Environmental and social governance (ESG) has moved right to the forefront of business agenda for any forward-looking organization. Recent studies reveal that today's customers, investors, and shareholders see more value in companies focusing on environmental preservation and sustainable business development. Any organization that wants to be competitive must consider environmental sustainability and social development when crafting its business strategies.
As sustainable development takes center stage in the corporate board rooms, it is becoming increasingly clear that co-working spaces are critical to attaining ESG goals. Co-working spaces like Quest workspaces provide innovative solutions that help organizations demonstrate their social and environmental sustainability initiative. Here are seven ways co-working spaces help companies achieve their ESG goals.
What are ESG goals?
ESG goals are company-wide objectives designed to help a business or organization attain its environmental, social, and governance business goals. The goals include strategies aimed at achieving the following:
- Reducing business
- Increasing workplace diversity
- Investing in sustainable energy
- Adopting transparent financial practices
7 ways co-working spaces help organizations meet their ESG goals
Environmental Goals
The following are a few ways co-working spaces can help you reduce your carbon emission and take care of the environment and climate:
Use of renewable energy: Leading co-working spaces such as Quest Workspaces use renewable energy sources to reduce members' carbon footprints. With co-working spaces located in environmentally friendly buildings, you can switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy through solar panels and other eco-friendly energy sources.
Adopting renewables: Although offices today are adopting digitization, tons of paper are still wasted through unnecessary printing. Co-working spaces promote environmental sustainability by providing access to cloud services and digital solutions to ensure your workplace doesn't contribute to the destruction of trees.
Greener workplaces: Co-working spaces leverage indoor plants to make co-working spaces greener and more eco-friendly. The plants are a visual reminder of green ideals while also enhancing air quality by filtering toxins.
Campaigns to raise awareness: Shared workspaces often host seminars and workshops where environmental experts talk to members about environmental issues and how they can live and work greener. Such events evolve into simple and practical initiatives that can make a difference in the workplace.
Social Goals
The following are some of the ways co-working spaces help companies enhance social relations and counteract discrimination in the workplace:
Enhances communication and interaction: Co-working spaces value connection and communication between members rather than just privacy. The spaces allow people to interact with each other. This allows people to communicate and seek assistance whenever they face challenges related to their work. During free time, members can also chat and interact while drinking coffee or tea in the lounge areas. By facilitating communication, co-working spaces foster a culture that builds relationships and breaks down barriers to socialization.
Improves diversity: A co-working space provides a welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds feel safe, comfortable, and included. These workspaces leverage community frameworks to encourage mutual respect and foster the coexistence of members regardless of their gender, race, economic status, sexual preference, religion, and physical or mental differences. Co-working spaces also organize diversity days with activities and programs that highlight the richness of the world's cultures and the critical role intercultural dialogue plays in achieving peace and sustainable development. These spaces are designed to be as inclusive as possible to meet the varying needs of all workers. For example, apart from creating gender-neutral restrooms, Quest Workspaces offer lactation rooms for new mothers and quiet private rooms for those who need peace and serenity.
Governance Goals
Co-working spaces have areas with an open design that encourages collaboration while acting as a catalyst for trusting relationships between people. Generally, everything within these spaces speaks about transparency, accountability, and collaboration. The collaborative and transparent environment these spaces provide gives business leaders the insight to ensure teams stay on track.
Features of a winning co-working spaces
The following are some of the features to look out for in a co-working space:
- Top-notch equipment like computers, printers, and strong internet
- Conference rooms
- Private meeting rooms
- Lounge areas
- Coffee and kitchen room
- Team building and community events
- Workout facilities, including gym and yoga rooms within the building
- A great ambiance that encourages greener workplaces, e.g., indoor plants
Boost your sustainability efforts with Quest Workspaces
Sustainability is one of the top corporate agendas today. An effective way to meet your sustainability goals is by incorporating co-working spaces into your work model. These shared offices provide an all-inclusive environment with the amenities and facilities required to achieve ESG goals. At Quest Workspaces, we provide co-working spaces designed with your ESG mandate in mind. Our workspace solutions help members reduce their carbon footprint, undertake environmental conservation and boost their social well-being.
Contact us today to schedule a tour of a facility near you.
