At Thrive Law, we’re passionate about people, but we’re just as passionate about the planet. This World Environment Day, we’re reflecting not just on our individual habits, but on how workplaces can step up and play a leading role in tackling the climate crisis.
World Environment Day is perfect time to pause and ask: what does sustainability really look like in the modern workplace?
This year, we’re proud to be collaborating with Kate Hutchinson, the Founder of The Sustainability Community, a network of 17,000 sustainability professionals. We sat down with Kate to discuss the intersection between sustainability, wellbeing, employment, and neuro-inclusion. Because a truly sustainable workplace is about more than carbon emissions – it’s about creating systems and cultures that support everyone.
This blog outlines some small changes your organisation can make that can have a big impact!
Sustainability Through Practice
Reimagining the Commute
Does your organisation have a Cycle to Work scheme? This is something many employers already offer, but we don’t always talk about why it matters.
Swapping the car for a bike, even a few days a week, can make a massive difference to both the environment and employee wellbeing. Studies show it reduces sick days, improves mental health, and cuts down on emissions.
But accessibility matters. Not everyone is able or feels safe cycling. Do you encourage your employees to use public transport, where possible?
Encouraging flexible or remote working, where this is workable for their role, can also reduce carbon emissions and support employee wellbeing!
Embrace Energy Efficiency
Is your office space energy efficient? Consider motion sensor lights and switching of your equipment before you leave. Such simple changes can significantly reduce a workplace’s carbon footprint.
Wellbeing and the environment go hand in hand. It’s no surprise that greener spaces are better for our wellbeing. Natural light, fresh air, and even a few indoor plants can boost focus, reduce stress, and support mental health.
Integrate sustainability into your business DNA to drive employee engagementEmployees in the 21st century want to work for organisations that pride themselves on purpose. Sustainability shouldn’t sit in a silo. Make it a core part of your operations, from procurement and travel policies to daily office habits.
Sustainability thrives when it’s owned across teams. Encourage staff to get involved in green projects, create a sustainability task force, or offer incentives for eco-friendly innovation. A culture of collective participation makes your strategy more resilient, more effective and more engaging.
When sustainability is embedded across functions, it becomes a shared mission—not just a side initiative. This isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for your people too – a survey by Cone Communications found that 745 of employees find their job more fulfilling when they’re able to make a positive social and environmental impact.
Track and reduce your carbon footprintUnderstanding your organisation’s carbon impact is the first step toward meaningful change. Use a credible carbon accounting tool to measure emissions, identify hotspots, and implement reduction strategies. Regularly reporting progress builds trust with stakeholders and demonstrates accountability. Once you know where you’re generating the highest carbon footprint, you can look to reduce and then offset the remaining carbon footprint. Carbon accounting tools have become much more sophisticated in the last few years to make this process even easier than before.
Offsetting your carbon footprint doesn’t have to be a tick box exercise. You can reach out to local rewilding sites to arrange for a team day, giving you the opportunity to build morale, get out in nature and foster a collaborative culture.
This World Environment Day, we invite you to reflect with us!
- Are your workplace policies environmentally friendly?
- Do your team feel empowered to be able to drive sustainable change in your organisation?
- Could you do one thing this month to make your organisation more sustainable?
Let’s start together.
Find out more about how your organisation can drive forward sustainable initiatives at the upcoming ReGeneration Earth 2025 conference on 18th and 19th June 2025 at The Royal Armouries.
Links:
https://www.thesustainabilitycommunity.com/events/event/regeneration-earth-uk/
