Engagement: A big fat key to sustainable operations

Refining a subject as big as Sustainable Hospitality is not so easy. So many players, so many pieces of the puzzle, so many obstacles -- but one defining factor of successful hotel environmental programs is employee engagement.

You can make big shiny graphics, catchy slogans, photos of your GM shaking hands with various non profit organizations, and paper hangers that tell your guests to reuse their towels -- all of this doesn't make a success environmental operation program -- if not implemented correctly, all of this lead to nothing more than pure and simple greenwashing.

This seems to be the ultimate challenge, getting associates on board and truly engaged in new sustainable programs. Back in the days when the towel reuse program was in its beginning stages one of the biggest complaints from guests was that the program wasn't being fulfilled by hotel employees. Green-minded guests would hang up their towels only to come back to a new towel. This lack of associate interest and adoption of new practices almost led to the end of the towel reuse program entirely.

So, this is the ultimate question -- how to create a program that "entices" employees to adopt sustainable practices, not only in the workplace, but at home. Let's face it, what really makes a great hospitality experience is the people and service from the heart.

My goal: find a way to integrate sustainable practices in a hotel's SOPs and core brand values so associates can live sustainability the same way they live and breathe great service and brand culture. Got any ideas? I'd love em!