The pandemic changed the way people look at the world. Priorities like family, experiences, and social causes became more important than ever before. People also increasingly care about the impact companies have on the environment and prefer to spend their dollars with brands prioritizing the planet.
Businesses therefore need workers who know how to institute green practices and can spot any potential issues before they arise and warn company leaders.
How Can We Engage the Workforce with Sustainability?
Gartner estimates employee turnover is up 20% from pre-pandemic levels. Workers are dissatisfied in their current positions for several reasons. Company values’ not aligning with their own beliefs is just one of many. Because many younger people care about the climate, adding programs on sustainability is an excellent place to start.
Engaging workers by committing to sustainability may be just one method to reduce turnover. Companies can also benefit from being prepared for a more sustainable model, meeting regulations and demand, and being good citizens of the earth.
More and more, companies will seek employees with knowledge of green practices. What education and training might workers need for sustainability hiring in the future?
1. Gain Experience in Green Practices
The best way to attract workers knowledgeable about green business is to adopt a few of these programs. Let your current employees implement the changes they’re most passionate about. One worker might want to start a paper recycling campaign. Another may want to start a community garden or wildlife reserve on the property.
2. Take a Position on Climate Change
Make reversing climate change your goal. In addition to striving to reduce your company’s carbon output and waste, you should encourage your customers to follow suit and educate them on the topics you’re passionate about.
Write out a position statement, and be transparent with your efforts to meet your objectives. When you know your customers and the local community are watching what you do, you’re much more likely to make sustainable choices.
3. Send Current Employees for Training
Want to be seen as the company that supports sustainability so you attract workers interested in the same things? Send your current employees for green training. They’ll meet other workers who might be looking to make a change.
Your staff will also tell other people about the green practices and commitment your brand made to a more sustainable model, making it easier to attract top hires with green skills and knowledge.
4. Bring Environmental Scientists on Staff
As people grow more concerned about the health of the environment, the number of those graduating with an environmental-related degree grows about 5% per year. The growing number of environmental specialists opens up the possibility of making room for new positions within a company.
Bringing an environmental scientist or two on staff ensures your company is working toward sustainability. You can also use them to add the right features to your building or surrounding land that make your company more self-sufficient.
5. Support Employee Efforts
Want to attract top employees with sustainability skills? Support your current employees in their eco-friendly work. Sponsor a new program in your community, for example, or give employees volunteer time off (VTO) and support environmentally friendly causes, such as cleaning up a local park or planting trees.
The more the world recognizes the need for sustainability, the more younger workers will seek companies with good policies and VTO.
Sustainability Hiring Matters
HR should prepare for changes in the way companies hire and the skills new employees need. Training your current workforce is an important first step, and making a commitment to the environment is another. Focusing on green business will ultimately give you an edge over competitors and attract like-minded employees.
Jane Marsh is Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co.