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Go Green: What Leading an Eco-Friendly Office Says About Your Brand by Jackie Edwards

To be an innovative leader you must, among many other things, understand the importance of social responsibility. This means taking an ethical approach to issues that are prevalent to society, acting in a way that is beneficial to society as a whole.

How social responsibility is demonstrated is largely attributed to the organization or individuals’ perception; passively abstaining from particular actions, or proactively engaging in outreaching to your local community, fighting for equal rights, or striving for a healthy ecosystem. As the demand for sustainability increases, it is more important than ever for businesses to adopt eco-friendly attitudes. As a pioneer, you should be aware of the current environmental climate and how you can have a positive impact on it.

What does it mean to go green?

Sustainability is a word that has gained more traction in recent times, and with a growing awareness of environmental issues “going green” is more than splitting your waste into recycling (although that is an excellent way to start). It is about setting intentions to act in an ecologically beneficial capacity, and not doing harm. Using your influence to affect change is a desirable quality in a leader.

How to instigate change

Small changes to the daily running of your business can have huge repercussions on the environment, your employees and financially. Begin by introducing an eco-friendly work policy, to be agreed on and auctioned by all employees:

  • If solar energy isn’t an option, consider switching to energy-saving LED lights, and employ an empty-room policy, whereby lights must be switched off if a room is vacant. Regulate the heating and air-con temperatures, and apply a seasonal-dress-code policy – sweaters in the winter and not in the summer, before any changes to the temperature is made.
  • Go Paperless! Or attempt to go as paperless as possible. Stop printing, unless it is absolutely necessary.
  • Turn off all power supplies at night; power-down PCs, screens off, unplug the kettle. It all adds up.
  • Buy conscientiously – purchase recycled supplies, limit the amount of plastic you buy.

By managing the use of electrical and electronic devices, you reduce electricity – which is great for your carbon footprint – and save on costs, making it financially rewarding.

What it says about you as a leader

Leading by example works wonders for boosting morale, and demonstrates that you actively engage in what is important to you. Having a shared objective can encourage a stable work environment, and encourages team-building. Being eco-conscious demonstrates to your employees that you are planning for the future, and team members can visualize their longevity as part of that future; it has been proven that eco-friendly offices are more productive. Most importantly it shows that you care.

Likewise it reflects well to stakeholders. They will benefit from the financial remuneration you have delivered, and perceive the slick operating and high-performing team you are leading.

On a larger scale “going green” has a direct impact on reducing the effect of global warming. It is in any leaders’ best interest to preserve and maintain a healthy ecosystem.

 

Jackie Edwards

January 30th, 2018