How to create a socially and environmentally responsible workplace
Opinion
How to create a socially and environmentally responsible workplace
Why responsible workplace design matters
We’re pleased to report that one of the biggest changes we’ve seen in our industry in recent years is that socially and environmentally responsible office design is now viewed as a necessity and no longer just a nice to have.
Businesses have recognised that they have a unique responsibility to help protect the planet by promoting sustainable culture while also supporting the wellbeing of their people in the workplace.
The great news for companies that do adopt a socially and environmentally responsible approach is that they can look forward to enjoying possible benefits such as:
- Improved brand reputation
- Better employee and customer engagement
- Increased staff productivity and creativity
- Reduction in sickness and absenteeism
- Enhanced ability to attract and retain top talent
- Reduced operating costs
- Increased energy efficiency
- Improved resilience in the event of future COVID-19 outbreaks
The only downside is that there is no silver bullet when it comes to achieving a workplace that truly reflects the ethical and sustainable values of your employees and customers.
A holistic approach that impacts everything including space planning, materials, services, business processes and travel is key.
But don’t let that put you off. The results will be well worth the effort.
Here are 8 aspects of socially and environmentally responsible design that are sure to have as positive an impact on the environment as they do on the health and happiness of your employees.
1. Reuse, recycle, upcycle
Transforming your workplace doesn’t have to mean out with the old and in with the new.
When designing your space, you can take a responsible, low-waste approach by incorporating features from your old scheme that are still fit-for-purpose and will continue to serve you into your new design.
Furniture is an excellent example of an element that can be reused. By arranging it in different configurations and mixing in new pieces you can not only achieve a different look and feel but you can also completely change the way that people use and move around the space. Upcycling items and materials that have already served their original purpose is also a highly sustainable option.
With a little imagination and creativity, anything from reclaimed wood and scrap metal to salvaged furniture, lighting and storage solutions can be transformed into a unique new addition to your space.
2. Invest in the circular economy
One thing we love about sustainable workplace design is the opportunity it gives us to discover ways that innovative designers and manufacturers are disrupting the linear economic model in favour of a circular approach that addresses the issue of waste in our society.
Many have come up with fascinating ways to turn waste products such as plastic, metal, glass, ceramics, paper and even unwanted seashells into beautiful, non-toxic and infinitely recyclable raw design materials that are kind to the planet and our bodies.
Check out our recent Insight on 7 beautiful and sustainable design materials made from waste products to learn about some of our favourites.
3. Choose local
If you’re serious about minimising your carbon footprint, it’s important to consider where your design materials come from.
Favouring local suppliers and manufacturers will help to minimise carbon emissions from transporting your goods while supporting your local economy and reducing shipping time and costs.
4. Change up the daily commute
Travel to and from the office is an area where smart businesses can make some serious sustainability and wellbeing gains.
Why not try:
- Offering a government-backed Cycle-to-Work scheme as well as adequate bicycle storage to encourage staff to ditch the car and public transport in favour of a healthier and more environmentally friendly means of travel
- Adopting a hybrid working model that would reduce carbon emissions by allowing staff to cut back on the number of times they commute to the office every week
- Relocating to a regional hub that’s closer to where employees live, giving them the option to use healthier, greener modes of transport such as cycling or walking
- Implementing technology solutions like video conferencing to reduce carbon emissions from travel to and from meetings
5. Reduce waste
- There are plenty of opportunities to care for the environment by promoting a zero-waste culture in the workplace. Here are some worth considering:
- Adopt a rigorous sustainable printing policy or go completely paperless
- Provide visible and accessible recycling stations that make it easy for people to separate their waste
- Set incentivised targets and consistently monitor and report on your office recycling programs
- Declare the kitchen a plastic-free zone - provide reusable crockery and cutlery and filtered water so staff don’t feel the need to buy plastic bottles
- Promote litter-less lunches
6. Energy usage
A workplace transformation project provides an excellent opportunity to reduce the amount of carbon emitted as a result of your day-to-day operations by designing for maximum energy efficiency.
Making the most of the natural light and fresh air available in the space as well as adding adequate insulation will enable you to be less reliant on carbon emitting lighting, heating and ventilation systems.
What’s more, focusing on natural resources and ensuring optimum thermal comfort levels is a great way to support staff wellbeing.
7. Design with longevity in mind
Much of sustainable office design is about planning for multiple futures.
Yes, businesses are always changing and it’s impossible to perfectly predict what your needs will be a few years down the line. But it’s still important to keep one eye on the future when designing your space to avoid having to rip out your fit out and start again should your requirements change.
A responsible approach that will help to avoid generating waste in future would be to adopt an agile working culture that makes way for flexible, multifunctional spaces which can easily be adapted as your business evolves.
This will ensue that your workplace can remain fit for purpose in the long-term and will help to minimise your future impact on the environment.
8. Bring the outdoors in
We know we’ve already waxed lyrical about the benefits of biophilic office design but incorporating nature into your space really is one of the most effective ways to create a happy, healthy and sustainable workplace.
Check out our Insight on why biophilic office design should be part of your return-to-the-workplace strategy to discover why.
We hope these suggestions have given you some ideas for how you could go about creating a socially and environmentally responsible workplace.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, visit our Sustainability & Wellbeing service page or get in touch and let’s talk it through.
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