Expert shares insights on developing a 'holy grail' culture among workers
Sustainability has a pivotal role in the health and safety profession, according to Bob Willard, founder of Sustainability Advantage. Willard suggests sustainability is a natural extension of the profession, which could explain why so many health and safety leaders are adding another “S” to their titles.
"Developing a culture of sustainability is the holy grail for organizations," explains Willard, who says integrating sustainability into the fabric of an organization's operations and values is no easy task, but health and safety professionals can lead the way. "Sustainability should be seen as a natural extension of health and safety practices."
One of the key drivers for fostering a culture of sustainability, according to Willard, is strong governance. He emphasizes that purpose drives governance, and genuine commitment from leadership is essential.
Organizations are increasingly re-evaluating their purpose and prioritizing the well-being of stakeholders. Willard notes, "engaging employees in improving their physical, mental, and emotional well-being leads to higher engagement and productivity, ultimately resulting in better financial performance." There is an interdependent relationship between sustainability, employee well-being, and overall organizational success.
To effectively transfer a sustainability mindset to the workforce, Willard stresses the need to demonstrate that sustainability matters. He recommends incorporating sustainability objectives into performance plans and rewarding employees for incorporating sustainability metrics into their work. According to Willard, "when employees see their company shares their concerns about issues like climate change and actively works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it fosters a sense of alignment and purpose." This alignment, in turn, contributes to a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Engaging employees in sustainability initiatives also has a positive impact on their overall well-being and performance. Willard suggests empowering employees to form green teams and actively participate in environmental projects. He shares an inspiring example of a metal manufacturing company in Ontario, where employees led sustainability projects, resulting in significant energy and cost savings. Willard highlights that such employee involvement not only improves financial performance but also contributes to lower turnover rates and higher job satisfaction.
When it comes to health and safety professionals who have sustainability added to their roles, Willard believes it’s crucial to connect sustainability to their existing expertise. For instance, in manufacturing settings, sustainability efforts often begin with waste and energy reduction, which aligns perfectly with ensuring employees are trained to use equipment properly and maintain a safe work environment.
Willard also notes companies are increasingly subjected to sustainability audits, including evaluations of their health and safety fundamentals. Willard emphasizes, "sustainability, including health and safety, is a crucial part of this larger picture." Organizations must demonstrate their commitment to sustainability not only to meet regulatory compliance but also to align with customer expectations and secure long-term partnerships.
Sustainability plays an integral role in the health and safety profession, and according to Willard, it is only going to grow. Health and safety professionals are instrumental in connecting sustainability initiatives with their expertise and addressing both employee and customer demands.
