Green HRM: Integrating Sustainability with HR Practices for a Greener Future

Context of the Blog:

Green HRM is a transformative approach that integrates sustainability into HR practices, helping organizations, especially in Sri Lanka, enhance environmental sustainability, employee engagement, and overall performance while contributing to broader social and environmental goals.

Relevant Theories:

Relevant theories such as the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV), Social Exchange Theory, Triple Bottom Line (TBL), and Stakeholder Theory highlight how sustainable HRM practices can help organizations gain a competitive advantage, enhance employee engagement, and contribute to social, environmental, and financial sustainability.

Case Studies in Sri Lankan context:

1.     MAS Holdings – Sustainability and Employee Engagement
Challenge: MAS Holdings, one of Sri Lanka’s leading apparel manufacturers, recognized the need to align HR practices with environmental sustainability to enhance employee engagement and corporate responsibility.
HRM Strategy: The company integrated Green HRM into its practices by implementing energy-saving initiatives, promoting eco-friendly workplace behaviors, and engaging employees in sustainability programs.
Outcome: MAS Holdings successfully reduced its carbon footprint and created a workplace culture focused on sustainability, which led to increased employee satisfaction and stronger brand recognition.
Reference: MAS Holdings Sustainability Report, 2023.

2.     Virtusa – Sustainable Talent Development

Challenge: As a global IT services company, Virtusa needed to focus on both digital innovation and sustainability to meet the growing demand for eco-conscious business practices.
HRM Strategy: Virtusa introduced sustainability-focused training programs to educate employees about the importance of sustainability in their work. They also integrated green practices into their corporate values and employee performance metrics.
Outcome: The company fostered a culture of environmental responsibility while maintaining a strong commitment to employee development and innovation.
Reference: Virtusa CSR Report, 2023.

3.     Hayleys PLC – Green Policies and Inclusivity
Challenge: As a diversified conglomerate, Hayleys PLC aimed to establish sustainability as a core part of its HR strategy to improve employee retention and corporate reputation.
HRM Strategy: The company introduced eco-friendly recruitment practices, such as virtual interviews to reduce travel emissions, and implemented employee wellness programs that focused on both physical and environmental health.
Outcome: Hayleys PLC enhanced its sustainability profile and built a more inclusive, eco-conscious workforce, strengthening its position as a socially responsible employer.
Reference: Hayleys Annual Sustainability Report, 2023.

4.     Sampath Bank – Green Workplace Initiatives
Challenge: Sampath Bank, a leading financial institution in Sri Lanka, sought to incorporate sustainable HR practices while promoting a greener workplace environment.
HRM Strategy: The bank initiated a range of green initiatives, including reducing paper usage, promoting digital banking solutions, and engaging employees in environmental volunteer programs.
Outcome: Sampath Bank succeeded in creating a more sustainable workplace and positively impacted its employees’ environmental awareness and engagement.
Reference: Sampath Bank Sustainability Report, 2023.

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Conclusion:

Adopting Green HRM practices helps companies in Sri Lanka and globally achieve sustainability goals, boost employee engagement, and drive long-term success, while enhancing their reputation, attracting top talent, and contributing to a more sustainable future

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References (Harvard Style):

• MAS Holdings (2023). Sustainability Report 2023. Available at: https://www.masholdings.com 
• Virtusa Corporation (2023). Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Available at: https://www.virtusa.com.
• Hayleys PLC (2023). Annual Sustainability Report. Available at: https://www.hayleys.com .
• Sampath Bank PLC (2023). Sustainability Report 2023. Available at: https://www.sampath.lk .
• Hart, S. L. (1995). 'A Natural-Resource-Based View of the Firm', Academy of Management Review, 20(4), pp. 986–1014.
• Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Boston: Pitman Publishing.
• Gholami, R., & Ramayah, T. (2020). 'Green Human Resource Management: A Review and Research Agenda', International Journal of Management Reviews, 22(3), pp. 357–381.