The Impact of Employee Motivation on Going Green Initiatives

In an August 16th, 2008 article from Environmental Leader.com titled “Half of U.S. Companies Going Green”, the outlet reports that: “Half (50.8%) of U.S. workers say their company has a significant initiative such as carpooling and recycling, but most report being cynical about their employer’s motivation for going green, citing the American Workplace Poll, conducted by Zogby International and released by The Marlin Company.

What are some of the reasons for this cynicism? 

Many employees worry their employer’s green initiatives are targeted more at cost reduction and positive PR then they are at making a difference in the environment.

The realist in me liked that Brian Back called a spade a spade.  He shared it’s interesting to see almost every company proclaiming some sort of green strategy.  But when it comes down to it, not many of them are doing a whole lot.  

Why is this important?  Well many of us want to see our employers’ “talk the talk, and walk the walk.”

How can companies overcome this cynicism? 

Burton Hamner shared it’s really about involving employees in the conversation, and finding out what they would like to see as a result of company sponsored green initiatives.

Additionally, Burton suggested looking at what motivates various groups within the workplace, and addressing those motivations within company green programs.  

For example for many managers, one of the things that motivates them is less and less overtime. 

When speaking to managers about a specific initiative, talk to them about how it will save them time.  When managers start to understand that reducing waste through better efficiency means less hassle for them and less hours staying late – they’ll naturally respond well to that. 

Your Insight on Coaching Host,

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Going Green: Coaching for Social Responsibility



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