Why Introverts Benefit From a Greener Workplace - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Why Introverts Benefit From a Greener Workplace - Introvert Whisperer Why Introverts Benefit From a Greener Workplace In today’s political climate, the idea of working for a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly business can seem unlikely. However, more companies than ever are taking the desires of sustainability-minded employees and customers into consideration. Could office daydreams of reusable office silverware and eco-friendly furniture really be a reality one day? Going green may seem a bit cliche at this point, but taking steps to improve sustainability in your office space can have a lasting beneficial impact for both you and your fellow employees. It can make you more desirable to customers as well. There are many benefits to working within a green workplace, especially for those of us who are introverted. These benefits are wide-ranging and can have serious positive impacts on both physical and mental health. How Do Introverts Benefit Many offices are not exactly great for the environment or your health. New things such as paint, carpet, or furniture can actually emit low levels of toxic chemicals that can harm your respiratory and digestive system. Ways to help avoid this are solidly linked to a greener workspace and include doing things such as buying more environmentally sound office products and cleaning air ducts regularly. Another option is to work outside in nice weather, and doing so can double as a way to enjoy some quiet time alone. Investing in office plants is another small way to (literally) go green and make a big difference in the office. Plants are known to help improve air quality, which can help limit illness. But they have also been shown to help calm the mind and promote focus in busy situations. Plants can really be a green introvert’s best friend! Introverts can also benefit from their office going green by soaking up more natural light. Opening blinds and reducing the need for fluorescent office lights can not only help reduce carbon emissions and save your office money by reducing energy consumption by nearly 75%, but it can also give you more energy. Natural light can help reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue, which can really improve work conditions. Working from your favorite well-lit nook at home can also be a way to enjoy natural light, take advantage of a quiet workspace, and save the company money by not commuting in. Getting Others on Board Once the many benefits of a greener workspace are realized, the next big step is getting others to see the light as well. There are many ways to help encourage others to be more sustainable in the workplace. Some ideas include things such as: Promote reusable break room supplies (or things like coffee mugs brought from home) Initiate a recycling program Talk about more sustainable transportation options Take advantage of any work-from-home opportunities Go paperless in the office by adopting cloud software Make purchases from other vendors that are doing a similar green thing Find ways to reduce energy consumption throughout everyone’s workspace Of course there are challenges to getting any of these ideas off the ground. For example, initiating a recycling program is easy on the surface, but it is important to make sure everyone knows what can and cannot actually be recycled. Some of it can be a real mystery even to those who care about recycling. For instance, who knew that you typically can’t recycle shredded paper? As an introvert, it can be less than exciting to think about leading initiatives for a greener office space, but there are a couple easy ways to play an active role. First, always lead by example â€" if you recycle and prove how easy it can be, others are likely to notice and ask questions. Second, don’t be afraid to discuss your big ideas among office friends who may be more vocal about leading a green revolution. A Sustainable Business Future Every day, we have a vote. A vote for the products we want to see in stores, the types of organizations that are held up, and the practices we are okay with businesses implementing. Every day, we cast our votes whenever we pull out cash or a credit card to pay for something. The market responds to the things we purchase much faster than any government or politician can dream. Many consumers have been communicating through their purchases that they want more sustainable designs, and companies are listening. Some studies estimate that consumers are willing to pay up to 66% more for sustainable brands. It isn’t just consumers that companies are starting to listen to either; it’s also employees. More and more, employees are demanding their companies take positive steps towards a more sustainable business model. Almost 25% of employees admit that they would start looking for a new job if they found out their company had a terrible environmental record. Nearly that many would be willing to take a pay cut to work for a company that supported green practices. A green office space may not be all that far out of reach. There are many ways to help encourage both your company and your fellow employees to be more sustainable at work. Over time, everyone will reap the benefits, whether it is the company saving thousands on electricity bills, coworkers benefitting from working at home more frequently, or the quiet introvert working in an office full of plants and reaping the benefits of a greener workplace. Image Source: Pixabay   By: Frankie Wallace Frankie Wallace is a blogger from Boise, Idaho and a recent graduate from the University of Montana. 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