What do you do if your employees lack engagement in sustainability practices?

To raise the team's understanding of sustainability, effective communications and sharing information about the significance of sustainability and how it relates to the company's values and objectives using a variety of media, including emails, meetings, and intranet platforms. Offer pedagogical materials such as articles, films, or workshops to enhance comprehension. Plan educational programs or awareness-raising events where professionals can talk about and address sustainability-related issues. To dispel any misunderstandings and foster a culture of knowledge and consciousness, promote discussion and criticism. Provide the groundwork for meaningful participation in sustainable activities by placing priority on education and communication

Although there are inescapable matters to a successful development of sustainability within the company such as leadership or good communication skills, for employees at all levels to have the same understanding of such a notion is another key element for success. Raising awareness about sustainability is crucial for engaging employees. It helps them understand the significance of sustainable practices and how they contribute to both environmental conservation and the company's success. Clear communication about the benefits fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages active participation in sustainable initiatives.

One thing I have found helpful is to contextualise sustainability issues for people to relate to. The narrative on climate change and sustainability is often 50-70 years horizon which given an impression that it's a long term issue and the current generation won't be affected. This has to be avoided and people should be trained on challenges arising from climate change and it's impact on both short & medium term.

When we promote sustainability as benefitting something outside of us, we are more likely to see people deviate from the commitment to the cause. Internalizing the need for sustainable practices for our overall well-being can however shift the picture dramatically. Frame the message in a way that highlights well-being of the individual by pursuing sustainability.

Education is critical in instilling sustainability values in employees. Putting up posters and having workshops to teach employees about the importance of energy conservation can have a significant impact. Encourage habits like turning off lights when leaving a room and setting computers to sleep mode during breaks.

A key way of getting employees to action is to set clear target to achieve organisational goals. How each employee can contribute to make the organisation better and sustainable is pivotal to gain traction. Linking these to individual KPIs would derieve action at a larger scale.

Consider incorporating sustainability into performance reviews. By making it a part of the job expectations, employees may be more motivated to participate. Furthermore, providing regular feedback on the team's sustainability efforts can help keep the subject top of mind.

Make it easier for the employees to be sustainable. The top-down approach is a defining catalyst for action. However, incentivizing as well as encouraging sustainable practices in workspace and beyond, is a better nudge for employees to adopt sustainability. Plastic-free workspaces through the incorporation of alternatives is more effective than transferring the cost of sustainability on employees. It makes adoption seamless.

Albert Einstein once said “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.” Seed the idea for change, by showing its feasibility and then by empowering and inspiring people to take action.Once the idea is accepted, and people feel empowered to take action aligning with ground situations, everyone has the potential to become the creator of new realities. If you believe in any change, persist and keep setting examples. Have patience, change will happen. And never forget the change agents. Empower them, trust them, and let them be the drivers for change.

Firstly, offering training and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of sustainability can help employees understand the relevance of their actions. Providing opportunities for employees to contribute ideas and suggestions for sustainability improvements can also foster a sense of ownership and empowerment.

Sponsoring sustainability initiatives can help create a culture of environmental-consciousness in a workplace environment. Having a designated green fund that employees can use for eco-friendly projects or events can be a great way to promote sustainability and community. This could support initiatives like tree planting, recycling drives, or environmental education for staff.

In the realm of business, a paradigm shift is underway, transforming the way organizations operate, thrive, and leave a lasting impact on the world. This metamorphosis is none other than the rise of sustainable business practices, where profit is no longer the sole driver of success. At the heart of this transformative movement lies an indispensable catalyst: Employee Engagement.  Engaged employees are more likely to go the extra mile and put in discretionary effort to achieve sustainable business goals. They are motivated by a sense of purpose and commitment to the organization’s sustainability mission, resulting in increased productivity and performance. Employee engagement is a powerful force that drives positive change.

In my view, emphasize educating staff members about the significance and implications of sustainability. Integrate sustainability into business policies and principles to establish it as a key component of the culture of the company. Provide specific channels for participation, such as joining a green team or volunteering. Acknowledge and honor team members who support environmental initiatives, encouraging a sense of pride and accountability. Set a positive example for others by being a visible model of leadership and by actively participating in environmental projects. Make sure that regularly evaluate and improve the tactics to maintain team involvement and make significant progress toward the sustainability objectives.