Learn how to motivate and empower your staff to adopt sustainable practices in hospitality. Discover how to save costs, attract customers, and enhance your reputation.

It is important that the management exhibits an enthusiasm towards sustainability by setting up relevant standards and practising them diligently . When associates witness the managers enthusiasm, they are more likely to follow the suit.

How can you encourage your staff to adopt sustainable practices in hospitality?

Sustainability is not only good for the environment, but also for your hospitality business. It can help you save costs, attract customers, and enhance your reputation. But how can you get your staff on board with sustainable practices? Here are some tips to motivate and empower your team to go green.

1 Set clear goals

The first step is to define what sustainability means for your hospitality business and what specific actions you want your staff to take. For example, you might want to reduce food waste, energy consumption, water usage, or plastic packaging. You can use tools like SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) or OKR (objectives and key results) to set realistic and measurable goals. Communicate these goals to your staff and explain why they are important for your business and the environment.

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Anthony Masemo

Operations Manager with Expertise in F&B Management | Business Administration
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As an ardent conservationist, one thing I have seen making an impact in establishments is the inclusion of CSR in the Company's portfolio. A vast majority of the time, staff never get the chance to be a part of sustainability mainly because it has not been embedded in them. The first step, as aptly put by @Emma Banks, is to use tools such as SMART and OKR. This can be a very defining start to establishing what staff can do, as a unit, on embarking the sustainability route. Sure, one may start and hope that all will follow suit, however, without being shown the ropes and which way to go, it would prove difficult. I believe it can be done, when it starts from the right source.

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2 Provide training and resources

The next step is to provide your staff with the necessary training and resources to implement sustainable practices. This might include workshops, manuals, videos, posters, or online courses that teach them how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. You can also provide them with eco-friendly equipment, products, and materials that make it easier for them to go green. For example, you can install energy-efficient appliances, LED lights, low-flow faucets, or compost bins. You can also source local, organic, or fair-trade ingredients and supplies.

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Murthi Muniandy

Success is a blueprint, and I am the architect. With vision, determination, and unwavering belief in my abilities, I design my destiny, crafting a life that reflects my highest aspirations and achievements.
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Start by showing our commitment to sustainability. Implement eco-friendly practices within F&B's own operations and let the team members see that you are taking them seriously. Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound sustainability goals. Make these goals visible and communicate them to the F&B team members. Encourage their participation in achieving these goals. Identify and empower sustainability champions among the F&B team members who can take the lead in promoting eco-friendly practices. By taking a holistic approach to sustainability and involving our F&B team members in the process, we can create a more environmentally responsible and socially conscious hospitality operation.

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Tahir Malik Mohammed

Hospitality Consultant / Developer / Head of procurement / Mining
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During my 22 years in the industry i have noticed that by creating a culture of sustainability by involving your staff in decision-making processes related to sustainability initiatives. Encourage open dialogue & collaboration to ensure that everyone feels part of the solution, fostering a sense of ownership & responsibility towards a greener, more sustainable future for your hospitality business, recognizing & celebrating their efforts can boost morale & commitment.

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3 Reward and recognize

The third step is to reward and recognize your staff for their efforts and achievements in sustainability. This can help them feel valued, appreciated, and motivated to keep up the good work. You can use different types of rewards and recognition, such as incentives, bonuses, prizes, certificates, badges, or public praise. You can also create a feedback system that tracks and reports your staff's progress and impact on sustainability. For example, you can use dashboards, charts, or graphs that show how much waste, energy, water, or carbon emissions your staff have saved.

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4 Involve and empower

The fourth step is to involve and empower your staff in the decision-making and problem-solving process of sustainability. This can help them feel more engaged, committed, and responsible for the outcomes. You can use different methods to involve and empower your staff, such as surveys, polls, brainstorming sessions, suggestion boxes, or committees. You can also encourage them to share their ideas, opinions, and experiences on sustainability with each other and with your customers. For example, you can create a newsletter, a blog, a social media page, or a podcast that showcases your staff's stories and tips on sustainability.

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5 Lead by example

The fifth step is to lead by example and demonstrate your own commitment and enthusiasm for sustainability. This can help your staff see that you are not only talking the talk, but also walking the walk. You can show your leadership by adopting sustainable practices yourself, such as using public transportation, bringing your own reusable cup, or volunteering for environmental causes. You can also show your leadership by supporting and collaborating with other sustainable businesses, organizations, or initiatives in your community. For example, you can join a local green network, a certification program, or a campaign that promotes sustainability in hospitality.

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Saumya Stanley

Food Safety Expert | LEED Green Associate | NEBOSH- IGC certified | Master Trainer & Facilitator | Working with Marriott Marquis Dubai & Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences
(edited)
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It is important that the management exhibits an enthusiasm towards sustainability by setting up relevant standards and practising them diligently . When associates witness the managers enthusiasm, they are more likely to follow the suit.

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6 Inspire and educate

The sixth step is to inspire and educate your staff and your customers about the benefits and challenges of sustainability. This can help them see the bigger picture and the positive impact they can make on the world. You can use different ways to inspire and educate your staff and your customers, such as stories, testimonials, facts, figures, or case studies. You can also use different channels to inspire and educate your staff and your customers, such as newsletters, blogs, social media, podcasts, or events. For example, you can invite a guest speaker, a partner, or a customer to share their sustainability journey and best practices with your staff and your customers.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you encourage your staff to adopt sustainable practices in hospitality?

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1 Set clear goals

2 Provide training and resources

3 Reward and recognize

4 Involve and empower

5 Lead by example

6 Inspire and educate

7 Here’s what else to consider

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