You may be aware of the severe implications we’ve all had on the climate emergency. Last year the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report suggested the challenges we face have become even more difficult. The IPCC says that without action, the planet will endure a 1.5°C increase in temperature that will cause catastrophic damage to already fragile ecosystems, animal wellbeing and even humanity.
2022 is a new year and a chance for everyone to make changes to their everyday lives, including the workplace! So, what can HR do to help tackle the unprecedented climate emergency, and why should they want to?
What to Do About the Climate Emergency:
Climate change, unfortunately, cannot be tackled in one day. However, small changes inspire even more significant changes. Being eco-conscious doesn’t have to be challenging.
For example, Stella McCartney, a sustainable luxury fashion brand, operates a vegetarian-only workplace. With meat consumption and agriculture one of the most significant contributors to the climate emergency, this initiative creates hugely positive impacts all around.
Encourage
Encourage your people to modify their behaviours: from modest changes such as reusable coffee cups in the workplace to more significant ones like going plastic-free for a month. We cannot fix the climate emergency overnight, but any change from many will make a huge difference.
Listen
Secondly, listen to what the people in your team are saying. Perhaps they will suggest innovative ideas your company can implement. Everyone is affected by this issue. Therefore, listening to what they have to say is incredibly important for your staff's wellbeing.
Adapt
Lastly, remain adaptable to your surroundings. The world is constantly changing, so stay open to change as much as possible. Modifying existing behaviour is the key to change. Perhaps rewards and recognition can be introduced that simultaneously tackle the climate crisis.
Employee Reward Scheme
Did you know Each Person is the only employee reward scheme entirely aligned to fighting climate change by planting trees? You can plant trees for yourself and your people with Each Person’s partnership with Carbon Footprint.
“We believe with enough people taking small actions that big things can happen.”
Matt Norbury, CEO, Each Person
With more companies understanding the need for action, now is the best time to make a difference.
Why HR Should Care About the Climate Emergency:
So why exactly should HR make all these changes, aside from saving the planet?
Affects Everyone
It may be hard to see now, but the climate emergency affects everyone. With sea levels rising, climates changing drastically and more plastic consumed than ever, the issue encompasses us.
Company Culture
Although the crisis affects us, the younger generations will take the biggest hit. We will see drastic changes within the next 20 years that we cannot undo. With this in mind, nurturing climate-conscious company cultures will attract young, fresh and innovative individuals to your roster.
In short, the climate emergency will take a lot of work to correct. However, it will change each person's life catastrophically. Therefore, HR can and should make whatever changes they can to fix such an all-consuming and unavoidable issue.
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about how you can save the planet and even save your people money, contact Each Person today at info@eachperson.com.
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Author: Jasmine Turton, Marketing Executive, Each Person