Making small changes to the way we run our businesses can have a big impact on sustainability in the long run.

Here are some great ways to get you started on your sustainable journey:

Go paperless

Running your business digitally and going paperless, is great for the environment and kinder to your pocket.

A simple way to do this is to ditch paper holiday forms and use an absence management system that can handle everything digitally!

Reduce your carbon footprint

Go green with electric company cars, or hybrid cars to reduce your company’s carbon footprint and work towards the UK government’s aim of achieving net zero by 2050.

Install electric charging stations, to make it possible for employees to get to work easily.  Or offer discounts on public transport, or encourage car sharing will help reduce your business’ carbon emissions.

Change working styles

In recent years, the advancement of cloud computing and video conferencing has made it much easier to work from home and collaborate effectively. Offering working from home, hybrid working or part-time employment will limit commuting into the office and reduce your business’ impact on the environment.

With LeavePlanner, administrators can easily specify employee working hours, working patterns and rotas, so you (and your employees) can fully benefit from a change in working style.

Reduce energy consumption

One of the most significant steps small businesses can take towards sustainability is reducing energy consumption. It not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but will also save you money.

Replacing inefficient light bulbs with LED lights and turning off equipment that is not in use is a great place to start. You could also look at installing programmable thermostats, a smart metre or using a 100% reusable energy tariff.

Many businesses who have transitioned to working from home and hybrid working styles, have found they can downsize to smaller premises, further reducing energy consumption.

Implement recycling schemes

An easy way to make a positive impact on the environment and reduce waste sent to landfill, is setting up recycling schemes and providing convenient workplace recycling bins.

You can go even further by providing reusable kitchenware instead of disposable cups and cutlery. This simple switch can make a big difference in reducing the amount of single-use waste generated by your business.

Use sustainable products and services

A great way to reduce your business’ environmental impact and make a lasting commitment to corporate social responsibility is by sourcing and using sustainable products. Eco-friendly cleaning products and locally produced goods are just a couple of examples of sustainable options that can make a big difference.

Choosing suppliers who are also committed to sustainability, can help drive positive change across your industry.

For absence management software that helps SMEs become more sustainable, call Steve on 01252 636 070 or email support@leaveplanner.com to arrange your free trial.

Pssst! Check out our new all-in-one system, HR Planner, which incorporates an easy-to-use leave management solution, designed specifically with SMEs in mind.