Eco Companies Attract Smarter Employees
In the quest to attract and maintain quality employees, businesses and corporations from around the world are looking for anything that will give them an edge in the recruitment wars. In the past, companies have used signing bonuses, benefits, vacations, company cars, and even gym memberships to attract the proverbial cream of the crop.
Today’s employees however, are looking for more than just financial perks when choosing the company that they will give their time, energy, and talents to. There is a growing group of individuals, in particular new workers entering the workplace as well as those looking for a career change, who are considering working for companies on the basis of a company’s environmental policies. As today’s workforce becomes more environmentally educated, some of the more sought-after employees are choosing to work for companies that are pro environment – and companies are taking note. A representative from the Canadian accounting firm Fuller-Landau, which recently involved its employees in an environmental clean-up project, stated that these events are beneficial in “boosting workplace morale and will improve [the company's] efforts to attract eco-conscious workers” (Aschaiek).
Eco companies are experiencing great levels of success in recruiting
More and more, eco companies are experiencing great levels of success in recruiting smarter employees, mainly because of their environmentally friendly policies, products, and services are attractive to a new generation of environmentally conscious employees (Gunther). To these employees, eco companies represent a belief and a philosophy. As employees of an eco company, these individuals want to feel like they are part of something bigger and better than just a traditional nine to five job.
The reason for the improvement in the quality of the recruits being hired by eco companies is more than just a result of philosophy. As with any industry that experiences tremendous growth or improvement in the quality of employees, the environmental industry is full of promise and potential. As the world moves toward a more eco friendly state of existence, some of the more intelligent members of society are looking to apply their knowledge and skills to a cause that is more worthwhile. The environment needs help, and the world’s smartest people are finally starting to realize that they can help.
Eco companies are involved in making the world better for all of its residents. In many cases, employees enjoy the feeling of knowing that they are doing their part to contribute to the betterment of the environment. One Harris Poll that was given to young job-seekers found that 33 percent of Americans would be more inclined to work for a green company in comparison to one that lacked environmentally conscious policies and practices (Challenger).
Eco companies are following certain strategies in their efforts to recruit smarter, better employees. After recognizing just how important the environment is to these new recruits and potential employees, some eco companies are redesigning their websites to include a list of environmental policies that can include information on company recycling statistics, environmental awards and recognitions, as well as links to the websites of environmental organizations they support. By using focus groups, eco companies are also trying to grasp what employees are looking for in an eco company. Through surveys and questionnaires, eco companies are looking to mold their interview procedures to attract environmentally conscious employees. Changes to mission statements can also serve as an effective recruiting tool, especially considering that many potential employees will not look at a company if they cannot make it past the company’s mission statement. Some eco companies are also using extensive and strategic promotion of their environmental policies through television, radio, and the Internet to help bring in smarter employees.
Written By Martin Jauregui
References:
Aschaiek, S. “Greening the Workplace.” The Toronto Sun. 2008.
Challenger, J. “Young Job Seekers Drawn to Eco-Friendly Employers.” California Job Journal. 01 July 2007.
Gunther, M. “Tree Huggers, Soy Lovers, and Profits.” Fortune. 23 June 2003.
Tags: eco companies, employees, employment strategies, job seekers, smart
