How to Share Your Company’s Green Story

In the iconic song, “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green,” sung by Kermit the Frog, a line resonates deeply in today’s business environment: “Bein’ green blends into so many ordinary things.” This sentiment reflects the challenge companies face in ensuring their sustainability efforts stand out amidst their broader branding efforts. Being green isn’t one thing; it touches nearly everything.

Communicating your company’s “green story” effectively is essential for hiring managers and recruiters. Let’s explore how highlighting transparency, authenticity, and commitment to sustainability can help you attract top talent.

 

Transparency in the Hiring Process

Clear Communication

Start by being transparent about job responsibilities, work environment, and the hiring process timeline. Candidates want to know what to expect, and clear communication can set the stage for a trust-based relationship.

Example: Salesforce provides detailed job descriptions and expectations, including its sustainability practices. It openly communicates its commitment to net-zero emissions and encourages employee involvement in its green initiatives.

 

Conveying Company Values

Environmental Commitment and Alignment

Candidates appreciate companies that prioritize sustainability and have clear green initiatives. Share your company’s environmental goals and achievements to show that your values align with those of eco-conscious candidates.

Example: Ben & Jerry’s is transparent about its social and environmental missions. It regularly publishes updates on its sustainability efforts, ensuring potential employees understand and share its commitment to environmental stewardship.

 

Stories of Volunteerism and Policies

Highlight stories of employee volunteerism and company policies that support sustainability. These narratives can powerfully illustrate your company’s commitment to making a positive impact.

Example: Patagonia encourages employees to participate in environmental activism and supports volunteer projects. Their dedication to sustainability is communicated through every aspect of their business, attracting like-minded individuals passionate about the planet.

 

Sustainable Hiring Practices

Paperless Processes and Virtual Interviews

Implementing digital applications, interviews, and document submissions reduces paper waste and streamlines the hiring experience. Using video interviews minimizes travel and associated emissions, aligning the hiring process with sustainable practices.

Example: Adobe has adopted a fully digital hiring process. They use electronic signatures, online forms, and digital communication to minimize paper use, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.

 

Remote Work and Flexible Schedules

Transparency about remote work policies and flexible schedules shows a commitment to work-life balance and reduced commuting, which is increasingly vital to eco-conscious candidates.

Example: Atlassian offers flexible remote work policies, allowing employees to work from anywhere. This approach reduces commuting emissions and supports a healthier work-life balance.

 

Sustainable Office Practices

Eco-Friendly Workplace Policies

Candidates value companies that minimize waste, recycle, and use energy-efficient technologies. Communicate your sustainable office practices to attract talent that prioritizes sustainability.

For example, Google’s offices have energy-efficient technologies and robust recycling programs. They also invest in renewable energy to power their operations, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable workplace practices.

 

Sharing Stories and Innovations

Process Innovations

Share stories about processes and innovations that support sustainability in your workplace or business approach. These examples can help candidates understand how sustainability is integrated into their operations.

Example: Unilever’s sustainable sourcing and waste reduction initiatives are well-documented. By focusing on these areas, they’ve demonstrated that sustainability can be financially viable, providing a compelling story to share with potential employees.

 

Making it Easier to Be Green

Transparent communication fosters trust and builds a positive employer brand, encouraging candidates to join the organization. Hiring managers and recruiters can effectively share—and demonstrate—their company’s green story by clearly outlining job expectations, recruitment timelines, company values, green hiring practices, and eco-friendly workplace policies.

For more inspiration, explore how Salesforce,  Patagonia, and Google are leading the way in sustainability and making it part of their ordinary operations.