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Recently we explained what we mean by the term ‘regenerative business’. But how exactly can we apply this to the work we do as climate intrapreneurs?
Right now, our economic systems are founded on an extraction-at-all-costs mentality. In this system of degeneration, profit is deemed more important than protecting or respecting people and/or the planet. A regenerative world is the opposite of this. It centres the natural world in every decision and action.
RELATED: What on earth is regenerative business?
By applying regenerative patterns to our workplaces and lives, we can replenish and restore our planet, communities, ecosystems and increase the resilience and flourishing of our planetary system. In fact, it can be argued that the only way we can do this work successfully without burning out is by applying a regenerative framework. Why? Because we are climate intrapreneurs within an extractive system, which means we are always at risk of getting stuck in degenerative ways of working.
Here are a few simple practices that can start to foster a more regenerative workplace culture.
1. Regenerate yourself
In our current extractive system, being busy is the status quo. But if we’re burning ourselves out by working non-stop in the name of productivity, then we are stuck in a degenerative way of being – extracting but not replenishing energy and focus. How, then, could we possibly have the space or energy to create a regenerative world? To do this work it’s vital that we address our own patterns of degenerative living by finding small ways to reenergise and revitalise. This might look like: spending time in nature, meditating, slowing down, or surrounding ourselves with a strong and supportive community.
2. Rethinking how we relate to colleagues
The way you relate to others can really impact your ability to bring a more regenerative paradigm into the workplace. Small changes in our behaviour with colleagues can have a big impact. For example, allowing space in meetings with grounding/breathing exercises or check-ins and check-outs before diving straight into the task at hand, can help others be present in the meeting and feel safe to expand their thinking. Deep listening is another practice that helps us relate to others in a more regenerative way. Listening with empathy and curiosity can open up more possibilities for change.
3. Inviting intergenerational, long-term thinking
Consider the long-term by introducing ‘intergenerational thinking’ into meetings and conversations with colleagues. What does this look like? Rather than the corporate norm of decision making based on quarterly returns and annual reviews, this approach encourages a workplace to consider what impact any business strategies might have on the planet and people in future generations
4. Prioritising employee wellbeing
Centring the health of employees through supporting flexible working arrangements, providing mental health support and ensuring there are adequate and accessible leave days for ‘non-traditional’ sick days (e.g. stress, PMS, parental duties), can help people better bring their full selves to work.
5. Bringing in different perspectives
To work and be in regenerative ways, it’s essential that we also regenerate our thinking by constantly trying on different perspectives. This might look like challenging your own assumptions, immersing yourselves with people who are different to you, viewing your situation through the eyes of nature, or just asking others for their opinions and advice. By seeing things with different eyes, we can find new insights and make better decisions.
6. Providing employees with development opportunities
Offering continual personal and professional development to help employees advance their life and career. This could include providing company-wide sustainability training aimed at empowering all workers to tackle the climate crisis within their jobs – like French bank Societe Generale, which committed to up-skilling 40,000 employees with climate training.
Want to make sustainability a part of your job? The WorkforClimate Academy gives you the tools to take climate action in the workplace, no matter what your job title. Head here to register for the next cohort.
