A poll by Monster.ca, the job board, found that 81% of Canadians considered that their employer was "polluting the environment," "ignoring the need to be environmentally friendly," or in need of "help to become greener". Only 18% of employees considered their employer to be extremely green.
In a related survey a staggering 78% said that given a choice, they would leave their current job in favour of a greener workplace. Recruiters are now reporting that candidates are demanding to know a company's environmental stance before taking a job.
This is a classic example of where peoples personal values (and in some cases passions) are becoming a key part of the selection process when it comes to jobs - and is a foundation part of building your personal brand.
So how important are your values to you? Would you think about moving jobs because of them?
The environment could be one of your passions, even a core value, the challenge is that you don't see your current company doing anything about it as the survey highlighted, given the choice, they would leave their current employer for a 'greener' one - BUT the great news is that you do not have to leave. The reason that most employers are not taking the first steps are lack of information and the upfront cost of doing something.
This is where YOU come in.
Identify who in your organization would have a say in making greener policies and decisions and understand what their current opinions are, let them know that you are passionate about this cause and you would like to spearhead an initiative to establish the benefits of taking a greener approach. After all green programs have been shown to not just save costs, but engage and retain employees.
Be sure that your profile internally then becomes one associated with the green initiative, including adding a byline to your e-mail signature, having something in your work area that reflects green and even getting an internal announcement out there.
Three steps to becoming the go to green employee;
First do an assessment of what is being done now either formally or informally. Spend some time with the person in your organization who is responsible and understand their motivations and the companies for bring green so that you can align. Also find out also what has been done in the past, you might have a great idea or initiative but it has been tried before. Better to know why it might not have worked before using that as a launch and seeing it flop.
Secondly seek some input from others in the company. Again a survey may have already been done so do not duplicate the work. If not use one of the no charge online surveys to ask a few questions about peoples level of interest and what they are already doing. Also see if there is anyone interested in helping you.
Third develop a strategy to launch the initiative and a plan for implementing some ongoing action, look to recommend some quick changes that will have an impact both by being noticed and saving the organization money. After that think about enrolling some like minded colleagues to the cause and establish some longer term goals and programs.
Very soon you will have the unofficial job title of IGO - Internal Green Officer!
Paul Copcutt has been described by Forbes magazine as a leading personal brand expert globally, and by clients as their "Rebel Guide". He inspires and helps professionals, executives and entrepreneurs to be innovative with their brands to stand out, advance their careers and grow their business. Visit his blog http://www.paulcopcutt.com for over 500 free articles on personal branding or see where he is speaking next so you can check out his custom Converse Chuck Taylors.
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