# Do Green Office Buildings Help Retain Staff?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/11/do-green-office-buildings-help-retain-staff/
- Published: 2016-11-29T01:46:25-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

There’s no denying offices and universities across the country are going green. 
In just two decades, green offices have gone from being quirky and odd to mainstream.
Greener construction is now a [major driver](https://web.archive.org/web/20160407001011/http://www.worldgbc.org/files/8613/6295/6420/World_Green_Building_Trends_SmartMarket_Report_2013.pdf)
of local business and jobs. It’s big business for the construction industry, but
how does it impact those within the buildings?

# The way a building performs has become crucially important to businesses seeking offices to rent.

Efficient building systems for climate control where performance is optimised, cabling
for power distribution that has been approved in a [cable testing](https://www.elandcables.com/)
lab, and water management solutions all have a measureable impact on the bottom 
line.

**[⌊Green building green wall⌉⌊Green building green wall⌉[

## **Health Impact**

There’s another important factor at play here as well – the health of the staff.
Harvard found that [air quality](https://web.archive.org/web/20180204081224/https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/green-office-environments-linked-with-higher-cognitive-function-scores/)
had a measurable impact on the way people were thinking while inside the building.
The study was able to show that common office pollutant had a negative impact on
the way people performed indoors. It slowed them down and made them more likely 
to call in sick. Over time lack of air quality had a drastic impact on aggregate
performance of the whole company.

This certainly shows that a great way for employers to raise productivity at the
workplace was by going green. A healthier work environment could also help attract
and retain talent at the company.

[[

Green footprint

### **Transparency**

As the pressure to go green mounts and employees realise the benefits of a healthier
workplace, employers will be required to be more transparent. This means construction
will have to fundamentally change. Offices will be likely to promote the fact that
their space is cleaner and greener than others. [Green certificates](https://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2013/07/26/4-myths-green-product-declarations)
and sustainability awards already have a measurably impact on business reputation.
This will soon become a competitive edge. Offering a chair that isn’t covered in
flame retardant and likely to cause memory loss will surely be appreciated by employees.

**[⌊Solar⌉⌊Solar⌉[[⌊Energy efficiency⌉⌊Energy efficiency⌉[

#### **Efficiency**

Using energy more efficiently is surely likely to show up on the bottom line. But
sustainable buildings have a far reaching impact on the culture of the firm. A firm
that takes workplace efficiency seriously is likely to come across as a well-managed
and responsible business. This will no doubt help employees work better and waste
less as they go about their jobs.

#### **Value for money**

The extra money spent on rent and solar roofing is likely to pay off quickly. Not
only will the energy bills be lowered but long-term expansion will get easier. [Well Building Standards](https://delos.com)
that certify the focu on health can help set your office apart and show employees
you genuinely care. Think of every green [initiative as an investment in staff health](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/california-sugary-drink-restrictions-a-health-initiative/)
and happiness. This will undoubtedly show results in productivity and retention 
metrics.

Going green used to be all about [saving the planet](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/ways-to-reduce-your-biggest-bills-and-save-the-planet-in-the-process/).
It was severely restricted to wealthy individuals and environmental activists a 
few decades ago. But since the costs of [going green have reduced sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/10/evette-rios-on-going-green-and-sustainability/)
workplaces have become a mainstream competitive edge that companies willingly invest
in. To improve the work culture, boost efficiency and retain staff, focus on health
and sustainability rather than just the bottom line.