Posted on Thu, May 27, 2010 @ 12:36 PM
How Can HR Help a Company Go Green?
IntegrityHR has recently implemented many "green" business practices. This got me wondering what others were doing. I was talking to a group of fellow HR professionals over coffee the other day and the topic of "going green" came up. We all wanted to do our share to help our respective businesses cut energy costs, initiate recycling programs, and reduce waste. The question we all asked was how could we implement green initiatives without breaking the bank? I did a little research and found that HR folks can help their companies go green and save money while saving the environment!
By the way, did you know that going green can be a way to increase employee motivation? Many employees feel much better about where they work when they know their company is taking positive environmental steps, especially when they can be actively involved.
Here are some easy - and inexpensive - tips to make your workplace not only more environmentally friendly, but also more employee friendly.
Use Energy-Saving Techniques - Set thermostats on 70 degrees and keep them there all year long. Moving the thermostat up and down to accommodate hot and cold employees will only add to your energy costs. You can relax your dress code policy and encourage employees to bring a sweater for colder days as well as dress lighter in the warmer months. You can also do things like purchase only energy star-rated light bulbs, ask employees to turn off the lights in their offices if they will be gone for an extended period of time, and turn all equipment off at the power strip at the end of the day.
Use Less Paper - Ask employees to only print what is absolutely necessary and store files on their desktop. Create an intranet (internal file system) that only employees can view and store all employee handbooks, policies and important documents electronically. This will save on ink and paper costs and allow you to make updates more easily.
Use Reusable Office Supplies - If possible, refill printer ink cartridges (there are many services which will do this for you), which can cut the cost of ordering a new one in half. Order only refillable mechanical pencils and ink pens. In addition, purchase only recycled paper and envelopes.
Use Real Coffee Cups - Instead of buying paper, plastic or styrofoam coffee cups, plates and utensils, use dinnerware that can be washed and reused. Consider providing filtered drinking water to cut down on the waste of plastic water bottles. Use only recycled paper towels and napkins. Some companies provide employees with reusable lunch bags with the company logo on them to reduce the waste of paper lunch bags.
Use Incentives - Institute an incentive or bonus program for employees who carpool to work. You may also consider a contest for employees to come up with green initiatives for the workplace and award prizes to the winners. Make sure to implement their ideas - Check out this page for more about management using compensation incentives.
Every workplace can be a green workplace - or at least a little bit better than it is now. It just takes a little effort and creativity. What is your employer doing to reduce its impact on the environment? Leave us a comment below and tell us!
--
Help Integrity HR Spread the Word!
Use our blog as a resource - http://integrityhr.com/blog
Stay on top of of your organization by subscribing to our blog via email or RSS to the left. If you would like to Contact Us about any of the concepts in the above blog posting please call 502.753.0970.
Before You Go, Leave Your Feedback and Comments Below!
Posted on Wed, May 19, 2010 @ 01:53 PM
It's Time For Summer Clothes - Did your Employee Handbook Address This?
I admit it unashamedly -- I love clothes. And I especially love summer clothes. The bright colors, the light textures and the flowing fabrics that call for sunshine, long walks, and drinks on the deck. However, I also work. Since it's unlikely that I'll be spending my summer lounging in a coastal Italian villa, it's important to remind myself that at least part of my summer wardrobe must be able to acclimate to the dress code policy of my workplace, which is hopefully in the employee handbook.
This begs the often asked question as the days turn hot and hazy, "What is an appropriate summer dress code?" In short answer, that depends on the workplace. However, maintaining some general human resources guidelines in establishing a dress code policy can help keep everyone cool as the temperature rises.
What To Do?
First, employers should communicate the goal and intent for the summer dress code to help prevent human resources problems. Is it to combat heat and humidity in the work environment, to make employees more comfortable, to allow for some summer whimsy, or a combination of all? Regardless of the approach, employers should make it clear that all employees are representatives of the company, and that they should always dress and behave as such.
Second, don't fall back on the "use common sense" argument. Without specifications to the dress code policy, employees will rely on previous experience in other work settings to determine what is appropriate. The same policy may not apply to your workplace.
The summer dress code should have definite parameters, and should supply specifics regarding what is not acceptable. For example, are shorts or capris acceptable, or shirts without collars? In a more formal environment, can employee's forgo ties or jackets? Be certain to give quantified guidelines if summer clothing has posed a problem --- dress and top straps must be three fingers wide, for example, or that sleeves are required on all summer clothing. Are t-shirts ever allowed? If you've experienced HR issues, then you probably need to update your employee handbook to address this?
Also, be sure to keep employee safety in mind when it comes to allowing sandals and open toed shoes. The key to remember is that if employers don't communicate the details of what is permitted, employees simply won't know. (Trust me -- no one wants to revisit Meredith's strapless mini dress on "The Office".) Not only can this affect the professional atmosphere of the workplace, miscommunication can also embarrass the employee who makes a fashion misstep.
Poor Dress is a Policy Violation
Third, your dress code policy needs to state the consequences for failing to adhere to the dress code, and it must be applied equally to all employees. If there are special events or circumstances that would alter the dress code, your policy should also state this and that employees will be advised accordingly. Additionally, something a lot of employers forget to address in their employee handbook is that if Friday has typically been a "dress down day", you need to address if this applies during the summer season and, if so, what is permitted for these days.
Finally, employees should know who to ask if they still have questions about what is appropriate. In turn, you need to make sure that all supervisors and managers understand the dress code and can communicate it and enforce it properly and professionally.
What's your company's dress code like? Do you have dress down days? Are you allowed to wear sandals in the warmer months? Tell us below!
--
Help Integrity HR Spread the Word!
Use our blog as a resource - http://integrityhr.com/blog
Stay on top of of your organization by subscribing to our blog via email or RSS to the left. If you would like to Contact Us about any of the concepts in the above blog posting please call 502.753.0970.
Before You Go, Leave Your Feedback and Comments Below!