"Unlocking Sustainability - Why internal engagement is an effective first step"…
Many organisations continue to focus on external stakeholders when it comes to talking about their sustainability agendas, but here’s the thing – have you actually talked about what you are doing internally yet? More and more organisation are overlooking their biggest asset, their employees. Engaged, aware and empowered employees are the biggest driving force behind your sustainability strategy, turning goals into action and action into progress. So, how do you tap into this potential? A first step is internal communication. Wherever you are on your sustainability journey – you haven’t started, you are about to start, you’re somewhere in the middle, you’re totally stuck - employee engagement matters….keep reading as we explore why and provide three actionable steps to get started.
Why internal collaboration matters
Research shows that engaged employees are happier, more productive and more likely to stay at an organisation that includes them – not rocket science. But beyond that they’re increasingly passionate about climate change, environmental issues and social responsibility. By involving them in your sustainability discussions you not only get the benefit of their energy and ideas but also align with their values, and vice-versa.
Some great examples we have seen are Autotrader, a Carbon Literate organisation where Carbon Literacy training is a key part of their employee engagement and onboarding. Then there’s HH Global and Pinwheel who collaborated around Earth Day using Pinwheels platform involving nature-based projects. Engaged employees at HH Global were asked to vote and donate an allocated $ amount to projects they wanted to support, opening up conversations, interest and greater understanding of not only the challenges we face but more importantly the solutions. Then there is our own 100 Points Challenge, a free resource sharing the most current information, views and insights around what is happening across sustainability and sustainable marketing. Multiple organisations have set their employees the challenge of reaching 100 points, along the way it unlocks interest, passions and a want to be part of the solution.
Three steps to consider to engage your employees in sustainability
1. Shift from broadcasting to conversations Sustainability strategies struggle because they’re top-down initiatives that employees feel disconnected from. Instead of broadcasting your plans, create opportunities for conversations to happen. Create feedback loops, invite employees to share ideas, participate in green teams or join sustainability working groups. And Listen!
2. Communicate progress regularly A sustainability strategy buried on your website (usually in the footer, under ‘other’ which in itself is a reflection of where your organisation places it in terms of a priority) in a 100-page report won’t inspire action. Regularly communicate your progress in ways that resonate with employees, highlight wins, share stories and make the connection between individual contributions and organisational impact. Transparency and recognition build trust and momentum.
3. Upskill people Employees want to contribute but they need the tools and knowledge to do so. Consider implementing programs like Carbon Literacy training, our Sustainability Skill Building programme or the 100 Points Challenge educating on the challenges and empowering people to take action. Upskilling not only boosts engagement but allows and makes people want to do better. According to LinkedIn, “by 2050 ‘green’ jobs will outnumber qualified professionals by two to one and, demand for ‘green’ talent is growing at nearly twice the pace of supply.” - So get ahead and invest in the sustainability of your people and your organisation.
Take that step and get everyone involved
Sustainability isn’t a solo mission, it’s not a business problem and with the best will in the world, sustainability teams can’t fix it for us. By engaging your employees you can unlock a wealth of creativity, passion and commitment that can take your strategy forward. Co-creation, transparent communication and upskilling are ways to make sustainability personal, relatable and actionable for everyone.
The path to sustainability isn’t just about decarbonisation, complex reporting or waste management, it begins with building a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute and make a difference. A simple conversation can make people your greatest sustainability asset, so reflect on your own organisation and ask yourself – Are you having conversations on what people care about?