Behaviour expert says workplace pressure in Yorkshire and the Humber could be spawning a region of Jekyll & Hydes.
Individuals committed to cutting waste at home are lapsing into bad habits as soon as they get to work, says new research from Envirowise. And workplace psychology expert, Professor Toby Wall, says it is Yorkshire and Humber's employers who have the power to cure our split personalities.
The survey of the region’s office workers found that more than a third took no action whatsoever to reduce the amount of resources they use during the working day - meaning vast amounts of resources and money are being lost without trace.
"This is a symptom of our pressurised workplaces where there is often too little time or encouragement for people to take action on waste," says Professor Wall, Director of the Institute of Work Psychology. "Research shows that if people are closely monitored and given strict performance targets, they will focus on their core tasks at the expense of other activities*.
"Yorkshire and Humber employers should consider quickly establishing some simple steps to help employees take more ownership of this issue – perhaps by appointing a 'champion' to lead waste-busting initiatives, encouraging greater teamwork or investing in training."
Survey respondents agreed by saying that clearer environmental policies from their employer (36%) and greater access to eco-friendly options, such as recycling bins (55%), would help them do more when at work.
Elin Crebbin, Envirowise Regional Manager for Yorkshire and Humber, says: “With 94% of Yorkshire and Humber respondents taking positive steps to act environmentally at home, it is now vital that employers take up the challenge of increasing this behaviour in the workplace and ensuring individuals can bring their good habits from home into work."
"It is hoped this new information – made available freely available online – will enable businesses to take some practical action, before this becomes a region of environmental Jekyll & Hydes."
Guidance on resource efficiency is available from the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.
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Sample research studies on this topic: Parker, S. K., Wall, T. D., & Jackson, P. R. (1997), 'That's not my job': Developing flexible employee work orientations. Academy of Management Journal, 40, 899-929. Parker, S. K, Williams, H. M., & Turner, N. (2006). Modelling the antecedents of proactivity at work. Journal of Applied Psychology, 91, 636-652.
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley.
Media Contacts: Rod Dennis or Kate Sturley at Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311 or email rod.dennis@harrisoncowley.com.
Notes to Editors
About the Research
Tickbox surveyed a sample of 1894 office workers (16 years and above) across the UK between 19 May and 9 June 2006.
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact. Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits* delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.
* Please note that different services are available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.