Employee education and increasing awareness on sustainability issues

Due to the significant impact that humans have on the environment, there is a need for us to take sustainable steps and initiate sustainable solutions at various levels - from the government to individuals. Businesses also bear a significant responsibility in this regard. While many companies have introduced various environmental management systems, such as ISO 14001, and implemented ESG strategies in their operations, it is not enough to fully realize the productivity and performance advantages of this approach. Therefore, an important requirement for successful environmental management is to establish a robust environmental education and awareness training program. This program should equip employees at all levels of the organization with the knowledge and skills to act in an environmentally conscious manner and make responsible decisions concerning the environment.?

By providing employee education and fostering awareness of sustainability issues, businesses can transform their employees into ambassadors of positive change.?

Importance and challenges of Employee Education?

Employee education is crucial in the realm of sustainability, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Organizations must continuously provide education and updates to keep employees informed about new sustainability practices, emerging technologies, and industry trends. This can be achieved through regular communication channels and dedicated sustainability platforms. By educating employees on sustainability, organizations enable them to understand the importance of sustainable practices and their role in contributing to a greener and more socially responsible organization. Topics covered may include reducing CO2, Ethical and transparent business development, energy conservation, waste reduction, sustainable procurement, innovation, and safety.? Investing in employee education yields benefits such as improved engagement, enhanced corporate reputation, cost savings, compliance with regulations, innovation, and positive impacts on the environment and communities. However, challenges such as limited resources, scaling efforts, balancing priorities, and overcoming ingrained habits and mindsets may arise. Organizations can overcome these challenges by implementing strategies that integrate sustainability education into employees' work and organizing initiatives that make education fun, useful, and valuable in their lives.??

Integre Trans understands and recognizes the value of enhancing employee education and awareness, dedicating significant time and effort to these matters. They strive to achieve this goal in an engaging manner by employing methods such as gamification, competitions, and other social initiatives.?

Integre Trans is changing employees' habits through active sustainability??

Integre Trans is transforming employee habits through proactive sustainability measures. A significant portion of our social initiatives is dedicated to sustainability, focusing on key ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) topics. We educate our employees through expert articles, and messages on the Yammer channel, sharing useful links, and providing information in the "Sustainability" section of our newsletter. Additionally, we conduct training sessions on meditation, emotional intelligence, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and more.?

Reducing CO2 Initiatives?

To promote CO2 reduction, we organize various initiatives throughout the year. Firstly, we host a six-month-long cycling challenge and a three-month-long walking challenge, encouraging employees to opt for greener transportation alternatives instead of conventional modes. Furthermore, we dedicate a week each year to going car-free, motivating employees to commute by bicycles, electric scooters, public transportation, or by walking.?

In our commitment to environmentally friendly transportation, we invest in hybrid vehicles that serve as work tools for our employees, encouraging them to choose eco-friendly means of travel.?

One of our most significant annual initiatives is the Tree Planting Initiative, which brings together employees and their families. In 2022, 50 employees with their families joined forces and planted 7700?trees in Var?na forests. In 2023, we aimed even higher, with 80 employees and their families successfully planting 11 000 trees in Var?na forests.?

Think Sustainable Initiatives?

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we prioritize the well-being of our employees. We actively encourage them to engage in physical activities by participating in marathons in Vilnius and Kaunas, as well as endurance races like the Alfa Run. To support their endeavors, we provide them with complete sports attire.?

Every month, we dedicate a day to social or governance topics, with a primary focus on enhancing employee well-being at work. On these days, we promote activities such as waste sorting and movement exercises. We also organize dance lessons, inviting employees to learn new dance steps. Additionally, we observe World Health Day by educating people about healthy eating habits through guest speakers, including representatives from the supported organization POLA, who discuss the benefits of physical activity and nutritious diets.?

To stimulate awareness, we host brain battles lasting up to six months. During the season, we include specific sustainability-related topics in the questionnaires, aiming to increase consciousness among participants.?

Through these sustainable initiatives, we strive to create a healthy, engaged, and environmentally conscious work environment for our employees.

The benefits of CO2 reduction and sustainability initiatives are numerous and impactful.??

Over the years of implementing these initiatives, we have observed several advantages:?

• Environmental Impact: By promoting sustainable habits among employees, we can significantly reduce their ecological footprint. Encouraging practices such as eco-driving, energy conservation, waste reduction, and recycling contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.?
• Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: When employees perceive that the company operates with a broader perspective, focused on the environment and employee well-being, it fosters a sense of purpose and interest in engaging in sustainability activities. This increases employee engagement and satisfaction.?
• Collaboration and Team Building: Sustainability initiatives often require cross-functional collaboration and teamwork. Involving employees in these initiatives provides opportunities for individuals from different departments or teams to work together towards a common goal. This promotes teamwork, breaks down silos, and enhances communication and collaboration throughout the organization.?
• Talent Attraction and Retention: In today's competitive job market, many employees prioritize working for socially and environmentally responsible organizations. By actively promoting sustainability initiatives, we attract top talent who are passionate about making a positive impact. Furthermore, employees who are engaged in sustainability efforts are more likely to remain loyal to the organization, reducing employee turnover and associated costs.?

Overall, implementing CO2 reduction and sustainability initiatives yields far-reaching benefits for the environment, employee engagement, collaboration, and talent attraction, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and positive reputation of the organization.

Insights Corner ?

New Employee Dynamics: Transforming Success, Profitability, and Sustainability for Modern Companies?

In today's rapidly changing business landscape, companies are experiencing a shift in employee priorities. Beyond seeking financial success and profitability, candidates include sustainability as a priority item when making a decision to join another company. This new focus on holistic success is reshaping the dynamics of employee recruitment and forcing companies to adapt their strategies to attract and retain top talent.?

Potential employees are increasingly likely to apply for and accept jobs from companies they view as environmentally sustainable, according to a survey (April 18, 2022) from global technology and business services provider IBM. 35% of those who changed jobs last year, accepted a job with an employer they consider to be sustainable, while 34% accepted a role where they can directly influence sustainable outcomes.?

When candidates embark on a search for a new job, they typically consider several factors to ensure they find the right opportunity that aligns with their career goals, skills, and personal preferences. The generation is entering the workforce with a more self - care attitude and set of values and expectations. They prioritize purpose, work-life balance, and social responsibility over purely financial gains. As a result, these individuals are increasingly seeking out companies that align with their personal values and demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social impact.?

The evolving dynamics of new employees' priorities are transforming the way companies approach talent attraction, employee development,?recruitment, success, profitability, and sustainability. People are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of climate change on their quality of life, and it’s easy to see why a growing number of workers are searching for roles at companies that explicitly address these concerns. To thrive in this new era, organizations must adapt by embracing corporate social responsibility, creating a positive work culture, fostering innovation, and prioritizing continuous learning. By promoting environmentally conscious values, employee well-being conscious, and addressing their holistic needs, companies can attract and retain top talent, ultimately leading to long-term success, profitability, and sustainability in the modern business landscape.?