Beyond.com, Inc., the world’s largest network of specialty career communities, recently polled business professionals throughout its network of more than 15,000 sites to gauge how important it is for professionals to find an environmentally-friendly workplace for their next job.
More than 5,500 Beyond.com Network visitors responded to the recent poll question:
“How important is finding an environmentally-aware workplace for your next job?”
- 16% - required for my next job
- 19% - a deciding factor between two similar jobs
- 44% - nice to have, but not a real deciding factor
- 21% - not something I am actively looking for
The results of Beyond.com’s poll indicate having an environmentally-friendly workplace is becoming more than just a trend. Companies that make the decision to invest time, money and resources to “go green” are not only helping the earth, but are also attracting a number of potential employees who consider a green workplace a requirement or deciding factor for their next job.
Below are some helpful tips on how businesses can create an environmentally-friendly workplace and motivate employees to participate in company-sponsored “green” initiatives:
- Get Employees Excited – Create an internal “green team” to help develop and promote environmentally-friendly initiatives throughout the company.
- Promote Recycling – Place recycle bins in high-traffic areas, such as copy or lunch rooms, to promote recycling of paper, plastics, bottles and cans.
- Save Energy – Optimize energy settings on all company computers, and encourage employees to turn off their computers and office lights when they leave work.
- Encourage Carpooling – Encourage employees to take alternative methods of transportation (public transportation, bike riding) or organize an internal carpool. Employers can also invest in technology that enables their employees to telecommute.
- Track and Promote Company Progress –Track new initiatives and join an association or online community that generates new ideas and provides ways to measure green efforts. Promote your eco-friendly initiatives on your website, in collateral and when posting your next job.
Beyond.com was named to Inc. Magazine’s prestigious ‘Inc. 500’ list of the fastest growing private companies in 2007 and is a Safeguard Scientifics (NYSE: SFE) partner company.
