How to create a sustainable workplace strategy and design

In today’s workplace landscape, sustainability has evolved far beyond a simple commitment to recycling or reducing waste. It is now recognised as a comprehensive approach that touches every aspect of how organisations operate and thrive.

Sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern; it must be embedded into the core of workplace strategy. From the design of physical spaces to the culture and behaviours that drive daily operations, a truly sustainable workplace does more than pay lip service to the idea – it lives and breathes it.

In this article, we’ll explore how to prioritise sustainability within your workplace strategy, integrate it holistically, and understand the clear link between a sustainable environment and the wellbeing of employees.

Not only do customers and employees expect companies to prioritise sustainability, but stakeholders and shareholders regard it as a marker of long-term success. In fact, a study of 2,000 UK office workers found that 65% are more likely to work for a company with a strong environmental policy (1). This growing demand underscores the need for businesses to fully embed sustainability into their core strategies.

As we face a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, sustainability offers businesses a key to maintaining resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that disruptions are inevitable, and companies must be prepared to adapt. By integrating sustainability into workplace strategies, organisations can future-proof themselves, ensuring they are agile enough to navigate change and withstand challenges.

The shift to hybrid working (2) has already prompted organisations to rethink their space needs – do we really need all this office space?  We’ve supported a number of our clients in the reduction of their office footprint, enabling them to become more sustainable, and save money and resources in the process. However, this is just one aspect of a broader approach. True sustainability requires a holistic mindset, encompassing everything from environmental policies to company culture and values.

Additionally, we are seeing a growing trend where businesses are moving into newer, greener buildings. Modern buildings, designed with sustainability in mind, are not only energy-efficient but often feature cutting-edge technologies and materials that reduce their environmental footprint. For organisations with older office buildings, upgrading to greener spaces can significantly contribute to their sustainability goals.

Finally, the measurement of scope 3 emissions (3), which include all the carbon generated in an organisation’s supply chain, must be considered. For businesses, this means the carbon generated through commuting, business travel, and even working from home. While many companies focus on reducing emissions tied to office operations, it’s critical to address the broader impact of non-office carbon, particularly as hybrid work arrangements have become more commonplace.

Ultimately, sustainability strengthens brand reputation, fosters employee retention, and aligns the organisation with the values of its people. Incorporating it into workplace strategy not only meets external expectations but also ensures businesses are equipped to thrive in a constantly evolving landscape. It’s a necessary step for building resilience and staying competitive.

To create a lasting impact, sustainability needs to be woven into your everyday processes. Here are some key steps to help you do that:

• Assess your current position: Start by reviewing your current sustainability efforts. Identify strengths and areas that need improvement to guide your strategy – do we have buildings we don’t use effectively? Are our buildings BREEAM certified? (4)
• Set clear targets: Establish specific and measurable goals, based on where you’re at now and where you want to be in the future, to give your initiatives focus and purpose. Examples include reducing carbon emissions or improving energy efficiency.
• Build a sustainability culture: Creating a culture of sustainability is crucial (5). Ensure employees understand the vision and how their actions contribute to it. Collective action drives success, so make sustainability a core part of your organisation’s values and daily behaviours. (6)
• Engage stakeholders: Involve your people in your organisation’s sustainability efforts. Inviting them to contribute ideas and participate in initiatives will foster commitment and ownership, and help embed sustainability across the business.
• Educate and train employees: Provide training and resources that help people understand their role in sustainability efforts. Such efforts can increase awareness and empower employees to take action.
• Monitor and evaluate progress: Continuously track progress and adjust strategies where necessary to stay on course toward achieving your sustainability objectives.

Sustainability and employee wellbeing are deeply interconnected. Sustainable initiatives, like promoting and incentivising eco-friendly commuting options – such as cycling to work and providing safe bike storage – can help employees achieve a healthier work-life balance, which positively impacts their mental health. Similarly, flexible work arrangements, which allow employees more control over their schedules, are shown to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Sustainable workplaces are also designed with physical health in mind. By improving air quality, maximising natural light, and incorporating ergonomic designs, these environments directly enhance employee physical wellbeing. In addition, AWA’s Cognitive Fitness Guide highlights the importance of biophilia – the human connection to nature (7). In the office, this can be as simple as incorporating plants or ensuring employees have views of natural surroundings. The studies explored in this guide show that indoor plants or office window views are associated with lower stress levels and higher overall wellbeing.

Furthermore, when sustainability is embedded in an organisation’s core, employees often feel a stronger sense of engagement and purpose. Employees in companies committed to sustainability frequently feel more aligned with the organisation’s values, fostering a greater sense of fulfilment. This alignment can boost job satisfaction and happiness, reinforcing the vital link between sustainability and employee wellbeing.

Incorporating sustainability into your workplace strategy is not only crucial for building resilience, but it also enhances employee wellbeing and aligns your organisation with future demands. From creating healthier work environments to fostering a sense of purpose and engagement, sustainability impacts every aspect of the workplace.

By embedding it into your core strategy, you can drive long-term success while supporting your employees’ physical and mental health. If you want to learn more about how to integrate sustainability into your workplace design and strategy, get in touch with our team today.

Why is sustainability important for workplace strategy?

Sustainability ensures long-term organisational resilience and creates healthier work environments, enhancing employee wellbeing and satisfaction.

How does sustainability impact employee wellbeing?

Sustainable workplaces promote mental and physical health through initiatives like flexible work, greener commuting, improved air quality, natural light, and biophilic design.

How can my organisation start embedding sustainability into our strategy?

Begin by assessing your current practices, setting clear sustainability goals, building a sustainability-focused culture, and engaging people in ongoing efforts.