So, you’ve made the decision to “go green” at work. You are taking a stand for sustainability. But somehow, the green starting line feels like a lonely place. Sure, you’re committed and ready to move forward, but how will you get your team in the same mindset?
It may have taken you some time to make the decision to be green, so don’t be alarmed if your staff is slow to start connecting the eco-dots. Change is hard, even good change. But there are a few things you can do to encourage your team to jump onto the green bandwagon and start building enthusiasm for your eco-friendly paradigm.
Be Knowledgeable About Your Operation—Benchmark!
Strive to learn all you can about the environmental effects of your business operations. Find out how many kWh of electricity your hotel averages per occupied room; how many gallons of water per occupied room; and your ratio of waste to recycled materials. The American Hotel & Lodging Association provides a spreadsheet to help you establish benchmarks and document your progress, and members can take advantage of GreenQuest, a free online tool provided courtesy of Burton Energy Group. Use these tools to define and establish your goals, and then continually measure and discuss your progress. Build enthusiasm for reaching milestones.
Speak the Language—But Don’t Show Off
Understand green terminology. But know how to translate green-speak into layman’s terms. Once you have command of your green vocabulary, you will find it easier to explain environmental concepts to team members in meaningful terms. Again, AH&LA has provided a glossary of terms that will aid you in this process.
Diversify Your Green Team
Don’t make the obvious mistake of selecting only department heads to be on your green team, especially if you sense reluctance from them. Instead, find cheerleaders, those with passion for the cause, who will help to build enthusiasm long after the green meeting has adjourned. Interview interested employees to be sure they understand the mission of the team and can fulfill the duties with the needed level of conviction.
Hold a Kick-Off Event
Set up a table in your employee break room with information on the new green initiatives. Use balloons, posters, anything to draw attention and make it fun. Communicate the benefits of going green and provide recycling commitment cards (visit America Recycles Day website for sample forms). Consider offering ceramic coffee cups to those who sign commitments to help them reduce the use of disposable cups. Take pictures or video and post them to keep people engaged.
Solicit Feedback
Ask your team for their ideas on how to more effectively reach the new goals. This communicates that you’re all in it together, and everyone makes a difference. Use suggestion boxes and employee surveys. Provide incentives and give recognition for making suggestions. Hold a brainstorming meeting. Make it safe to suggest—there are no bad ideas when it comes to helping the planet.
Set an Example
Publicly recycle. Visibly adjust thermostats. Openly turn off lights. And yes, be seen going through the trash to remove recyclable items. Be a role model for taking a stand to make a difference. Be consistent, every day, every hour. Your team will respect this and follow your lead.
Keep Learning
There is so much to know about environmental stewardship. Keep yourself informed. Subscribe to news and blogs relating to sustainability and green hotels, such as Green Lodging News. Strive to learn something new daily, and share it with your team.
Celebrate Achievements
Make a big deal when things go right! People need to know that their efforts are paying off, so share the good news about your waste reduction, water conservation, and energy savings successes. Post it on bulletin boards and feature it in your newsletter. Incorporate ecology into your instant recognition programs, and catch people in the act of being green. A little celebration goes a long way.
Don’t Lose Heart
Along the way, there will be setbacks. You might be tempted to feel discouraged when people temporarily forget about green initiatives. Remember that humans learn through repetition. It takes 21 days, and 30 to 40 repetitions to form a habit. Your team needs to know that you are there to lead the charge through thick and thin. When you witness a green indiscretion, correct it, forgive it, and don’t stop believing. Always trust that your efforts are changing the world, one initiative at a time.
Julie A. Baylor, CHA, Julie Baylor Hospitality Consulting, can be reached at julie.baylor@hotmail.com.
