Singaporean companies are also tasked with the
objective to be more sustainable as it is in its profit interest to ensure that
its workers are not misusing the utility facilities in the buildings. When the
lights are tuned on in rooms with no one in them, these is a wastage of electricity
which in turn increases the bills that the company has to pay each month. Thus companies
have a vested interest in ensuring that its workers and users of assets such as
buildings are being responsible users. A responsible workforce which holds
itself accountable for global issues such as global warming and climate change
will be optimal.
To ensure this happens, it is a good idea to
have signs in bathrooms that encourage workers to save water. In cafeterias,
the wastage of food has to be discouraged through posters. A situation should
be created where by it is the company ideology to be a responsible individual
in society by saving resources and not wasting them unnecessarily. Employees should
be forced to reduce their waste in the office and in the workforce. Thus is it
very important to raise awareness of sustainability in Singaporean companies.
Some simple ways that sustainability can be
encouraged by companies in Singapore is to use both sides of a paper. When making
copies, set printers to use both sides of paper and cut consumption of paper in
half. Companies must encourage workers to distribute their memos via email so instead
of printing out memos for distribution, email can be used to let employees
decide whether or not they wish to print them. Also, Store manuals, policies
and other documents online so there is no printing out of huge employee
handbooks. Allow employees to access PDF copies at their leisure.
Sustainability can also be championed for in
companies by encouraging policies to condition the public to be more open to buying
used furniture, copiers and faxers. There should be rules stipulating the good
desired behavior of employees such as the unplugging of equipment when not in
use.
Another good way to raise awareness in companies
is to create a “Green Team”. A green team is an interdepartmental group that coordinates
and implements practices to reduce waste and increase the efficiency of the
company’s internal operations. Green teams may work hand-in-hand with a company’s
senior management to build support among mid-level managers and staff for changes
in decision-making. As employees are the experts on how operations work their
involvement is imperative to the success of any program. Generate ideas from
employees during management strategy meetings and discussions. Involve
employees in decision-making processes. Involve Green Team Members in all
aspects of a company’s management including waste reduction, energy
conservation, and related operational improvements. Employees who make a
personal commitment to changing their work practices are more likely to make
these changes permanent than if directed to change their work processes by
management. By doing so, company members will be far more aware of the issue of
sustainability.
References
Jessica Hup (1Aug. 2007) Working green: 50 tips to reduce your office's waste(Aug. 2007)
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