OM Talk - How I initiated an eco-responsible approach in my organization

I am an Office Manager in a Swedish group, manufacturer of video protection systems, and more precisely for its French subsidiary. In the Scandinavian company environment, sustainability is at the heart of the development and operation policies.

If this word is sometimes used wrongly, as a fashion effect or a facade of greenwashing, some really want to be more responsible on a daily basis and in the long term.

Eco-responsibility, which is an important part of a sustainability policy, is a key element in the development of our companies: it echoes our values, allows for growth both in terms of people and the development of our products and solutions, and our partnerships. It is also a guarantee of quality, because we are committed to a safer future.

So I propose you some eco/socioresponsible practices, rather easy to put in place.

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Use an authorized repairer rather than throwing away and buying a new machine

When the legal or commercial warranty is prescribed or when the breakdown is not covered by them, the tendency has long been to buy a new, more recent, sometimes more efficient model of the type of machine that has broken down. Today, we seek to consume in a circular and no longer linear way, meaning that instead of discarding the damaged object, its repair is considered and carried out if possible. Repairers like Murphy allow quick interventions, with professionals who are experts in their field. The machine starts out as good as new, and a saving is made by not buying new equipment (both monetary and environmental).

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Reduce consumption on the kitchen side

Say goodbye to plastic cups, glasses and spoons. And no, we don't replace them with bamboo! The practice of replacing plastic with other disposable materials is not a good practice, it's greenwashing. A good eco-responsible policy is one that allows us not to throw away. So we go back to basics, we take out the stainless steel spoons, the cups that we wash and rewash (the dishwasher saves water by the way) and for our visiting customers, we offer them bottled water in glass and consigned (thanks to the provider Just in time in particular).

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Promote reuse

We only print what is absolutely necessary, preferably on both sides and when we have finished using our documents, if possible, we reuse the back of the documents rather than throwing them away. Because reforestation is not the solution (loss of biodiversity, less resistant forest...), think about reducing your consumption of paper and cardboard. That's why we reuse all the cardboard boxes that we receive for our shipments of packages. Don't be surprised to receive one of our products in a box from a coffee provider.

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Implementing inclusive social policies

On the social side, we call upon several partners who employ or call upon disabled or retired people. Delicorner For example, we have sometimes delivered sweets made by young retirees who like to bake; our Christmas trees are ordered from an ESAT and seeing them decorate our offices so beautifully is a real pleasure.

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Implement sustainable mobility packages (not mandatory in small structures)

This kind of policy has made some of our employees aware that other means of transportation (and their hassles) are possible. Let's talk about low-carbon transportation: we have had several Bernard Hinaults among our employees for over a year now! We offer them safety equipment (fluorescent armbands or bibs with light signals acting as blinkers) for better visibility and safety, and for reduced impact mobility.

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Implementing eco-responsible management of the computer park

As a company in the IT sector, we work a lot with computer equipment. This fleet can quickly become large, and between orders and retirements, it is easy to get lost. In the same way that unused or ageing equipment can find a second life with other companies, it is important to be able to control your IT fleet as much as possible. This avoids situations such as having to ask Paul from IT to place an order every two weeks, without knowing what was ordered and who received the equipment, or having to remind Catherine that no, the latest PC is not useful for her missions. A refurbished device in perfect working order will do just fine!

You save time and you act for the circular economy by offering a second life, or even several other lives, to IT devices. These are the two solutions that Rzilient offers: IT asset management and refurbished equipment for your organization!

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Opt for a responsible distribution of goodies

Come on, one last one for the road! Small or big communication objects for companies, goodies are part of the company's life. The sales team never leaves the office without a complete set of goodies, the marketing team looks for those that would please the partners... They are always present.

So yes, we can continue to communicate by this means, but we prefer the referencing of products made in France, or at least in Europe: we think about the carbon footprint and we give a boost to thelocal and committed economy. Indeed, to commit oneself to the planet, with sustainable and non-disposable goodies, will mark all the more the spirits. And here, we think of Panopli, with a team that listens and does not idle to reference new ideas, always in the greatest respect of the environment and not only: thank you the CSR charter signed internally and externally!

Other practices should be studied and implemented, and everyone can contribute in his or her own way to a cleaner, safer world, also taking into account social problems. Everyone can contribute, in the private sphere but also in the professional sphere, to set an example to his colleagues or his management.

So, on your marks, get set, participate!

Madline Poirot, Office Manager at Axis Communications