How to integrate sustainability training into employee onboarding

Sustainability is becoming a core value for businesses worldwide, and companies that prioritize environmental responsibility are increasingly embedding it into their corporate culture. One of the most effective ways to ensure employees align with sustainability goals is by integrating sustainability training for employees into the onboarding process.

By introducing sustainability from day one, businesses can cultivate a workforce that understands and actively supports their environmental initiatives. Here’s how to seamlessly incorporate sustainability into new employee orientation and ensure long-term engagement.

Why Sustainability Should Be Part of Employee Onboarding

Starting sustainability training during onboarding helps establish eco-conscious behaviors early. Employees who receive clear guidance on a company’s sustainability goals are more likely to integrate green practices into their daily work. Early exposure also demonstrates that sustainability is a fundamental part of company culture—not just an add-on initiative.

Additionally, many employees expect their employers to prioritize sustainability. A Deloitte study found that younger workers are particularly drawn to companies with strong environmental commitments. Embedding sustainability into onboarding can enhance recruitment, engagement, and retention.

Steps to Integrate Sustainability Training into Employee Onboarding

1. Introduce Sustainability in Company Values and Mission

Ensure sustainability is highlighted as a key part of your company’s mission from the start. During orientation, include an overview of corporate sustainability goals and how employees contribute to them.

Example: Patagonia explicitly incorporates environmental responsibility into its onboarding, ensuring employees understand the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable operations.

2. Provide a Sustainability Handbook or Digital Guide

New employees should receive a sustainability guide outlining:

• The company’s environmental commitments and sustainability targets
• Workplace sustainability policies (e.g., waste reduction, energy conservation, green commuting options)
• Expectations for employees in contributing to these initiatives

A digital guide or interactive platform can make learning more engaging and accessible.

3. Offer Interactive Training Modules

Make sustainability training an interactive experience rather than a lecture. Online courses, quizzes, and hands-on workshops can reinforce key sustainability practices.

Example: Many companies now use microlearning platforms like Mammoth Climate that offer bite-sized, gamified training sessions on sustainability topics, making it easy for employees to absorb information in a fun and engaging way.

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4. Assign a Green Team Mentor

Pair new hires with a sustainability ambassador or "Green Team" mentor who can guide them on eco-friendly office practices and answer questions about sustainability initiatives.

Example: A mentor might walk a new employee through waste sorting, explain green commuting benefits, or introduce them to corporate volunteering opportunities.

5. Integrate Sustainability into Employee Goals and Performance Reviews

Reinforce sustainability beyond onboarding by integrating it into employee objectives and performance reviews. Encouraging employees to set sustainability-related goals helps keep them engaged long after their first few weeks on the job.

Example: A marketing team might set a goal to reduce paper use by switching to digital-only materials, or an operations team might aim to improve supply chain and procurement sustainability.

The Long-Term Benefits of Sustainability-Focused Onboarding

Incorporating sustainability training into employee onboarding has long-term benefits for both businesses and employees:

• Stronger company culture: Employees feel more connected to the company’s mission.
• Higher retention rates: Purpose-driven employees are more likely to stay with organizations that align with their values.
• Better environmental impact: A well-trained workforce contributes to sustainability goals more effectively.

Embedding sustainability training for employees into onboarding ensures that environmental responsibility becomes second nature from day one. By educating new hires on sustainability goals, policies, and best practices early on, companies can build a workforce that actively supports and advances their sustainability initiatives.