Written by: Wayne Elsey, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Given how much emphasis the modern world has placed on sustainability and eco-friendly practices in recent years, you might think that hiring an environmentally focused team staff with these values would be easy. After all, wouldn't anyone who cares about the environment want to work at an environmentally focused company?
Unfortunately, things aren't quite that simple. Even though green practices are more commonplace, not every person has those values as a primary driver. As such, if you hope to hire people willing to work for your company and its environmental aims, you have to give it some thought. However, it’s not impossible to hire and ensure sustainability in business.
Be Clear About Your Company’s Values
First and foremost, you must be clear about your company's values from the get-go. That means you shouldn’t hire anyone who doesn’t share your values. Likewise, you shouldn’t expect someone who doesn't share values about the environment to be enthusiastic about them after you hire them.
For example, if you want to hire a marketing team member who cares about the environment, you shouldn't wait to tell them this until they're on the job. Instead, you should make these expectations clear right from the start. It'll ensure that you hire people genuinely on board with the sustainability mission. That’ll make them excited about it from the word go.
Hire People Already Invested in the Cause
It may seem like a no-brainer but try to hire people already invested in the cause. Still, it can be a little trickier than it might seem, but it's not impossible. For example, if you want to hire people interested in renewable energy, attend conferences and networking events related to that field. At those events, you’ll meet prospective environmentally focused team members.
If you’d like to hire people already invested in the environment, you should make it as easy as possible for them to get in touch with you. For example, an employer with a clear and concise hiring page on its website makes it easy for candidates to get in touch with them. Likewise, providing instructions on applying for a job makes connecting those interested in working for a sustainably focused company easier.
Use Environmentally Friendly Practices During Recruitment
During recruitment, you should use environmentally friendly practices. For example, you can try to schedule interviews for later in the day or during off-peak hours to avoid traffic and pollution. Likewise, you can schedule interviews for times when your offices are less hectic and bustling with activity. This makes it easier for you to spot genuinely committed sustainability candidates.
You can reimburse people to travel to the interview via public transportation (e.g., New York City). Or suggest they go to the interview using an electric bike or scooter if they have one. Of course, to promote sustainability, you could also do something else. For example, interview them remotely rather than make them travel to your offices.
Offer Flexible Work Hours and Perks for Eco-Friendly Commuting
Of course, there are other approaches to encourage environmental practices. For instance, your company may consider offering flexible work hours and other perks for eco-friendly commuting. For example, you can allow employees to work remotely whenever possible or provide flexible schedules or remote work options.
You can also offer perks for eco-friendly commuting. So, think of a company-sponsored carpooling or ride-sharing program. Alternatively, if you have enough employees, you can offer free public transportation vouchers to avoid driving. You can also offer employees flexible hours and allow them to work remotely from home. It saves them time on their commute and reduces the pollution associated with travel.
Hire People Who Care About the Environment
Finally, you should hire people who genuinely care about the environment and want to work towards sustainable practices. In fact, you can probably rule out people who don't care about these things already. After all, if someone doesn't care about the environment, they likely won't get motivated to work towards sustainable practices.
As you know, you want to hire people genuinely excited to work for an environmentally focused company. You can attempt to screen for this during the interview process. For example, ask candidates about their environmental beliefs and practices. Likewise, you can check their social media for posts that expresses their commitment to sustainability.
It's Possible to Focus Hiring on the Environment
Hiring an environmentally focused team is possible. But it may take extra effort and screening. You can start by being clear about your company's values from the beginning. And screen out anyone who doesn't share them. Next, try to hire people already invested in the cause and offer perks for eco-friendly commuting. Finally, hire people who genuinely care about the environment. Consider hiring a specialized recruiter for the best results for an environmentally focused team. They can help you navigate the process and find the best candidates.
© 2022 Wayne Elsey. All Rights Reserved.
Wayne Elsey, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Wayne Elsey is the founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises. Among his independent brands, he is also the founder and CEO of Funds2Orgs. This social enterprise helps nonprofits, schools, churches, civic groups, individuals, and others raise funds while helping to support micro-enterprise (small business) opportunities in developing nations and the environment.
