Getting Started: Engaging the workforce to reach net zero
The practice of healthcare professionals can have a direct impact on the environmental footprint of hospitals. The involvement of everyone who works in healthcare delivery is key to reaching net zero targets for improved health outcomes for all.
Empowering employees and providing incentives to introduce sustainability initiatives will accelerate your organization’s progress toward net-zero operations. In addition, clinical staff can play an active role in identifying co-benefits to improve patient health and reduce environmental impacts.
What engaging the workforce in healthcare looks like:
- Leading to inspire, listen, and support sustainability initiatives recommended by the workforce.
- Creating a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) position to reflect your commitment to sustainability.
- Engaging the workforce on sustainable healthcare, including highlighting good practices, sharing insights, and providing training opportunities to implement and scale up initiatives.
- Building a workforce forum and encouraging participation in activities that reduce carbon emissions.
- Empowering the workforce to take charge and choose how to contribute for sustainability outcomes.
Actions for hospitals
Establish a sustainability taskforce
A sustainability taskforce including leaders and managers increases the visibility of sustainability projects across all levels. It encourages inter-departmental collaboration and communication, and breaks down silos.
A taskforce can help identify and implement specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound sustainability projects.
Provide training to the whole workforce
The full workforce will have a role to play in the transition to low-carbon, resilient and sustainable healthcare. To support them, healthcare leaders must provide the knowledge and tools to facilitate and manage the change.
Start by setting up training sessions about climate change and health, highlighting how everyone has a role to play in the sustainability strategy. Further training can focus on specific roles and practices.
Create inspiring sustainability initiatives
Provide volunteering opportunities so the workforce can connect with what sustainability means to them.
‘Green competitions’ provide a platform to showcase sustainability projects across the organization.
Introducing a “Sustainability Award” can drive engagement and help to identify workforce champions.
Case study: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)’s taskforce
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) introduced a taskforce with individuals from across key departments to develop a sustainability strategy.
The ‘Go Green’ taskforce introduced initiatives to involve all SSMC employees to advocate and engage with strategic partners on education, innovation, and collaboration for real impact.
