Go green to keep staff, employers told

Research commissioned by London-based design firm Maris Interiors has found that almost 70% of workers in the city are concerned about the environment and are beginning to expect their employers to feel the same.

According to Maris Interiors, more than 60% of Londoners feel their company should be doing more to go green, and the same percentage accused their employers of wasting resources such as energy, water and paper.

The study also found that female workers tend to feel more strongly about the environment than their male counterparts.

Maris Chairman Michael Howard commented that although his firm is being asked more and more to consider the environment when undertaking an office design or fit-out, the research shows that going green is not high enough on many employers’ agendas.

He said: “There is a real need for employers to catch up with the feelings of their employees. Our research would suggest they may be out of step with their employees.

“It seems that having green credentials could soon be a deal breaker in recruiting and keeping employees.

“There are many measures beyond recycling paper that companies can take whether it’s reduced flush toilets to save water or heat sensitive lights that automatically turn off when no one is detected.”

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007