As the climate continues to change around the world, people are becoming more aware of the impact that their actions have on the environment. The main culprit behind rising levels of greenhouse gases isn’t families, however. The blame lies largely with the corporate world.

In fact, just 100 companies are responsible for over 70% of emissions, making sustainability a top priority for many companies. What’s more, green practices not only help to reduce a business’s carbon footprint but can also motivate employees.

Here are a couple of ways to improve employee satisfaction and engagement through team building exercises that revolve around sustainability.

Have Dinner at a Local Establishment

Taking employees out to dinner shows them that their company values their hard work, making teams more likely to put their best foot forward for future. Not only that, but it can bring a department closer together. If there’s one thing that all of us have in common, it’s a passion for good cuisine. A company dinner gives employees the chance to relax, enjoy themselves, and connect in an environment that’s outside of the sometimes restrictive office setting.

Instead of ordering a pizza or heading to a major food chain for a company dinner, though, why not try a local mom and pop food stop?

Eating locally helps to cut back on emissions from transporting and storing food. What’s more, many establishments buy their ingredients locally, helping to support farmers in a given area.

It’s a good idea to look for restaurants that use organic meats and produce. Organic farming cuts back on the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides that harm critical insect populations. Not only that but the chemical runoff can make its way into lakes and rivers, killing off local wildlife and posing a hazard to clean drinking water.

Organize Charity Events

Participating in charitable functions is beneficial both on a societal and a personal level. Employees who donate their time to the less fortunate tend to have greater life satisfaction, and those who work for charitable corporations tend to be more engaged at their job. Even something as simple as donating to a charity can have a positive effect.

Team building exercises that incorporate a charitable aspect benefit not only employees but also society as a whole. Instead of bonding over office doughnuts or a Wii tournament, employees can connect through their shared interest in humanity. Companies have endless options when it comes to green charity, including:

• Planting trees and flowers for local establishments
• Helping out at farm suppliers
• Roadside cleanup
• Group recycling goals
• Donation

Greenscape The Workplace

Greenscaping is a relatively new concept that centers around eco-friendly plant design.

While the trend is mostly reserved for gardens, it can be used indoors as well. Companies can challenge their employees to “greenscape” their workplace, using prizes as motivation. A friendly intra-office competition can help to keep employees interested, motivated, and engaged with their co-workers.

Team building is a crucial part of any business, helping to make close-knit departments more effective and more efficient. Companies that are embracing sustainability efforts can become even greener by incorporating environmentally friendly philosophies into their team building efforts. With sustainable practices, companies can not only play their part to reduce carbon emissions but also improve their bottom line and attract a broader customer base.

© New To HR