The Connection Between Employee Happiness and Sustainability in the Workplace

Creating a sustainable workplace is not just about reducing environmental impact; it is also about creating a workplace that supports employee well-being and happiness. When employees are happy, they are more engaged, productive, and committed to their work. This, in turn, can lead to increased profitability and success for the company. Moreover, a happy and healthy workforce is essential for achieving long-term sustainability.

Here are some ways in which employee happiness and sustainability are connected:

Health and wellness programmes

Sustainable workplaces often prioritise health and wellness programmes that encourage physical activity, healthy eating, and stress reduction. Such programmes can lead to a healthier workforce, lower healthcare costs, and improved productivity. Additionally, promoting healthy habits can reduce absenteeism and increase job satisfaction, resulting in happier employees.

Work-life balance

Sustainable workplaces also recognize the importance of work-life balance. They provide employees with flexible working hours, remote work options, and other benefits that allow them to balance work and personal responsibilities. This helps reduce stress and burnout, leading to more motivated and productive employees.

Purpose-driven work

Employees are more likely to be happy and engaged when they feel that their work is meaningful and aligned with their values. Sustainable workplaces often prioritise purpose-driven work by promoting social and environmental responsibility. This can create a sense of pride and fulfilment among employees, resulting in higher job satisfaction and retention.

Positive workplace culture

Sustainable workplaces prioritise positive workplace culture by promoting collaboration, respect, and inclusivity. A positive workplace culture can foster a sense of belonging and support among employees, resulting in a happier and more productive workforce.

Walking the Walk

In order to fully embed sustainable practices into your organisation employees, especially Gen Z and Millennial talent, are looking for companies that walk the walk. By introducing schemes like PLANTS + PERKS, employees can be rewarded for their commitment to reducing their impact as well as fostering a sense of employee wellbeing and increased engagement.