I think that there is great wisdom in Jeana Wirtenberg’s statement regarding employee alignment to green HR policies that "First of all, you'll recruit and retain better. Second, you'll have people who are more engaged and productive." From the perspective of a nonprofit administrator, I have observed over the years how volunteers engage in causes that feed their desire to do something good for their community, city, and the planet. They will dedicate themselves to a cause that they believe in tirelessly and enthusiastically. Titles here have no meaning—they are content to be part of a group of like-minded individuals committed to making a difference. In fact, they relish performing in roles outside their expertise and flexing muscles that atrophy on their regular job. In this way, they are energized by the opportunity to be innovative and to collaborate creatively with their fellow volunteers and staff. To the added dimension of green HR policies, just think what could be unleashed at the workplace once employees can connect their passion for a better world with their day job! Having worked closely with Jeana over the past two years as a contributor to the Sustainable Enterprise Fieldbook, I can attest not only to her passion but her sincerity which brings to mind a venerable Chinese tenet: “S/He who is sincere hits the bull’s eye without effort.”
Terri McNichol
of NJ
@
Jan 03, 2009 11:04:03 AM
Companies need a sustainability roadmap
Having read The Sustainable Fieldbook, it is clear that the authors are best positioned to help companies develop a realistic sustainability roadmap to support the triple bottom line of profits, people and the planet. The challenge ahead is to get this team in front of key decision-makers and President-elect Obama's transition staff. Sustainable business practices are also one of the key pillars needed by the tourism industry in order to develop partnerships that help to preserve our treasured destinations. I suggest getting in touch with these authors and obtaining a copy of their book for those who are serious about achieving a sustainable future.
www.TheSustainableEnterpriseFieldbook.net
RoseAnn Alspektor
of WA
@
Jan 02, 2009 17:14:50 PM
Excellent article and message
This message is even more important for companies to embrace now. It can demonstrate to employees positive steps their company can take to be a good corporate citizen, make a measurable impact on a critical problems and create positive actions in this time of negative news. I hope this article triggers sustainable levels of innovation and activism for HR professionals and their companies.
Tom Drucker
of CA
@
Jan 02, 2009 15:56:13 PM
Sustainability attracts top-flight candidates
Numerous surveys and studies have shown “greening” is not the only aspect of sustainability that excites employees, helps keep them engaged with their organization and increases their loyalty. These studies indicate that companies that are serious about sustainability excite job seekers and help HR attract the most-qualified, imaginative, and innovative candidates. The Sustainability Pyramid, an easy-to-read graphical presentation of both qualities central to successful sustainability strategies and ways in which HR can manage these was developed by one of the women quoted in the article above--Jeana Wirtenberg--and colleagues at the Institute for Sustainable Enterprise at Fairleigh Dickenson University,
To see the Pyramid and read “HR’s Role in Building a Sustainable Enterprise,” the article from Human Resource Planning journal that introduced it, go to The Sustainable Enterprise Living Fieldbook’s Introduction and Overview. (register free at www.thesustainableenterprisefieldbook.net). The Living Fieldbook is a great resource for companies serious about “going sustainable.”
George-Therese Dickenson
of NY
@
Jan 02, 2009 15:27:23 PM
Green 401k Policies
I strongly agree that greening HR policies is a great idea for any company. I would like to add the practice of having one or more "green" funds available to employees as part of the company's 401k options. Aside from informing consumption practices, investing practices are probably the next most impactful way for individuals to make a difference.
Bill Russell
of NJ
@
Jan 02, 2009 15:03:57 PM
The people factor in sustainability...
Policies like the Hybrid Car Program are an excellent way to support employees but just represent the tip of the iceberg in helping to change our enterprise and consumer practices. While resources are limited the potential of people to impact sustainability is unlimited. Our greatest hope to increase our sustainability is by unleashing our people's potential to impact areas of sustainability. Organizations can do this by looking at the full spectrum of the relationship between the enterprise and sustainability. Being a former HR leader and having recently done research in this area I have seen some organizations do an excellent job of this while others neglect it. For more on this check out the www.thesustainableenterprisefieldbook.net
David Lipsky
of NY
@
Jan 02, 2009 13:59:49 PM
The peole factor in sustainability...
Policies like the Hybrid Car Program are an excellent way to support employees but just represent the tip of the iceberg in helping to change our enterprise and consumer practices. While resources are limited the potential of people to impact sustainability is unlimited. Our greatest hope to increase our sustainability is by unleashing our peoples potential to impact areas of sustainability. Organizations can do this by looking at the full spectrum of the relationship between the enterprise and sustainability. Being a former HR leader and having recently done research in this area I have seen some organizations do an excellent job of this while others neglect it. For more on this check out the thesustainableenterprisefieldbook.net
David Lipsky
of NY
@
Jan 02, 2009 13:51:28 PM
Great idea, but non-expert statistics
While I agree that working from home can decrease pollution, Lister and Harnish are not experts and their study has no merit. Citing peopel who pull numbers out of the air is not a good way to support the telework movement.
Terri McNichol of NJ @ Jan 03, 2009 11:04:03 AM
RoseAnn Alspektor of WA @ Jan 02, 2009 17:14:50 PM
Tom Drucker of CA @ Jan 02, 2009 15:56:13 PM
George-Therese Dickenson of NY @ Jan 02, 2009 15:27:23 PM
Bill Russell of NJ @ Jan 02, 2009 15:03:57 PM
David Lipsky of NY @ Jan 02, 2009 13:59:49 PM
David Lipsky of NY @ Jan 02, 2009 13:51:28 PM
of CA @ Dec 30, 2008 12:00:54 PM
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