Bring more environmental awareness into your business

Why should I, as an employee, also do something for the environment at work? Isn't it enough if I consume in a climate-friendly way?

Pierre Derivaz: When it comes to personal consumption, it's not always easy to keep track of what is particularly environmentally friendly. In your work environment, on the other hand, you have  know-how. You can assess which measures make sense and are effective in your area of responsibility and in the company.

And what does that achieve?

The more employees demand a committed climate and environmental policy from their company, the easier it is for management to implement it. Such a corporate culture makes ecological change a joint endeavor. And that has a motivating effect.

As an employee, do I have the right to have a say in environmental matters?

The Participation Act provides employees and employee representatives with the right to information on all collective matters. If you ask specifically on this basis, you can ensure that the topic of environmental protection is always present. This right can be extended through an agreement with the employer.

What opportunities do collective bargaining agreements (CLA) offer?

A CLA has an important function. The existing agreement in the mechanical, electrical and metal industries already recommends that the employee representative body be given at least the right to be consulted on the company's ecology and environmental policy. And this before any decisions are made. We are committed to ensuring that the right to participate in sustainability is anchored in all CLAs.

Where should I try to exert influence?

That depends on the specific company. In many cases, there is a need for action on the same point: bonus systems. Up to now, variable compensation has primarily been linked to the achievement of key financial figures. In view of the ecological threats, this is not in keeping with the times. What is needed are criteria aimed at climate protection and the careful use of raw materials.

What if a company is small and cannot invest resources in environmental protection?

At the beginning, a certain amount of effort is required. If you want to practice effective environmental protection, you have to analyze the initial situation. This means that the need for action and possible starting points must be known. No company is too small for this. For them in particular, it makes sense to review established processes. In this way, workflows can be improved. And areas where energy and other resources are wasted come to light.

What can employees of large international companies do when important decisions are made abroad?

This can limit the influence. Nevertheless, employees can get involved. Thus, participation rights often develop more quickly in the EU than here. For example, employees from Switzerland can be members of European works councils.

What if an employer is neither too small nor too big, but still doesn't want to hear about corporate social responsibility?

Employees cannot force their company to address the issue. In this case, it's probably worth looking around on www.good-jobs.info for an employer who is more socially committed. We support this job platform. There, job offers can be filtered according to environmentally friendly companies.