Some of us may view sustainability as a buzzword. In the US, environmental risks have become a more legitimate concern than ever. Business leaders cannot afford to sideline them. It doesn’t matter whether your firm is a well-regarded organization or a fledgling startup.

Besides worsening the veritable reality of climate change, not focusing on sustainability can also dampen the spirit of your employees. Many modern organizations dabble in hazardous substances that can directly impact employee health unless due caution is in place.

Let us discuss how you can sync your organization’s sustainability and employee wellness efforts.

Protecting Employee Health Through Non-Toxic Office Supplies 

Several companies in the US have rolled out back-to-office policies, much to the disdain of many employees. Returning to office after years of working from home can be unsettling. A workplace that does not value their health can worsen employee sentiments. 

Many modern workplaces don’t examine furniture and personal care products closely. The US Environmental Protection Agency observes that everyday items may contain harmful PFAS. In offices, such items may include water-resistant furniture, plastic utensils, stain-resistant carpets, and food packaging.

Why Are PFAS a Concern for Business Owners?

Did you know that many Americans are still oblivious to the presence of PFAS? In a survey published in the National Library of Medicine, 31.6% of respondents agreed that they had heard of PFAS but had no clue what they were. 

Well, disregarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances can land you in hot soup. Sectors like firefighting use them directly in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). Decades of use have exposed many firefighters to ill health, prompting them to take legal action. According to TruLaw, several firefighters have developed cancer in the kidneys and bladder. 

PFAS-rich by-products have also landed in municipal water supplies. The latest AFFF lawsuit update states that the authorities will consider water contamination and personal injury cases against manufacturers.

No matter which industry you operate in, it’s highly likely that your company uses PFAS in some form or another. The risk is higher for aerospace, automotive, and electronics businesses. Over time, exposure to these chemicals can make your workforce susceptible to hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, and increased cholesterol. 

Action Plan

The best plan is to go completely non-toxic by eliminating any office supplies that have PFAS. You can start by prohibiting takeout from food chains that use grease-resistant packaging. It is not too difficult to achieve as the FDA has banned grease-proofing agents with PFAS.

Eventually, you can replace furniture, upholstery, and cubicle walls that don’t meet safety standards. Does your business require long hours in the office – think customer service or data science? Your employees face a higher risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Concrete efforts in building a green workspace will show commitment to employee safety and sustainability. 

Integrating Safer Alternatives Throughout the Supply Chain

A recent McKinsey report found that many Gen Z employees are open to taking on roles in manufacturing. However, many leave within a few months. They perceive an unfriendly environment for humans (as opposed to machines).

Indeed, many businesses focus mainly on the end products and areas like marketing. Manufacturing and allied processes get sidelined. Knowing the operational process inside out will help you see the risk areas for your workforce. 

For example, you may have eliminated toxic chemicals from your final products. However, what if your vendors and suppliers use unsafe products, exposing your workers to health hazards? 

Action Plan

Business owners must choose safer alternatives throughout the supply chain to safeguard employee interests. In turn, you will also make a lasting impact on minimizing the firm’s carbon footprint.

Responsible business owners can run a thorough supply chain analysis. Industry insights can help you discover where toxins may linger in your sector. Accordingly, your team can evaluate the chemical composition of these products and explore safer replacements.

Unilever is a stunning example of how leaders sync occupational factors with employee wellness. The company uses a specific metric called Occupational Illness Frequency Rate (OIFR) to understand why workers may get ill at work. OIFR ties in with the firm’s workplace health promotion and education.

Many global firms now consult accredited laboratories to test raw materials and wastewater samples. The Guardian reports the curious case of Anglian Water, a British firm. It passed many pollution tests during the no-flow of sewage. Strict compliance tracking and monitoring can protect your business from false sustainability assumptions. 

Protecting Communities Through Superior Waste Management 

In many businesses, the raw materials or the final products don’t have toxins. Instead, harmful chemicals may manifest as by-products of manufacturing. 

Consequently, inadequate waste management can risk the health of the staff and the nearby communities. No wonder more companies are considering options like Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability. This suite lets firms track emissions and waste management efficiently.

Action Plan

Global organizations have started to partner with companies specializing in effective waste collection and treatment. In 2010, the UN launched a Global Partnership on Waste Management to conserve resources and fill information gaps. International partnerships can be an excellent way to synergize efforts for waste management.

Further, does your business release by-products into water bodies? If so, you must incorporate relevant treatment measures. For example, you can use granular activated carbon, a reliable approach for drinking water treatment. 

As a business leader, you must optimize the company’s waste collection and treatment practices. Some companies have moved to alternatives like high-temperature incineration and ion exchange. These strategies are environmentally friendly and necessary for hazardous or clinical substances. They ensure the community is safe from pharmaceutical and cytotoxic waste.

Final Word

So, are you prepared to take the sustainable route for your business? 

The bottom line is that your business practices must conform to strict regulatory guidelines for minimizing environmental impact. At the same time, sustainable operations also help keep your employees and the larger community safe from hazardous substances. It can be a brilliant way to achieve a low environmental footprint and high employee satisfaction – two essentials for business success. 

That said, you cannot change everything overnight. But start with small, consistent steps that add up over time. Before long, you would have transformed your business into a compassionate and growing entity for its workforce and the environment.