If you are a business owner with multiple employees, keeping up with the latest trends in your industry is a smart way to stay in the loop about future improvements you may want to make. For 2022, one of the biggest trends among small businesses has been a focus on sustainability. If you would like your company to get on board, too, consider these five ways for doing so.
1. Offer Remote Work Options
One environmentally-friendly trend that numerous businesses have tried over the last couple of years has been offering remote work options. Doing this can add more flexibility to the lives of employees, but it can also take a significant load off of the roadways during rush hour. In addition, you may be able to save money at the office, too. When employees work from home, it reduces the number of physical resources necessary to complete the job.
2. Use Sustainable Products
Another way to prioritize sustainability in your business is by using sustainable products. This may seem simple enough but think about all of the products that you use. For example, how many of them are recyclable or reusable? Take an inventory of all of your monthly purchases and think about ways to make all of your necessities as sustainable as possible.
3. Work With Green Businesses
The next time an employee tells you about how a “VOIP caller keeps calling me about potential work partnerships,” ask him or her what kind of business the caller is working with. If you want your company to be more sustainable, it is a smart practice to do business with other green businesses. This is especially true if you are new to sustainability prioritization. Working with other companies can be a great learning experience in this regard.
4. Make Energy-Efficient Upgrades
What kind of appliances and lighting does your business use, and how old is this kind of equipment? By upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and switching over to LED lights, you can save a significant amount of energy. In addition, smart thermostats, automated lights, and the use of natural lighting whenever possible can also help.
5. Provide Public Transit Commuter Benefits
Something else worth thinking about is the type of commuter benefits that you currently offer. As another sustainability practice that has become increasingly popular in recent years, public transit commuter benefits can provide employees with an extra incentive to reduce automobile pollution.
Prioritizing sustainability is not just the latest business trend; it is a step toward a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly future for all of society. If you need help getting started, try some of these methods at your own company.