Green Incentives for Employees: Ways Businesses Can Encourage Employees to Be More Eco-Friendly

Although many people are being more eco-conscious in their day-to-day lives, businesses that offer their employees green incentives can spur them to take their commitment to a new level. It has its advantages for both the business and the employees. Certain green incentives promote eco-friendly living and act as a morale booster in the company, but it can also save the business quite a bit of money.

Paid Volunteer Day

Some employees may find it difficult to devote an entire Saturday or Sunday to volunteering, especially if they have kids. Your company can regulate one day a month where every employee gets a paid day off work only if they use that time to participate in volunteering instead. There are many volunteer opportunities including fixing up a community garden or picking up trash on a beach.

Public Transportation Discounts

Offer employees partial refunds on their commuting expenses if they take public transportation. They can turn in their ticket stubs or receipts and receive a percentage back from the company. It'll encourage employees to take public transportation, which helps reduce air pollution and traffic in the area.

Bike Bonus

If employees would rather ride their bikes to work than take public transportation, offer them a bonus for doing so. One option is to give them a percentage back after they purchase their bike. Another option is to give them a bonus if they ride their bike to work a certain number of days per year. It promotes green transportation as well as healthy living.

Eliminate the Paper and Styrofoam Cups

Some businesses go through a huge amount of styrofoam and paper cups, which not only creates a large amount of waste but also costs the company quite a bit of money. Encourage employees to be more eco-friendly by giving each one a biodegradable tumbler. It looks just like the cups they may get from the kitchen area or coffee shop every day except that it's made from a reusable material. Positive Promotions allows for a bulk purchase of the cup and there's an option to have custom printing put on the side.

Give Green Rewards

If you are a company that rewards employees with small gifts for doing an excellent job, consider giving green rewards. In addition to boosting employee morale, it promotes the use of green products and businesses and allows the company to thank its employees for their hard work. Some options include a gift certificate to a green spa, a trip to an eco-friendly resort and dinner at a nearby organic restaurant.

Give Rebates for Solar Chargers

From cameras to cell phones, many employees charge their gadgets at the office. Encourage employees to purchase portable solar chargers by giving them a certain percentage back when they purchase one. The chargers will reduce the amount of electricity used in the office as well as at their homes. Not all are expensive; there are quite a few inexpensive options as well.

In addition to giving incentives, businesses can also do their part in being more green. Encourage all employees to unplug any electronics that aren't being used and turn off any lights when there's no one in the room. Serve organic and fair trade coffee and offer eco-friendly snacks. Purchase recycled paper products, but encourage as little paper use as possible. The more businesses that encourage green practices, the more people may take their experiences into their own homes.

Sources:

Positive Promotions