5 Tips to Boost Office Sustainability and Recruiting Success

There are a lot of great companies out there (including yours of course), all competing in the same talent pool. That makes for a big struggle to meet your recruiting goals to add new team members and keep them long-term. So, how do you compete?

You might already have your master recruitment plan all mapped out, and it’s probably great. But, is office sustainability on the list? You might want to take a second look. A green workplace is not only good for the planet, it also matters big time to Millennials.

Why does that matter? This generation is expected to make up 75% of the workforce by 2025. So clearly, making sure you’ve got what it takes to appeal to them is key. One of those factors is sustainability. In fact, 9 in 10 Millennials say it’s important to them to work for a company that makes sustainable practices a priority.

Now, think about the green initiatives in your office. A recycling program and LED lighting are both great additions to any office sustainability plan. But, here are 5 tips that could really add to your strategy:

We all know that saving paper and going digital for meetings is a simple way to go green. But, let’s think outside the box (because we all need to print something every once in a while). Try starting a toner cartridge recycling program. Setup a collection box (or maybe multiple) so that it’s easy for everyone to quickly drop off empty cartridges. Then, work with your local office supplies store for the recycling part.

Collaborate with your office building property manager to create designated parking spaces just for associates that opt to carpool to work. And here’s a tip – select spaces close to the entrance to boost participation, because who wouldn’t want to be that much closer to their morning cup of Joe?

Choose green cleaning products to keep your office spick and span. This switch helps reduce negative effects on the environment. It’s also better for personal health as well since you’re not working with those harmful chemicals. Sounds like a win-win!

There are lots of options when it comes to picking the utensils, napkins and paper plates you stock in your breakroom. Choosing eco-friendly, compostable, and tree-free products is a quick change that can make a big difference for the environment. Plus, it’s tangible evidence that you’re taking strides to reduce your office carbon footprint, which definitely looks good to those Millennials you’re trying to recruit!

Whether it’s adding local fresh fruit to your break space offering or switching to a local coffee brand, these two ideas are pretty simple to implement and show associates that you care about the local community.

No matter how you go about building an office sustainability program, the main thing to keep in mind is that every little thing plays a part in creating a green culture. And should you ever need help with making your program come to life (especially with tips 3 to 5, among other things), we’ve got your back.