Roadchef aims to encourage all of its employees to make a difference to the environment both locally and globally through its green benefits.
The organisation operates at 30 motorway locations across the UK and has around 3,500 employees.
It provides its employees with access to a corporate sustainability action platform, provided by OnHand, through which they can pledge to volunteer and reduce carbon emissions. As a result of each action, the platform aids global reforestation efforts, with 15,100 trees planted and more than 500 volunteering missions completed in the first three months of the partnership.
By working with OnHand, the organisation has committed to offer its employees the chance to build a better future through carrying out a range of actions, while also minimising any environmental impact, says Laura Bunn, HR director, at Roadchef.
“We’re keen to show our green commitment by providing employees access to this, as it is part of our mission,” she says. “This is why we have several ongoing projects across the business to keep up the momentum and work towards environmental goals that benefit society, our employees and beyond. The joy of giving something back is something we love and positive community impact is an essential part of this.”
The organisation's green initiatives include ensuring hundreds of tonnes of various waste streams are recycled, instead of disposed, via compactors and onto landfills, while installing LED lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging in the workplace. It has also partnered with Planet Mark, which measures and certifies its carbon footprint as part of its plan to see a 90% reduction in scope three emissions by 2050.
In terms of whether green benefits help to attract, motivate and retain employees, the enthusiasm among Roadchef employees is clear from the impact achieved so far, says Bunn.
“Conversations around recruitment in the media increasingly cite job seekers being more environmentally aware, as well as looking for employers with green credentials, when determining the job applications they put in,” she says. “We know that job seekers research such information about Roadchef before applying. Candidates often mention what they have seen on our website during the interview process, be that our Investors in People platinum accreditation, employee benefits or our green credentials.”
