One of the factors that decrease<\/b> the successful implementation of sustainability- is that top management often perceives sustainability to be something too academic or high-level<\/strong> for other employees to understand.<\/p>\n So- they keep it within their own team\/or relevant stakeholders who they feel do<\/strong> understand and don\u2019t involve other employees.<\/p>\n Meet the sustainability bubble: one of the biggest bottlenecks to successful sustainable change. How can we make sure we burst it?<\/p>\n A sustainability bubble <\/strong>is created when sustainable awareness remains in a network of employees and professionals that are open to- and are knowledgeable to sustainability. And often people are just unaware they create- or are part of these bubbles within their organization.<\/p>\n However, the dangerous result is that sustainable awareness then doesn\u2019t reach the rest of your organization. It slows down sustainable awareness and understanding<\/strong> in all the other management levels and departments. Decreasing the flow of collective intelligence and engagement and, therefore, opportunities to sustainably improve or innovate.<\/p>\n Remarkably, countless of research shows that high sustainable awareness is also considered one of the most important success factors<\/strong> for organisational sustainable transitioning. Both to inspire sustainable innovation and employee pride.<\/p>\n So- how can we make sure we burst this bubble?<\/p>\n Sustainability is a tough topic.<\/strong> It may seem like the concepts that sustainability professionals tackle are too far-away or difficult for other employees. But don\u2019t let that hold you back from trying to find ways to do so. Burst this sustainability bubble- and while doing so try putting yourself in other people\u2019s shoes. Why would this change be important to others in your company? How can you bring sustainability to an employee-level and connect it to their everyday work to a bigger picture. If you would be in another team, would you not also find it important to understand how your organization is contributing to solving environmental issues?<\/p>\n Supportive CEO\u2019s work like magic.<\/strong> CEO\u2019s with enthusiastic and positive attitudes towards sustainable change have a strong systematic impact on the organisation\u2019s approach and engagement towards innovation and change-oriented strategies. So, if you can- always highlight CEO support in your change communication. Even better: have your CEO communicate it him\/herself.<\/p>\n Sustainability professionals are busy. And often a big lack of time and resources<\/strong> stands in the way of increasing sustainable awareness. An internal communications professional with sustainable awareness and engament as their main goal will get your sustainability communication up to a next level. They will have the time and expertese to understand what your employees want and should know and how to translate difficult topics to understandable concepts.<\/p>\n Depending of the size of your company, this may or may not be possible. However, having someone in your company that focuses entirely on communicating and engaging employees to understand and LOVE<\/strong> sustainability, will definitely be worth it.<\/p>\n Keep your employees up to date of the latest sustainability goals, projects, updates, successes, fails or projects. Transparency and consistent communication not only make your employees better informed, it makes them feel included and increases trust. This also motivates employees to share ideas and\/or efforts they already take.<\/p>\n Always try to make this a two-way communication flow.<\/strong> Maybe that one guy\/girl from the sales department found the most interesting sustainable business opportunity for your product. Would be a shame if they don\u2019t have a proper opportunity to tell you\u2026<\/p>\n Success is the best tool to increase sustainability awareness. And that\u2019s because success boost employee pride.<\/strong> In turn, pride is the key to creating motivated and engaged employees. If you want to ensure your employees see the value in your sustainability efforts, aim to highlight success or provide perspective of the business opportunities your organization\u2019s efforts bring.<\/p>\n P.S.<\/strong> Haven\u2019t started with sustainability in your company yet? We captured 13 capacity-building tactics from within our community, on how to build up environmental awareness to make your company change-ready. Read them here:<\/em><\/p>\nSustainability Bubbles: The danger of undersharing<\/h2>\n
The 5 tips on how to get your organization successfully involved with sustainable change<\/h2>\n
1. Be critical on your awareness efforts: <\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Highlight support from CEO:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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3. Hire an internal sustainability communications professional:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Create a company wide sustainability update in your intranet:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Always share sustainable success stories: <\/strong><\/h3>\n