As global leaders pledge to reduce their carbon emissions, cities move toward more sustainable transportation and eateries ditch disposable straws, workplaces are following suit. A survey with professionals in the US and Canada found that 59% of the offices have made environmentally-friendly changes in the last three years, which is far more common in larger offices – where the number jumps to 70%.

The most common sustainable choices workers reported are:

• Providing recycling bins (65%);
• Shutting off lights / electronics when not in use (40%);
• Going digital (34%);
• Providing reusable cutlery / dishware (27%);
• Being located in a LEED-certified building (27%);
• Cutting out disposable cutlery / dishware (24%).

When asked what kind of “green” incentives they wish the office offered, employees listed:

• Transit reimbursement (59%);
• Contests (57%);
• Work From Home program (45%);
• Carpool program (33%);
• Bike credit (28%).

Beyond making a difference to current workers, a green workplace could help attract new candidates. Almost one-third (32%) of professionals say a company’s sustainability efforts would be a factor in their job search. This is highest among senior managers (53%), media professionals (43%) and men (40%).

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Source: Captivate Office Pulse Survey