Companies and employees must be aligned when it comes to the processes that support sustainability in the office. Sustainability can be challenging. Employers shouldn't assume employees are up-to-speed on best practices or company policies, especially if these have been newly implemented. So, how can businesses promote recycling in the workplace? Keep it simple Recycling in the workplace must be easy. Removing anything that creates friction for employees is vital. It's not that people are inherently lazy, but most of us will naturally follow the path of least resistance to get something done. You may have to purchase more recycling bins or rethink their position. If employees have bins under their desks, remove them. Bins should also be marked clearly according to their purpose: paper, plastic, glass, batteries, food, etc. Specific recycling bins should go where they're most useful, such as a paper bin next to the photocopier or a food waste bin in the kitchen or eating area. In busy communal areas, it can make sense to bank them together so that people can recycle everything they want to dispose of in one go: paper, plastic, etc. Make instructions clear It's not just the process that needs to be simple. Clear signage will help set expectations. Guidance should be straightforward and to the point. Employees may be more familiar with paper and plastic recycling than food waste, so adjust instructions accordingly. Avoid using passive-aggressive or patronising language, as this is the fastest way to irritate employees, making them less likely to follow basic instructions. This is a team effort and not a means for management to beat down morale. Empty bins regularly Employers should ensure that bins are regularly emptied. This is particularly important for food waste as it can start to smell. Overflowing bins will look unsightly, leading to employees mis-recycling to avoid adding to the mess, such as putting plastic in the general waste. It also doesn't make a great impression on any clients or visitors. Lead by example Management should recycle, too. This sets a good example and will encourage employee buy-in, especially during the early days. Sustainability must be company-wide or it’s pointless. Managers can set the standard for others to follow. Management should also ensure that cleaning teams are on board and can recycle efficiently and effectively. Asking them for feedback is a good idea, too. Choose a willing champion Some companies will nominate a champion to ensure best practices are followed. This isn't necessarily a bad idea. It gives someone responsibility over recycling to keep everyone on track. However, the chosen person should be happy to take on the extra responsibility. They'll have their own workload and may not be comfortable nor qualified to champion sustainability. Sometimes, champions are a way for management to pass responsibility to someone else. If there's no benefit or compensation for the person involved, then it's important the employee is happy and willing to do it. A willing participant is more likely to be a good advocate for promoting recycling in the workplace than someone the role was dumped on. Buy sustainable options for the office Reusable utensils and kitchenware create more washing up but far less waste. Ceramic mugs and plates can be used repeatedly. If you have a water cooler, removing paper or plastic cups and switching to glass or reusable plastic is a better option. Recycle human power You can recycle human power while supporting employee wellness. The ECO:POD uses Energym's electricity-generating fitness bikes in a modular, self-contained space on the office floor. Employees exercise while their workout powers a portable battery unit and hot-desking area. Get a waste audit Waste audits highlight areas of the business where improvement is needed or where a good standard is already in place. This can be useful for setting a baseline to refer back to when you start making improvements, especially when communicating progress to employees. Donate or recycle office furniture and decor If you're undergoing an office refurbishment or relocation, your old equipment and decor could help someone else. Don't just throw everything into a skip or take it to landfill. Office tables and chairs, even old ones, can be useful for charities or start-ups. You may even make some money from them. Local FB groups can be good for giving things away for free on collection. Ask charities if they'd like anything you no longer need. It makes a great impression on employees on how we can all keep re-using items. It's the same with IT waste, batteries, old lighting, and ink cartridges. Many things can be recycled, but not at the curbside. Leverage local companies who are looking for scrap meter or old electronics too. Keep everyone updated and interested Recycling isn't an interesting topic of conversation in the office, but companies must do it effectively. Employees should be informed of any targets delivered or smashed and their impact on the company and the planet. Your marketing team should have someone who can write an entertaining email or communication, explaining this in a way that's not dry and boring. You can even capitalise on it for social media. It depends on the company and the workforce, but some companies set fun targets or create games around sustainability. You can also encourage recycling by rewarding employees or teams. People like to feel as if they're making a difference, as this will not only make them more likely to recycle at work in the future but also inspire them to make more sustainable decisions in their personal lives. The ECO:POD can transform your empty office space into a workout and wellbeing zone. Employees exercising on electricity-generating indoor bikes can charge electronic devices and even a hot-desking area.