary, get the best use of the technology, digital and cloud computing solutions. It enables companies to become more collaborative, streamlined and efficient, plus saving our planet. Every little step counts.

4. Support green vendors

• Research into vendors of interest to learn more about their sustainability efforts and see if they align with the company’s own vision and values regarding environmental impact. It's happier to collaborate with the like-minded vendors and saving the environment together.

5. Reduce by reusing

• Imagine how many paper cups, form lunch boxes, plastic cutlery, plastic bags you have been using every week? You can promote this initiative in office by encouraging using reusable cup, shopping bag, cutlery and etc. You can also can promote this initiative by offering company merchandise items such as stainless steel water bottles, recycled bags. It also helps in promoting your brand.

6. Invest in office plants

• Green environment makes everyone happier, it provides a more lively environment to your employee and beautify your office. Greenery can uplift the overall atmosphere of your workplace, and reduce stress and anxiety for your workforce. It can boost oxygen levels and remove harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide and formaldehyde. Happy and healthy employees increase work productivity and job satisfaction.

7. Conserve human energy

• It may not come into our mind when considering environmental practices. The well-being of your people is crucial to the healthy habits of your organization. Consider that sustaining healthy and energetic employees will be beneficial to your company’s overall productivity. Help to keep your team happy and energized by establishing a safe, non-toxic environment at all times.

8. Encourage sustainable transportation

• Encourage taking public transportation to go to work and avoid unnecessary travelling. You may also consider cutting out their commute time during the week by allowing employees to do remote work from home on occasion if possible.

9. Cultivating the green culture

• Getting your employee engaged and involved and collaborate with them on how to sustain and improve the workplace environment and make it more environmentally conscious. From promoting workplace wellness through a mindful and healthy office environment to allowing your team members to think of the bigger picture. It will help your people feel healthier, more satisfied with your company, and more driven to thrive at work.

Remember, every small changes make a big difference and we all need to work together to converse the environment. It brings a lot of advantages (environmentally and financially) to your organisation. Let's start today and create a greener workplace together.