Sustainability and HR: How New Zealand Businesses Can Go Green
As environmental awareness grows, sustainability is becoming a central focus for New Zealand businesses. As a corporate wide responsibility, HR can also play a key role in promoting green practices that not only benefit the environment but also engage employees and boost brand reputation. Here are our top six tips on ways HR can drive sustainability in the workplace.
1. Cultivating a Green Culture
HR can support sustainability as a core value by fostering an eco-conscious workplace culture. Training programs, leadership seminars, and ongoing communications help educate employees on sustainability’s significance and their role in achieving environmental goals. In New Zealand, where green practices resonate with many workers, fostering an environmentally conscious culture can drive higher engagement and attract talent that aligns with these values.
2. Green Recruiting
Today’s workforce is increasingly driven by purpose and values. Sustainability can be highlighted during recruitment and onboarding. By highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability, HR can attract like-minded candidates and embed green values into the onboarding process, engaging new hires from day one. For example, during onboarding, new hires can receive eco-friendly welcome kits or participate in environmental training that aligns them with the company’s green objectives from day one.
3. Flexible Working Policies
Remote work is not just about flexibility—it’s also a way to reduce carbon emissions associated with commuting. By embracing remote and hybrid work options, organisations not only support sustainability but also help to enhance work-life balance, which is especially valuable in our big cities.
4. Eco-Friendly Workspaces
For employees working on-site, we can help minimise waste by implementing recycling programs, promoting digital documentation, and supporting energy-efficient office solutions. These efforts reduce the environmental impact of daily office operations.
5. Sustainable Commuting
Supporting green commuting options, like bike-to-work schemes or public transport subsidies, can reduce the environmental impact of travel. Such initiatives show employees that the company values their well-being and the environment.
6. Health, Wellness, and Nature-Based Initiatives
HR’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond environmental impact—it can also encompass employee wellness through nature-based initiatives. Encouraging employees to spend time outdoors, supporting mental health programs, and offering flexible work hours are examples of how HR can merge sustainability with employee well-being. These practices align with our cultural connection to nature, creating a healthier, more engaged workforce that values both environmental and personal well-being.
It's all about the first step
In New Zealand, where we are known for being green, HR can be a powerful force in helping businesses achieve sustainability goals. By implementing eco-friendly practices into recruiting, policies, workplace design, and training, we can drive significant positive impact, reducing the carbon footprint and cultivating a culture that aligns with employees’ environmental values, helping to build a sustainable workplace culture for the long term.
If you want to know more then reach out on how we can help leave your legacy behind.
