Written by Carl Freelove, Marketing Manager, Big fish Recruitment

In today’s current climate where 'sustainable', 'green' and 'environmentally friendly' have became more than just buzzwords, employers are facing a new recruitment challenge thanks to an emerging trend where potential employees are choosing what companies to work for based on their green credentials.

It’s clear that the environment and overall quality of life is fast becoming a top priority for many people and companies, so it's no surprise the trend to go green is starting to affect career choices for many job seekers.

In fact, recent studies are indicating that many candidates are weighing up which businesses to apply to and which job offer to accept based on factors such as public transport links, options for car sharing and recycling processes.

So companies that make the decision to invest time, money and resources to "go green" are not only helping the earth, but are also attracting a number of potential employees who consider a green workplace a requirement or deciding factor for their next job.

Worryingly, reports suggest that less than half of all UK companies currently have an environmental policy - an issue that could be a deciding factor for a potential ‘green savvy’ employee.  Every company has some level of impact in the environment, so a clear, well-written environmental policy will help ensure that the impact stays within acceptable limits.

Companies should then advertise this policy and any other green initiatives on their corporate websites and in job descriptions to attract eco-friendly candidates to their business.

Below are some helpful tips on how businesses can create an environmentally-friendly workplace to attract potential candidates and also motivate existing employees to participate in company-sponsored "green" initiatives:

1. Get employees excited - Create an internal "green team" to help develop and promote environmentally-friendly initiatives throughout the company. Check out fun sites such as http://www.carbonrally.com/ for green ideas.
   
2. Research local green charities – research any local environmental charities that the company could forge a partnership with to help improve green credentials.
   
3. Save paper - Print on both sides of the paper. Or even better, don’t print where avoidable  - especially emails!
   
4. Green stationery – Use recycled copier paper and green office products. Recycle printer toner cartridges.
   
5. Promote recycling - Place categorised recycling bins in high-traffic areas, such as copy or lunch rooms, to promote recycling of paper, plastics, bottles and cans.
   
6. Save energy - Optimise energy settings on all company computers and encourage employees to turn off their computers and office lights when they leave work.
   
7. Encourage carpooling - Encourage employees to take alternative methods of transportation to work (public transportation, bike riding) or organise an internal carpool.
   
8. Conference call – Reduce the energy spent travelling to and from business meetings.
   
9. Track and promote company progress -Track new initiatives and join an association or online community that generates new ideas and provides ways to measure green efforts. Promote your eco-friendly initiatives on your website, in collateral and when advertising your next job.
   
10. Make tea rounds – don’t boil the kettle for one!

Until next time, best wishes

Carl Freelove
Marketing Manager