Communicating with your team

Here, you can discover some pointers to communicate effectively with your team.

1. Make it about more than the environment

Not everyone is interested in tonnes of carbon or litres of water.  Engage your team on the social side of sustainability to bring them into the conversation. Link it to what the company does and the values you stand for.

For example - "It’s easy to think sustainability is just about recycling or reducing energy use, but it’s more than that. It's about how we treat our suppliers, how we ensure safe working conditions and how we look after each other’s well-being’’.

2. Make it positive and easy to engage with

Too much of the conversation about sustainability is full of jargon and negativity. But sustainability is about shaping a better future, so communicate the opportunity.

Try to use plain language with references to practical ideas from around your own business and remember to keep it positive. The opportunities for the future of your business are a more positive place to start than the damage that has been done to the planet in the past. So, acknowledge and celebrate even small achievements in sustainability.

For example - "Last year, we didn’t just reduce waste; we also partnered with a local charity to support our community. It was a win for both the environment and the people around and among us."

3. Involve them

Many employees have lots of ideas about sustainability and are more interested than it may seem. Provide the opportunity for them to share ideas by giving them time and budget to bring those ideas to life. It will also be different for different roles so make it relevant to HR or finance or operations. Encourage employees to participate in local environmental projects or volunteer for sustainability causes.

For example - "So, how can we make our work more sustainable? Let’s think about how we collaborate, whether it is reducing waste, being more efficient with our energy use, or taking more care of our environment and our neighbourhood."

4. Lead by example

Show you mean it and that you do what you say.  Others will follow your lead when you have credible stories to tell. 

For example: "And remember, I’m committed to our sustainability strategy in a practical way. You will see me taking action too, whether it’s cutting back on paper, using my keep cup, driving less or supporting your ideas.“ or "Together, we can create a workplace that’s not only good for business but great for people and the environment.”

Try and have an engaging and positive tone to invite employees into the sustainability conversation. Sustainability won’t happen without your team and their involvement.