Get staff buy-in on sustainability

Companies may have big plans to address climate change, but without buyin from employees most campaigns are unlikely to ever succeed.

Nicole Roos, Nestlé business executive officer for coffee and beverages, says: “Addressing sustainability challenges requires a collective effort and a behaviour change from all of us.”

She has recent experience in this as Nestlé launched its RE Sustainability initiative in December 2020.

She advises:

Be clear. “Be transparent about your business objectives and what you want to achieve – and communicate openly with employees as this will drive their buy-in.”

Create an environment that allows for innovation and creativity and the selfexpression of ideas to thrive.

Ensure everyone feels comfortable enough to participate. “Avoid a top-down instructive approach: listen, engage and allow a space for views to be openly shared.”

Failure is part of success. “Encourage intelligent failure: our organisation encourages employees to be explorative through trial and learning because that is how we are able to drive employee excellence.”