The Future of HR Sustainability: How HR Can Help Businesses Thrive in a Sustainable World

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes. In order to remain competitive and attract top talent, companies need to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. HR can play a key role in this effort by implementing sustainable practices in the workplace.

Here are some ways that HR can contribute to sustainability:

• Create a green business plan. HR can work with other departments to develop a green business plan that outlines the company’s sustainability goals and strategies. This plan should include goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and waste production.
• Make HR policies more sustainable. HR can review and revise existing HR policies to make them more sustainable. For example, the company could implement a telecommuting policy to reduce commuting emissions. It could also offer employees a choice of sustainable benefits, such as a bike to work program or a green retirement savings plan.
• Shift from paper admin to digital systems. HR can help the company reduce its paper usage by shifting from paper-based admin to digital systems. This can be done by implementing e-signatures, digital onboarding, and cloud-based HR software.
• Set up an employee action group. HR can set up an employee action group to promote sustainability in the workplace. This group can organize sustainability events, provide training to employees, and track the company’s progress towards its sustainability goals.
• Ditch the plastic. HR can help the company reduce its plastic usage by eliminating single-use plastics from the workplace. This can be done by providing reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and utensils to employees. The company can also ban plastic straws and bags.
• Support green behavior. HR can reward employees for green behavior, such as recycling, using public transportation, and carpooling. The company can also offer discounts on sustainable products and services to employees.
• Think about smaller changes that make a big difference. There are many small changes that HR can make to the workplace that can have a big impact on sustainability. For example, the company can install motion-sensor lights in the office, use energy-efficient appliances, and plant trees on the corporate campus.

By implementing these and other sustainable practices, HR can help businesses reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable. This will not only benefit the environment, but it will also make the company more attractive to top talent and help it to save money.