Human Resources

The employees that make up the firm, the activities relating to the firm, and anything that encompasses essentially the human-pulse of the firm passes through human resources at one point in time or another. This provides a tremendous opportunity to interact with not only each person face to face, but also set an environmental tone throughout the office. Enacting policies of sustainability is one thing, but to promote it one on one gives it a personal characteristic which cannot be ignored. Here are a few ways in which sustainability can migrate through your hands:

	An unparalleled opportunity!
	you are one on one - face to face with a future employee of the firm as you're going through the hiring process. You have their undivided attention. This opportunity provides you the ability to express the level of importance that a company policy has, and the benefits of that policy to the employee. We're not just talking about 401K , Parking Pass, and healthcare, we're talking about a larger picture of a firm-wide dedication on bettering the community and the larger planet not seen by actions everyone takes. This is recycling, community involvement, employee health through company choices, etc. What does this do? This sets up a level of respect beyond "the corporation." Even if the employee is the furthest from participation in any of the activities or values mentioned, It's an extra level of dedication and service the firm has (also towards him or her) which may be unique from their previous employments and does contribute to added respect - far more potent than a company-logo engraved pen. Any question he or she may have can also be answered here - a one on one learning / teaching opportunity.

	Wielding your powerful sword! - your impact on creative delegation
	Like the example we portrayed in the front about the toothbrushes and batteries, here's a good way to use that sword. Apply the principle of bulk-power for a common-good. It takes no effort to have a box placed in the office supply area for household recyclables. Batteries, cellphones, chords, accessories, and anything that is taken by the local recycling station. Generally these items are collected at office supply stores and the money oftentimes does go to charity. Office Depot and HP rolled out their in-store Electronics Recycling Program in 2004. Since then, other stores got the hint and are now offering drop off locations for everything old cell-phones, chargers, batteries, old ink cartridges and toner, etc (check store for items). One major drop-off of everyone's old things versus individual trips to the store (if at all). Why would HR do this for their employees and company when it may not have anything to do with the company? It's in the best interest of the firm to engage its employees on a level that's beyond its bottom line. Why? Because the employees respond in kind - engaging in the firm. Besides, it is good for the environment.

	You're creating the theme - others will follow!
	Very few in the firm understand the company's policies and guidelines as you. Your actions and direction will be followed by many for the sake of maintaining comfort in the notion that they are within corporate guidelines. You're also a symbolic company cheer-leader. Because you create the themes and organization of activities, gatherings, parties, and major meetings, others look to you for your initial steps, your mobilization, your words. Again, you have everyone's undivided attention and can offer you added opportunities to maintain the companies dedication to a level beyond itself. "Global leader" will take on a whole new meaning! It's not just talking points, it's now the truth!

	Supplies, supplies, and more supplies!
	Since you are organizing gatherings, parties, and major meetings, you know what you need in preparation for them - not the purchasing manager or anyone else (they will just buy what you need). As you know, more happens at meetings than meets the eye. Say new clients are a major component and as new clients do, they look around. They may be sitting at the conference table looking intently on their provided corporate notepad. They may notice a watermark indicating recycled content. They glance at the recycling bins in the corner, then turn their head to the lighting, windows, and on and on. What happened here? You just sold a company without mentioning one word. A subliminal gesture of dedication to a level beyond contracts and handshakes. That's honesty at its purest and very much looked for in a business setting! This goes for the employees as well by the way!

	Start a sustainable committee
	Unless you work in an office which is on the forefront of everything sustainable, chances are it could use some help. In a larger firm, groups can manage an area of oversight far easier than any one individual. Perhaps this is where you come in. Create a sustainability-committee. The group would create action-plans for recycling, instill and monitor energy efficiency, community outreach programs, and anything in between. These actions will not only lighten the firms ecological footprint, but give an edge over other firms in that you will be more in-tune of what you have, use, and can offer to the community. And when you offer to the community, it does tend to give back - now that's smart PR! A committee is a powerful entity that encompasses a majority in an expertise. Your committee will be taken more seriously and you can accomplish a lot more a lot faster! Talk to your Human Resource department (if you have one) or other inter-corporate executive if needed to see if you could start one up. More than likely it will not even be an issue as any firm could easily see its benefits.

Again, contact us if you feel we left out something crucial and/or need to update something.

For related and useful information, also check out:

E-HR Resources - great listing of other HR related information

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