Gen-Ys will turn us all green

Baby boomers get ready. Gen-Ys may change not only your office but office values as well.

A newspoll of 467 workers shows that 84% of employees want to work in an environmentally friendly office. And it is not just the Gen-Ys who want the change. While 81% of 18-24 year olds want to work in a green office, so do 86% of 35-49s.

But it is the Gen-Ys who are confident enough to demand the change.

“Australians think it is very important to work in a company that puts the environment as a top propriety – not just a priority. But young people are happy to speak up about it,” says Kim McKay, co-author of a new book out today True Green @ Work.

Other surveys also show that it is Gen-Ys that are leading the charge. In fact three quarters of 20 year olds say they would not even apply for a job if they were uncomfortable with the company’s values.

The survey mirrors one done by SmartCompany recently that found that Gen-Ys were much more likely than Gen-X and baby boomers to demand better office amenities and the latest technology in the office. They also wanted to work in smart offices.

Another survey out this morning from recruitment company LinkMe shows that 87% of people believe the Government should offer incentives to help staff work from home so there are less carbon emissions from cars travelling to work.

10 ways employers can make the office more environmentally friendly

1. Mugs instead of disposable coffee cups: there are 400 million disposable cups still used across the country.
2. Choosing recycled paper.
3. Setting the printer to double sided.
4. Bring lunch in recyclable containers.
5. Unplug your phone charger from the wall when not in use, and receive communications electronically instead of by paper.
6. Turn down the office thermostat and wear appropriate clothing to work.
7. Turn off the lights at night.
8. Turn off all computers when you leave.
9. Maximise natural light and air.
10. Travel on public transport or car pool.

Amanda Gome

For further green ideas, see our Growth Resources Going Green pages.