67% of employees say they’re more likely to apply for jobs at organizations with clear commitments to sustainability, while 68% also consider a company's eco-footprint before they accept a job offer, a recent IBM survey reveals. It then naturally follows that almost 70% of CEOs consider sustainability to be a top business growth opportunity — a way to simultaneously attract and retain talent and cut costs. From simpler initiatives like going paperless and healthy cafeteria menus to larger shifts like on-site electric vehicle charging, these are the sustainable commitments businesses must embrace to remain competitive in a greener future.
Reduce paper, boost morale
Organizations with a strong company culture and sustainable values enjoy 30%-50% higher employee engagement and retention rates on average. The good news is even small eco-friendly changes like paper waste reduction can make a big impact and resonate with employees. Currently, U.S. offices use over twelve trillion sheets of paper per year, and this waste individually costs businesses up to 3% of their revenue. So, use a scanning tool to digitize your existing records and documents. They can then be uploaded and stored on a digital platform to drastically reduce how much paper your office handles. This process also doesn’t have to be done overnight. You may, in fact, decide to still accept some paper documents as you work on digitizing the rest. A slow and steady transition such as this can keep things manageable and prevent overwhelm. Once the process is complete, you'll have cut down on paper costs and your team will also benefit from a more organized office that drives productivity.
Electric vehicle charging stations for stress-free commutes
What if you could drive to work without the constant worry about finding a place to charge your EV? With more companies providing free EV charging stations at the office, that stress could become a thing of the past. For many, commuting is already one of the most stressful parts of the day, with 50% of workers admitting their daily drive leaves them feeling drained. But when your employer helps take the pressure off—whether by offering charging stations, flexible hours, or reducing your commuting time—it can make a big difference. Studies show that when employees feel less stressed and more supported, they’re of course happier—and, they’re also 13% more productive.
Convenient EV charging can also drive EV adoption among employees. In fact, access to at-work charging stations makes them six times more likely to make the switch. But, obviously, EV charging infrastructure is a big investment, so you need to carefully consider your options if you go down this path. For instance leasing a charging station can be cheaper than purchasing one upfront. A five-year lease could cost $2,400 annually, which helps spread the cost, and it also gives you time to see if a long-term investment in this infrastructure is right for your business.
Healthy food choices to nourish employees
Nutritious cafeteria menus are another sustainability measure set to become widespread as U.S. obesity rates soar. By 2030, almost 50% of U.S. adults will be obese—and this is bad for employees and businesses alike. Currently, obesity-related absences cost between $79-$132 per individual in lost productivity every year. Giving your employees easy access to nutritious food will keep them healthy and productive, and save you money. So, review your cafeteria menu—does it offer a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and healthy proteins? Work with a nutritionist to develop a tasty, balanced menu that helps your employees thrive through the working week.
This is also a good time to fight against food waste in your organization. Shockingly, U.S. businesses generate around 60 million tons of food waste annually, which costs around $218 billion in total. So, conduct regular inventory checks to prevent over-ordering. Don’t forget to take into account communal snacks and ingredients at tea and coffee stations. A compost bin in the office kitchen is also an effective way to recycle food waste. Encourage employees to use it for leftover coffee grounds and fruit peels.
Sustainability is increasingly a priority for employees who want to join organizations that do good, and businesses can therefore capitalize on sustainability initiatives to attract and retain top talent. From waste reduction and healthier menus to on-site EV infrastructure, these are just some of the eco-friendly shifts that businesses must adopt to achieve long-term growth.
Nina S. Blake is a writer with a research journalism background, who is always eager to explore new niches and tackle diverse subjects.
