When we think about sustainability, we often refer to the “people, planet, profit” model, also known as the “triple bottom line.” While success was once measured primarily by financial profit, a healthy organization today is defined not only by its financial performance (“Profit”) but also by its social responsibility (“People”) and environmental consciousness (“Planet”). A successful company not only avoids pollution and saves energy but also cares for its employees and the broader community.
Profit
The rise of remote work has led to underutilization and vacancy in office buildings, which is unsustainable in terms of both space and finances. Activity-based working, where employees do not have fixed workstations but instead choose suitable spaces based on their tasks, offers a sustainable solution. By sharing workspaces and offering diverse work environments, office space is optimized, waste is avoided, and costs are reduced. This approach highlights the organization’s responsibility to use resources sustainably, allowing savings to be reinvested in employee well-being (“People”).
Planet
A sustainable work environment addresses the “Planet” aspect by reducing the ecological footprint. This includes avoiding unnecessary heating, cooling, and maintenance of empty offices, promoting digital document processing, and more. Additionally, fostering closed material cycles is essential. A “circular economy” ensures that the complexity and functionality of a product are preserved and reused for as long as possible. The rapid technological advancements, such as data-driven processes and artificial intelligence, play to our advantage and can act as strong catalysts in creating sustainable work environments. Examples include occupancy management sensors, smart reservation systems, and virtual interaction platforms like the Metaverse to minimize unnecessary travel.
People
Creating an optimal environment where employees can fully thrive and reach peak productivity is often overlooked. The “People” aspect in sustainable development encompasses two critical elements. Physically, the work environment must be comfortable and safe, with a focus on ergonomics. Issues like lack of natural light, poor ventilation, temperature discomfort, office noise, and inadequate facilities undermine both comfort and sustainability. Psychological safety is equally important, as toxic workplace situations such as burnout, harassment, and discrimination indicate a lack of protection for employees’ mental well-being. A sustainable work environment strikes a balance between well-being and productivity. It is the employer’s responsibility to create a setting where employees feel valued and supported. While the exact approach may not always be clear, it is essential for employers to prioritize psychological well-being for positive outcomes.
Het ESG-model
The ESG model (Environmental, Social, and Governance) complements the traditional “people, planet, profit” framework. It provides businesses with measurable indicators for sustainability assessments. The ‘E’ encompasses energy use versus waste production, resources consumed, and impacts on living beings. The ‘S’ focuses on organizational relationships with people, institutions, and communities. The ‘G’ relates to internal controls for governance, decision-making, and compliance with laws. Organizations must ask themselves: What are our ESG commitments? What reporting framework do we use for sustainability? And what scorecard do we rely on to measure performance?
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, provide a framework for sustainable development. These goals, aimed at reducing poverty and making the planet more sustainable by 2030, are divided into five themes and offer an excellent guide for integrating sustainability into workplace strategies. For example, SDG3 emphasizes the importance of well-being, SDG8 promotes economic productivity, SDG9 stresses the need for quality infrastructure, and SDG11 advocates for inclusive urban development.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly integrated into organizations, and an innovative work environment can significantly contribute to the sustainable development of society. However, this cannot succeed without behavioural change. Leadership plays a crucial role here, as leaders must set an example and create opportunities for employees to grow and feel valued. This is the secret ingredient for genuine sustainable development: sustainable leadership!
