At Horizontal, we believe in not only matching exceptional talent with outstanding companies but also in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. So, in honor of Earth Day, we want to shine a light on the importance of green staffing practices and share 6 ways to implement sustainable habits at your company.

Understanding green staffing

Green staffing is an approach that incorporates sustainable practices into the recruitment and hiring process. This includes considering the environmental impact of business operations and finding ways to reduce carbon footprints. Green staffing can benefit both employers and job seekers by aligning organizational values with the principles of sustainability.

Implementing green staffing practices

1. Conduct internal company audits
By conducting annual assessments, companies can create a base of reporting and learn how to improve their environmental impact over the long-term. Horizontal partners with Sustain.Life to track Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions (ex: office energy usage, waste management, business travel, etc.).

2. Go green in the office
Encouraging eco-friendly workplace practices, such as recycling programs and energy-efficient office equipment, can create a greener work environment. As part of an internal audit, evaluate office habits: Are there single-use paper or plastic products that can be replaced? Should there be hand dryers in the bathrooms instead of paper towel? At the Horizontal Minneapolis office, technology is recycled with OceanTech to ensure that old office equipment is being recycled responsibly.

3. Engage employees
It is important a company isn’t just tracking their environmental impact, but that employees are aware of it and are positively contributing to ESG efforts. Horizontal engages employees through educational events, surveys for feedback on efforts, volunteer events with related organizations and by launching an environmental sustainability committee, where employees can contribute to company goals, plan ESG related events and more.

4. Remote work and flexible schedules
Offering remote work options and flexible schedules reduces commuting-related emissions and can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle for employees. If a team has an in-office or hybrid schedule, encourage alternatives to driving alone to the office, such as carpooling, biking or public transportation.

5. Paperless contracts and onboarding
Implementing paperless onboarding processes such as digital contracts and e-signatures reduces paper waste and simplifies administrative tasks. Horizontal uses DocuSign for all e-contracts, and employees use Microsoft Azure, a cloud computing platform that will be fueled by 100% renewable energy by 2025.

6. Staff for sustainability
If a company is networking with new businesses, are they trying to connect with sustainable companies? Horizontal is a proud supplier for sustainable companies and is continually looking for new sustainable companies to support. To add on, prioritizing diversity and inclusion in hiring can lead to innovative solutions and sustainable approaches to business challenges.

Why green staffing matters

Environmental responsibility: Companies that adopt green practices contribute to the protection of the planet. This can include reducing waste, conserving energy and implementing eco-friendly policies.

Brand image and reputation: Businesses that prioritize sustainability often see an improvement in brand image and reputation. Job seekers and clients are increasingly drawn to companies that demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Employee attraction and retention: Many job seekers prioritize working for environmentally conscious companies. Green staffing can attract top talent and enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

Cost savings: Sustainable practices can lead to cost savings in areas such as energy usage, waste reduction and resource management.

Note: There are many revenue-based benefits of implementing sustainability practices, but it is important to recognize that ESG or sustainability initiatives must come from an internal passion and be backed by leadership. When a company takes up ESG practices solely to increase revenue, rather than embedding it into their mission and vision, companies are at risk of greenwashing, which will have negative effects on ROI and increase business risk.

We believe in the power of green staffing to create a positive impact on the environment and society. By adopting sustainable hiring practices, we can pave the way for a brighter, more eco-conscious future. This Earth Day, let's commit to making greener choices in our professional lives and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Let’s work together to connect talent with opportunities that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. Contact us today to learn more about our ESG efforts and how our hiring solutions can help your organization thrive while being mindful of the planet.

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Embracing green staffing practices for a sustainable future

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