Is Working Remotely Truly Better For The Environment?
According to a study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, remote work setup has the potential to reduce an individual’s carbon emissions by more than half.
In 2020, when most businesses started to operate remotely, carbon dioxide emissions from transportation were reduced by 15%. Besides eliminating commuting to and from the office, working from home has also made it possible to support sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of infrastructures, and less plastic pollution.
Although working remotely cannot single-handedly fight global warming, experts believe its positive impact can still contribute to a more sustainable future.
Environmentally Conscious Practices At Work
What is sustainability in the workplace?
Sustainability is the balance between the environment, equity, and economy, according to a post from the website ofUCLA Sustainability.
The UN World Commission on Environment and Development further discussed sustainable development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
In the workplace, sustainability is characterized by a commitment to greener business practices, an energy-efficient office, and an actionable pledge toward waste reduction. A sustainable workplace is one committed to reaching its business goals and maintaining its operations without negatively impacting the world around them.
Five Sustainable Practices at Work That Improve Company Culture
1. Digitalization
Digitalization goes beyond using recycled paper in the office. According to the UN Environment Program, digitalization at work means utilizing technologies in business, applied in different areas of management and production, which can address environmental issues.
Business owners can start their digitalization initiative by promoting a paperless office. A study suggests that the simple effort of reducing or stopping the use of paper at work extends to lowering CO2 emissions and fossil fuel pollution by eliminating mail transportation.
Sustainability efforts in digitalization also include investing in digital HR and payroll software to swap out paper and ink. Lowering the use of paper and ink can significantly reduce carbon footprint.
Moreover, cloud services have also enabled companies to become more collaborative, streamlined, and efficient, all while promoting a healthy and sustainable workplace.
2. Utilize eco-friendly products and supplies
Sustainability initiatives do not need to be complicated. One simple and quick way to practice environmental sustainability is to switch to LED lighting. According to a blog, LED lightbulbs use 75% less energy and they also last 25 times longer than standard lightbulbs. It is good for the planet and can save money too.
Several other products at work can be replaced too with eco-friendly alternatives. For example, cleaning products filled with harsh chemicals can be substituted with vinegar, lemon, or essential oils.
If you are in trade with various suppliers, it is a good action to inquire if they are operating a sustainable business.
Feel free to conduct research into electronic or textile vendors of interest to learn more about their corporate sustainability efforts and see if they align with your company’s vision and values regarding environmental practices and impact.
3. Reduce the use of plastics
Plastic starts as fossil fuels and ends up as deadly waste in landfills and the ocean, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Plastics, especially single-use, come with a steep environmental price because their availability quietly pushes people to accumulate waste at a staggering rate.
Statistics revealed Americans use an average of 365 plastic bags per person per year. In comparison, people in Denmark use an average of four plastic bags per year.
One way to practice environmental sustainability is to reduce the use of plastic in all forms–plastic cutlery, bags, balloons, straws, and many others.
At work, encourage employees to abandon the use of disposables like cups, bubble wrap, and single-serve coffee pods.
4. Invest in office plants
According to WWF, investing in a couple of indoor plants can encourage sustainability in the workplace. Experts mentioned plants can create a calm and happier environment which boosts employee productivity. Plants can serve a useful function by absorbing toxins from the air often emitted by indoor air pollutants like printers.
Lastly, plants can serve as a reminder to maintain workplace wellness and protect natural resources through eco-friendly practices.
5. Advocate for remote work
One big step to facilitate sustainability in the workplace is allowing employees to work from home.
With a remote work setup, unnecessary commutes can be replaced with video calls, eventually decreasing carbon dioxide emissions from transportation.
Allowing employees to work in the comforts of their homes is environmentally sustainable, according to Earth.Org, a leading environmental news website. This is because when accomplishing work outside of the office, the global carbon footprint is reduced, energy consumption is minimized to essential use, and food waste is also lowered.
“Green Thinking” Business For Environmental Sustainability
For continuous improvement of sustainable initiatives, business owners should include the employees in their environmental vision by getting them engaged and involved.
Eco-friendly practices can only make a huge difference when done collectively. Other sustainability initiatives that can be promoted at work are switching to renewable energy, and instituting a recycling program.
Environmentally conscious organizations strive to balance the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit to achieve long-term success and viability. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this means that organizations cannot be sustainable without protecting the safety, health, and welfare of their most vital resource: workers.
Sustainability is not just about what environmental impacts are done, but how it gets done. It is a mindset that requires leadership to set and achieve goals beyond regulatory compliance.
Make An Environmental Impact, Consider Remote Work Setup
Do you want to create an environmentally conscious workplace? If you are a business owner who wants to fight climate change and promote sustainability, consider shifting to a remote work setup.
Building a remote team that will help you achieve environmental sustainability at work may sound challenging. You can always consult a trustworthy outsourcing company like Remote Raven to help you determine your exact business needs, and identify the skills to look for during the recruitment process.
A healthy and sustainable workplace can bring long-term success to your business. According to WWF, consciously reducing your environmental footprint and telling others about your purpose, makes your business more attractive to prospective employees, clients, and partners and sets a competitive advantage over other organizations in your industry.
How To Find Qualified Work-From-Home Employees
The job market is filled with hundreds of applicants. If you are interested in employing a talented and skilled virtual employee but feel overwhelmed with the hiring process, you may contact Remote Raven.
Remote Raven works exclusively with remote workers from the Philippines. The agency has qualified recruitment specialists who will get involved in each stage of the hiring process. They will ensure to match your business with the most qualified professional remote employee.
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