Employee participation
2. Instruction
2.1. General consideration
The organization must recognize that the active participation of employees is a driving force and an indispensable condition for guaranteeing continuous environmental improvements as well as a decisive resource in increasing environmental performance. The organization must recognize that the active participation of employees is the most suitable tool for concretely integrating the eco-management and audit system internally.
The organization must recognize that the term "employee participation" implies that each employee participates and is informed, individually and through his representatives, in accordance with the provisions of the respective national regulations; consequently there must be, at all levels, a system of employee participation.
Therefore, tools must be put in place for the active involvement of employees.
The organization must acknowledge that commitment, responsiveness and active support from the management are indispensable conditions for the success of the processes described above. In this context, the need for managers to provide feedback to employees should be emphasized.
2.2. Education and training
The organization must recognize the need to systematically offer staff information and training on environmental matters, as well as to ensure that everyone is at least given basic training. Leadership training is also essential for managing change.
Employees more directly involved in the environmental management of the organization, for example because they participate in joint work groups, must be guaranteed a more extensive redevelopment that includes, in addition to the EMAS system, environmental policies, good practices and communication.
2.3. Degree of involvement
The organization must recognize that employee participation is important, indeed necessary, at all levels and at all stages, from the first day of environmental management work. Particular attention should be paid to active employees in the following areas:
- formulation of the organization's environmental policies;
- analysis of the initial situation, of the situation in the sector in general, collection and verification of information;
- creation and activation of an eco-management and audit system that improves performance in the sector;
- environmental committees charged with acquiring information and encouraging collaboration between the person responsible for the environment / management representative on the one hand, and the employees and their representatives on the other;
- mixed work groups for the environmental action and audit program;
- preparation of environmental statements.
2.4. Employee suggestions and reward systems
It is the responsibility of the organization to provide tools for employees to encourage suggestions for improving the environment, for example by placing "suggestion boxes".
Employees at the origin of initiatives that have determined a better economic and / or environmental performance of the organization should be rewarded through economic or other awards.
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