20 May Youth Values in Sustainable Culture
With the workforce consisting of more millennials these days, and with Generation Z entering the workforce, it’s clear that we need to change workplace culture in order to fit in the goals, values, and motivations of the youngest generation of workers.
Let’s look past the stereotype of millennial workers, beyond seeing them as entitled or unable to commit and settle down, and instead focus on what they can teach the rest of us. They value freedom, but also need a lot of trust, and this longer leash that they need is something that older workers need to adapt to, as remote working is increasingly a mode that organizations are adopting. However, what younger workers value, and a recurring theme that often pops up in surveys aimed at the younger generations, is that they seek meaningful work, one that has a social impact beyond that of the workplace, and beyond simple productivity and profit.
Given the way man’s technological progress has significantly altered the Earth’s climate, and not for the better either, these particular values that our younger workers have adopted are ones that’ll be beneficial for the world in the years to come. Creating a culture that commits to sustainability will not only improve engagement among the youngest generation of workers, but also include the older generations of workers into environmentally friendly initiatives.
Making decisions with the purpose of pursuing sustainability requires the foresight to look into the world’s future needs as well as the courage to act beyond short term interests, and it is in displaying this valor that companies can begin to make an impact to the world around them. Some of your workers might already be mindful of how their behaviors and choices have an impact on their environment. Others might need training on how to implement eco-friendly actions into their daily work routines.
Changing your behaviors to make your culture more sustainable can have an impact not just on your carbon footprint, but also on your finances. A way to reduce your carbon footprint as well as save money, is to utilize existing technology and spread project materials digitally is instead of printing out tons of easily misplaced paper reports and making it easier for your people to store content.
Additionally, it is important to recognize what rituals are necessary and should be retained, and which should be modified slightly to represent your company’s values. In-person meetings have always been an unquestionable part of a project’s progression. However, the technology that allows for virtual meetings to take place exists, and would not only be more convenient but also reduce carbon costs of a potential commute.
When it comes to making workplaces more sustainable, it’s hard to see visible progress. However, having a system of sustainable goal setting will not only make it easier to know where you stand, but also provide room for healthy competition among your people on who can be the most ‘green’. By implementing behaviors, symbols, and systems to build a culture of sustainability, leaders show to their workers what is needed to create a better future, and will give rise to a future generation of leader who’ll take the higher road of pursuing sustainability, hand-in-hand with productivity.
References:
https://www.wework.com/creator/how-to-guides/create-environmentally-friendly-office/
https://hbr.org/2014/11/being-happy-at-work-matters?referral=03759&cm_vc=rr_item_page.bottom
No Comments