Top 10 Socially Responsible Recognition Initiatives June 11, 2009
Roy Saunderson
By Roy Saunderson
Do we recognize the socially responsible actions of our employees? Are we encouraging them to act in an eco-friendly manner? We should. The recognized business reporting methodology of “triple bottom line” of “people, planet, and profit” examines the social and environmental impact that business has, along with financial returns. It is fast becoming the accepted way for businesses to demonstrate strategies for long-term sustainable growth. Here are the top 10 socially responsible recognition initiatives.
1. Employees need sustainable recognition. Research from Dr. Jean-Pierre Brun of the University of Laval, in Quebec City, shows that lack of recognition is the second-highest cause of workplace stress. Be consistent in recognizing your people for a healthy workplace.
2. Give back to the community in which your business is located. Sponsor community blood drives or donate to local food banks to sustain the people in your area—through your people at work.
3. Organize a community clean-up. Target a nearby park as your project and encourage employee involvement by adding a fun hot dog cookout and old-fashioned games for the entire day.
4. Erase your company’s ecological footprint. Examine all areas from sourcing raw materials, to production processes, to shipping and administration and make quality improvements. Get everyone involved, through a recycling coordinator or an eco-task force.
5. Begin your company-wide recycling program. Create realistic recycling policies and procedures and communicate them to your employees at a kickoff party. Explain trash separation procedures when you distribute recycling bins.
6. Reusing materials can save money. Rather than offering paper cups at a water dispenser, encourage the use of reusable glasses and containers. Give a reusable drinking container (proudly stamped with your company’s logo) to every employee whose reusable-suggestion is implemented.
7. Request strongly that your suppliers use less packaging. Get your suppliers aboard with your initiatives. You can also ban toxic items from your production line and reuse your own waste, such as corrugated cardboard.
8. Encourage volunteerism in your entire workforce. Provide a “help board” for posting upcoming nonprofit events and community needs. Offer employees one or two paid days a year to volunteer for a good cause at their children’s school or at nonprofit causes.
9. 93 percent of all office waste is paper. Mandate that all paper products be recycled and reduce your waste bill by as much as 50 percent. Set up appropriate recycling programs in high-volume-producing areas like administrative offices, food service areas, and public areas.
10. Make only an “honest and healthy” profit. Never make money at the expense of your people or the planet. Senior management support is essential for making triple bottom line methodology and reporting a sustainable solution.
Incentive online columnist Roy Saunderson, author of Giving the Real Recognition Way, is president of Recognition Management Institute, www.realrecognition.com, which consults with companies on improving employee motivation, leading to increased productivity and profits. He can be reached at roysaunderson@realrecognition.com.
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