Staff demand ethical workplace

04/06/2008

Office workers are unimpressed at their employers’ lack of commitment to being green, a survey has revealed.

Almost 9 in ten workers want their bosses to behave more sustainably, indicating increasing levels of ethical sensitivity among the workforce, said printer manufacturing company Brother.

Around 4 in ten businesses have no recycling scheme in place, and respondents to the survey said they felt guilty about the amount of paper they throw away every day.

About 20% of businesses also send electrical equipment such as old printers and PCs to landfill rather than recycling them.

As well as recycling, respondents identified a list of ‘office sins’, which include leaving electrical equipment on stand-by, failing to source ethical suppliers, unnecessary travel, use of bottled rather than filtered water, and wasting energy on lighting, heating and air conditioning.

William Sankey, from the Ethical Company Organisation, said businesses shouldn’t underestimate the impact their ethical and unethical behaviour has on their staff.

“A business which gives serious consideration to the environment and the health of workers throughout its supply chain is likely to be rewarded with a happier and more dedicated workforce.

“Business partners, government organisations and consumers are also keen to do businesses with ethical companies.”