Supportive workplaces drive employees to take bigger climate actions, UEA finds

Supportive workplaces help employees take bigger steps on climate action, according to research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). 

The study, which surveyed more than 400 workers in the UK and US, found employees are more likely to act on sustainability when they feel supported by their employer and managers.

Researchers found support from the organisation encouraged larger actions, like suggesting new procurement policies for sustainable products, identifying wasteful energy use, creating cycle-to-work schemes, and lobbying leaders for green agendas. 

Encouragement from direct managers was more likely to promote smaller daily behaviours, such as recycling and saving energy.

The study also found employees who feel emotionally connected and valued at work are more likely to adopt green habits. 

Dr Duncan Maguire, lecturer in organisational behaviour at UEA, said: “This research helps identify key barriers to green behaviour change and highlights that practical solutions depend on organisations clarifying which types of employee green behaviour they want to promote and what level of support employees require to perform them.

“Even with limited resources, organisations can meaningfully strengthen this behaviour by focusing on low cost relational and cultural levers. 

“For example, taking time to communicate clearly and consistently the environmental goals and the progress being made.”