Motivating Waste Reduction Behavior in the Workplace
The success of workplace waste reduction programs hinge on the participation and support of employees, managers, customers, and janitorial staff. However, getting employees to adopt waste reduction behaviors is not always easy; overriding a habit requires strategic, consistent interventions that help make employees more conscious of their behavioral choices.
Below are some ideas successfully used by other businesses to educate and motivate employees to reduce waste.
Establish a “Green Team”
An important strategy to influencing change is for employees to be a part of the decision-making process. Establishing a Green Team open to any motivated employee is a great way to create inter-department buy-in and build support for the waste reduction program. The Green Team coordinates and implements practices to reduce waste and can build support amongst other employees for the program. Responsibilities of a Green Team can include:
- Involving employees in decision-making processes by soliciting ideas and feedback from employees (e.g. through surveys or during meetings)
- Identify new potential sustainability initiatives
- Helping to integrate waste reduction behaviors into the workplace culture (e.g. encouraging employees to sign a waste reduction pledge). Employees who make a personal commitment to changing their work practices are more likely to make these changes permanent than if directed to change their work processes by management.
Management Support
Top-level support is an important factor in encouraging employee involvement in the program. Managers can lead by example and champion waste reduction policies. Management can show support for the waste reduction program by:
- Sending out a memo endorsing waste reduction goals and communicating the importance of waste reduction within the company
- Supporting employee-led initiatives with policies and funding
Creative Images
Have images that stand out near waste and recycling containers and in high trafficked areas. This is a good way to leave a visual and lasting impression on employees. Best practices for creating impactful images include:
- Using a catchy logo and slogan for the waste reduction program
- Creating pictures or graphics that draw attention to recycling containers
- Using photos or displays to inform employees how much waste they generate and send to the landfill
Motivating and Consistent Messaging
Messaging that is relatable and easy to understand can help motivate employees to change their behavior. Messages that highlight waste reduction as a norm such as “Join your fellow employees in recycling to reduce company waste,” are also effective at creating a culture of waste reduction.Other messaging best practices include:
- Explaining in relatable terms why it is important to stop wasting resources. Benefits include cost savings, resources saved, customer satisfaction, and personal responsibility.
- Present succinct information that stands out.
- Personalize information and relate it to what employees already know.
- Don’t assume all employees are familiar with key waste reduction terms or concepts.
- Provide information in manageable pieces.
- Provide message in multiple languages if necessary.
Staff Training
Providing in-person training, whether informal or formal, is more influential than posting educational materials alone. Examples of training opportunities include:
- Have volunteers (Green Team members) act as waste reduction coordinators that provide guidance for other employees in their department.
- Provide formal training at the start of your waste reduction program and for new employees.
- Provide waste reduction updates at office meetings or through newsletters, inform employees about what is being done and what areas need improvement.
- Schedule a lunch and learn for employeeswith Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District
Incentives and Recognition
Recognizing employees for their involvement in the waste reduction program helps to keep up motivation and enforce waste reduction behaviors. Here are a few ways to motivate employees:
- Graph waste reduction progress over time to help employees visualize their impact
- Create friendly competitions and award prizes made from recycled content
- Recognize exemplary employees at meetings or through newsletters
Resources
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