Being sustainable matters for employee retention

In partnership with Tally Workspace

Written by: Jules Robertson

It’s no secret that sustainability is key to hiring and employee retention. People are drawn to companies that act responsibly when it comes to environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and labour practices. A survey by TopLine Firm found that 24% of office workers would refuse a job at a company with a poor sustainability record.

Moreover, employees will stay with a company longer if they feel confident that their companies support sustainable practices. Research has shown that companies with corporate sustainability practices have higher employee engagement and loyalty. A study carried out by Kin & Co found that 13% of employees would resign if their organisation didn’t take action on climate change. 

Companies are looking for workspace to help fulfil sustainability agendas

Consequently, more companies are looking at their workspace practices to help meet their sustainability agendas. As such Tally Workspace has seen an increasing number of their clients request workspace for their team that meets sustainability credentials – for example, B Corp or certain green practices. 

There is a reason that offices matter with regard to sustainability

Every day, offices and other types of workspaces have a significant impact on the environment. From using large amounts of paper to running equipment that uses electricity and natural gas, it’s easy for offices to leave a negative footprint on the planet.

Despite this, there are several ways that workspaces can adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their impact on climate change.

For starters, one of the most effective ways to reduce an office’s carbon footprint is to switch from traditional lighting systems to energy-efficient LED lighting. This can result in major cost savings as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Also, switching to 100% renewable sources of electricity. 

Waste is another important factor, workspaces can take steps to reduce their paper and plastic usage e.g. banning single-use plastics. They can invest in recycling programs and make sure food waste is composted. 

Small changes make a big difference

Other small changes that can make a big difference are; using non-toxic cleaning products, ample bike storage; and making sure hazardous waste materials are disposed of responsibly.

The small changes that offices make can have a big impact on the planet. Increasingly more office and flexible workspace providers are doing more to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Sustainable Workspaces in London

Businesses are in luck as there is a rise in sustainable-focused workspaces across London. Both those that focused on their green practices from day one and others who are more recently taking steps to help the planet. 

Missionworks is a company that takes sustainability seriously with initiatives that include:

1. A Delphis Eco refill station to combat/ reduce the use of single-use plastic cleaning products
2. A bottle cap collection point
3. Bespoke recycling bins – created specifically for Lamington group
4. An aim to stock a fully b corp pantry – at the moment it is majority B-corp minus three items
5. A monthly company-wide ‘team planet’ meeting hosted by Sustainability Manager and Officer Angeliki and Kaylie. Team Planet aims to educate and motivate the team on sustainability and grassroots measures
6. Hosting a range of sustainability-focused events including; clothes swap; art and sculpture exhibition in the hanging garden in collaboration with water sustainability charity ‘Waves4water’; sustainability-focused still life photography event with glue studio using upcycled materials

No matter what type of business you’re building, your carbon footprint matters.