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The healthier employees are, the less absenteeism would be experienced and the fewer medical claims are likely to be processed. Ultimately, internal sustainability efforts that ensure the healthier of employees, increase productivity and profit.
How can internal sustainability efforts create a healthier work environment?
The Green Business Alliance1, provides the example of replacing heavily polluting machinery with newer, cleaner equipment which keeps contaminants out of the air and out of employees' lungs.
In a blog article about engaging employees in workplace greening, NRG Systems2 showcase a number of 'healthy options' for companies to consider. So too, Bridge Capital3 propose a number of greening initiatives companies can employ to increase the health of their employees. The following includes some ideas to consider:
1.Sunlight as an alternative to light bulbs
Bridge Capital support the idea of switching off lights in order to use natural sunlight instead. The company propose opening blinds and removing window coverings so that natural light enters the room. According to the US Office of Dietary Supplements5, Vitamin D, which is present in very few foods, is produced endogenously when sunlight strikes the skin, which triggers vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D is responsible for promoting the healthy growth and remodeling of bone. It therefore protects from osteoperosis, whilst it also affects neuromuscular function, inflammation and cell formation, according to the National Institute of Health6.
The sunlight would also be good to ensure the wellbeing of plants in the office.
2.Bicycles for commuting
The company provides cash incentives for employees who choose to buy a bicycle (and associated safety equipment) to commute to work. Engaging in aerobic activity in lieu of driving a car benefits the heart and body.
New Belgium Brewing4, in Colorado, for instance, have taken their bicycle initiative to the next level. They buy employees commuter bikes on their one-year anniversary and host an annual bike tour in cities around the country. Others host competitions where teams of employees compete for prizes by seeing who can reduce their environmental footprint the most.
This therefore impacts on the environment, increases the fitness levels of employees, reduces fuel costs and improves morale through a common shared goal.
3. Local lunch
At NRG Systems employees are given a catered lunch four days per week. The food is prepared by a local caterer; often from fresh, local, organic ingredients and served on-site. Besides the health benefits, the company therefore supports local growers, and employees prefer to stay for lunch rather than driving to a shop.
4. Plants in the office
According to Planticulture Incorporated7, plants offer a means to decrease stress while enhancing productivity by 12%. They also argue that plants cool the air by a process called transpiration, which, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, decreases air temperature in offices by up to ten degrees.
Furthermore, according to Planticulture, plant-filled rooms contain 50-60% fewer airborne molds and bacteria than rooms without plants. The plants clean contaminated office air by absorbing office pollutants into their leaves and transmitting the toxins to their roots, where they are transformed into a source of food for the plant.
By providing cleaner air, companies are able to avoid the associated illnesses termed 'Sick Building Syndrome', which is as a result of an inadequate exchange of fresh air, common in offices. Plants help reduce toxins in the air, increase the air flow in a room, and help reduce eye irritations employees might encounter staring at a computer screen all day long. By improving the quality of the air in your office, plants will help your employees feel healthier and better suited for work. Furthermore, because plants help circulate air around a stuffy office building, they can help reduce the cost of heating and cooling in the office. Most of all, plants bring interest and inspiration to a dull and lifeless office.
5. Using environmentally-friendly cleaning products
Purchasing environmentally friendly products is not only good for the environment; it is good for the health of everyone in the building. For example, non-toxic cleaning supplies are less likely to incite allergic reactions or cause asthma attacks. Cleaning services that specialize in using only natural, chemical free products are growing. Try finding one, if the size of a building demands a cleaning crew.
6. Fitness options
Increasingly, companies are providing fitness options such as yoga, pilates and gym facilities at work. NRG Systems have found that having fitness facilities and showers at their office helps avoid carbon emissions by reducing the need for employees to drive to the gym at lunchtime. The facilities also make it more likely that employees will assume a healthy lifestyle since the option to optimize their fitness is very accessible.
7. Promoting alternative behaviours
Apart from the activities already mentioned, there are other behaviours which can have a positive impact on the environment, whilst contributing to employee health. Green Conduct8, suggests getting employees to take the stairs rather than using elevators. Employees therefore burn calories whilst saving the electrical energy used during each push of the elevator. According to this article, a 3 minute walk up the stairs burns about 25 calories.
Conclusion
A green business draws people together as they unite around a common cause. By implementing sustainability measures that have a positive influence on employee health, companies can reduce their expenses an increase their performance. Furthermore, preserving resources and saving the environment will not only save money and energy, it can also create a sense of pride in knowing that a business built today will have a positive impact on the future.
If you would like to find out more about developing your own environmental sustainability strategy and how to build internal capacity, please visit www.globalcarbonexchange.co.za or contact us for more information.
References:
- Reasons for companies to go green: http://www.livestrong.com/article/169253-reasons-for-companies-to-go-green/#ixzz1agy2IbQO
- Greening the workplace through benefits and practices: http://windcurrents.nrgsystems.com/2011/02/greening-the-workplace-through-benefits-and-practices/
- Bridge Capital - Making Business Green: http://www.bridgecapitalsolutionscorp.com/making-business-green.htm
- New Belgium Brewing – how to engage employees in workplace greening: http://smallbiztrends.com/2010/01/how-to-engage-employees-in-workplace-greening.html
- The US Office of Dietary Supplements: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind
- National Institute of Health: http://www.nih.gov/
- Planticulture Inc.: http://www.plantcultureinc.com/whyGreen.html
- Green Conduct: Creating a Green Work Environment That Will Boost Office Morale: http://www.greenconduct.com/articles/2011/08/25/creating-a-green-work-environment-that-will-boost-office-morale/
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