Cultivating An Eco-Conscious Workplace: Good For Your People, Good For The Planet

Integrating sustainability initiatives in your workplace enhances employee well-being and promotes environmental stewardship for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Across the GCC, governments and organizations are taking drastic measures to reduce their environmental impact. From the UAE’s mission to achieve a 70% carbon footprint reduction by 2050, to KSA’s even more ambitious objective to reach zero net emissions by 2060, it’s clear that the future lies in adopting more sustainable practices – and we all need to do our bit to make this possible.

However, when it comes to the corporate landscape, developing an eco-conscious approach amongst your workforce isn't just about environmental health; it's also about the holistic well-being of your employees. As businesses increasingly recognize the correlations between sustainability and mental health, they are embracing innovative strategies to ensure that workplaces prioritize both environmental responsibility and employee welfare. And, when done well, integrating sustainability initiatives can elevate workplace well-being and, ultimately, boost organizational success. 

But how does this work in practice? And how easy are these initiatives to implement? Read on to learn more.

Bring the outdoors in

Nearly 90% of the population of the UAE lives in urban areas. Although city living brings a range of benefits, this way of life can also distance inhabitants from their connection with the natural world which, in turn, can affect both physical and mental health. 

In this respect, bringing more greenery into high-traffic spaces such as offices can be hugely beneficial. This is because plants don’t just improve the aesthetics of an office – they’ve also been proven to produce a better working environment. 

For example, various types of houseplants, such as bamboo palms, snake plants and peace lilies, act as air purifiers to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) within an office. A recent study from the University of Birmingham has proved this, revealing that in a small, poorly-ventilated office, just five houseplants can reduce NO2 levels by around 20%. 

Incorporating natural elements such as plants within the workspace can also significantly impact employee well-being. Studies show that exposure to greenery indoors can reduce stress levels and enhance productivity by up to 15%. So, by creating a more pleasant and calming atmosphere, businesses can cultivate a workspace conducive to employee happiness and engagement.

Support remote working 

Embracing work-from-home and hybrid options not only offers flexibility to employees; it can also reduce the environmental impact of daily commuting. In fact, research indicates that remote work can decrease carbon emissions by an estimated 54 million tons annually. 

Providing more flexible working arrangements can also be hugely beneficial for both the physical and mental health of your employees, as well as your business. Working from home enables your employees to replace their commute with more family time, exercising, or simply self-care. Employees are also up to 47% more productive when working from home, compared to the office  

Adopting a more flexible approach to work locations demonstrates a commitment to both the environment and your workers’ work-life balance, which is essential for employee mental health.

If your corporate healthcare partner provides services such as tele-health, it is also worth promoting these to your employees. Not only does remote access to healthcare also help to reduce carbon emissions, but it can also empower your employees to seek help for a range of conditions, wherever and whenever they need it.

Build an office ‘green team’

Empowering employees to take an active role in sustainability initiatives fosters a sense of community within the workplace. Encourage your employees to take ownership by establishing employee-led green committees – or ‘green teams’ – where they can brainstorm and implement innovative sustainability projects which are tailored to your organization's needs. For example, they help your business to work towards certifications such as B Corp status.

Engaging employees in decision-making processes cultivates a culture of shared responsibility and collaboration – which enhances overall workplace satisfaction – whilst also allowing for a greater diversity of ideas. In this respect, founding a sustainability committee within your organization can lead not just to a greener working environment, but also to a happier, more fulfilled workforce.

Get volunteering

Give your teams the opportunity to get more involved in local environmental and community initiatives, such as beach clean-ups and tree-planting schemes. This not only strengthens your company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) but can also promote a greater sense of purpose among employees. Research suggests that engaging in volunteer activities can improve mental well-being by boosting self-esteem and reducing feelings of isolation. What’s more, contributing to meaningful causes instills a sense of personal pride and fulfillment.

These initiatives also give you as an employer the opportunity to directly recognize and celebrate the eco-friendly achievements of your teams, and foster a more positive working environment. Celebrating milestones encourages continuous improvement and cultivates a culture where environmental responsibility is valued and celebrated.

Foster a culture of sustainability

Building a sustainable workplace goes beyond implementing isolated initiatives; it means embedding eco-focused practices into your organizational culture. By integrating sustainability goals into overarching strategic planning, businesses can promote a long-term commitment to environmental responsibility – and research indicates that companies with strong sustainability practices outperform their peers financially. In this respect, fostering a culture of sustainability isn't just beneficial for the planet, but also for your bottom line.

How can GulfCare help?

GulfCare is a leading corporate healthcare provider that works with businesses throughout the GCC to deliver bespoke plans. We are proud to offer solutions that accommodate every aspect of an employee’s well-being, from in-patient care to employee assistance programs (EAP) and tele-health services. 

To learn more about our services, or to receive a complimentary quote, please contact us today.