According to a Europe-wide survey of 6,000 adults by the Energy Saving Trust to mark the beginning to Energy Saving Week, more than a quarter of employees in Britain (27%) feel so time-pressured, they would like the Government to give them a ‘green holiday' to allow them to take action to reduce their carbon footprint. This compares with 12% across Europe.
The survey also showed UK employers are the most supportive of employees who want to live a greener lifestyle. But employees across France, Germany, Sweden and Spain feel their bosses could do more.
Ed Miliband, energy and climate change secretary, said: "We all need to think about our energy habits, and employers have a vital role to play in ensuring workplaces are as energy-efficient as possible, as well as helping their employees in their desire to live a greener lifestyle away from the office. In doing so, employers will not only help the environment but could even see a knock-on effect in increased motivation through their organisation."
Of those surveyed 14% staff thought it was up to employers to give them time off to reduce CO2 emissions. Other suggestions for green benefits included loans for energy- efficient products, access to green finance products and visits from ‘energy doctors' to tell staff how they could save energy at home.
The Energy Saving Trust is to roll out a new programme of services to help employers who want to communicate environmental message to staff. These will include services ranging from bespoke statistics and hints and tips to creating company-branded carbon calculators and sending energy doctors into workplaces. To find out more, click HERE.
HR magazine, in association with Ashridge Business School, is carrying out its own research on the role of HR in corporate social responsibility. To find out more and complete the short questionnaire, click HERE.
Staff too busy to go green
A third of Brits say their job is the main reason why they do not have time to be green but 44% would be more motivated if their employer offered some kind of green employee benefits.
