Unit 3: Workplace Culture and Environmental Responsibility

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1.1.K1.
Learn sustainable organizational behavior and professional etiquette standards.
1.1.S1.
Promote environmental responsibility and act independently to support a sustainable workplace culture.
1.1.RA1.
Take responsibility for engaging with mentorship to support personal and professional growth in sustainability.

IN THIS LESSON, you will learn about the fundamental problems of our current economic system

How Does a Sustainable Workplace Look Like?

Video shows 3 different work environments: office, café, and workshop—each with green behaviors

UNIT 3.3 – Workplace Culture and Environmental Responsibility.

2. INTRODUCTION

Every job has its own culture—spoken and unspoken rules about how people behave, dress, communicate, and work. In today’s green economy, sustainability is becoming a core part of workplace culture, from using less paper to reducing energy waste or recycling properly.

For migrant youth, understanding and adapting to workplace culture can feel overwhelming at first. This unit shows how small actions can help you fit in—and stand out—by being responsible, respectful, and eco-conscious.

2.1 What is workplace culture?

The shared values, behaviors, and practices of a company or organization

Includes dress code, communication styles, punctuality, teamwork expectations

- Turning off lights
- Printing only when needed
- Proper recycling
- Supporting green office policies

1. VIDEO

What you’ll learn:

What workplace culture means and how to adapt to it
How to behave professionally and respectfully in different work environments
How to support sustainability at work—even in small ways

3. Case Study

The Green Café—Sustainability from the Inside Out

A local café in Dublin hires migrant youth and trains them not only in customer service but in eco-friendly work habits—like composting food waste, tracking energy use, and promoting “zero plastic” days. Employees rotate “Eco Champion” roles every week to promote good habits.

☕ Case Study: The Green Café — Sustainability from the Inside Out

Explore how a local café trains its staff in eco-friendly habits and community engagement.

📋 Engagement / Reflection

What small “green habit” could YOU bring to your next workplace? Explain why:

🛍️ Hands-On Challenge: Workplace Culture Decoder

Unit 3.3: Workplace Culture and Environmental Responsibility

Time: 15–20 minutes | Scenario-Based Reflection & Adaptation

Scenario:

You've just started your first day at a second-hand store focusing on zero waste. You notice:

Everyone wears a reusable name badge instead of printed ones.
A staff member turns off unused lights, even if the sun is out.
One coworker speaks very quietly, another talks really fast.

Your Challenge: Decode & Adapt—reflect on these behaviors and how you can respect the culture, contribute, and improve sustainability.

Task 1: Show Respect

List 3 things you could do to show respect for the workplace culture:

Task 2: Act Sustainably

Describe 2 small sustainable actions you could take during your shift:

Task 3: Suggest a Green Idea

What’s one simple, new idea you could suggest to improve environmental practices?

Reflection

Why is it important to observe and adjust to workplace habits—especially when starting a new job?

Optional Checklist: Green & Respectful Work Habits

I observe and ask questions before making assumptions
I turn off lights or machines when not in use
I reuse materials and avoid waste
I communicate clearly and respectfully
I try to offer at least one improvement idea

📋 Your Workplace Culture Decoder Summary

4. Hands-On / Challenge Activity

6. Summary - What did you learn?

In this unit, you explored:

What workplace culture means
How to adapt to different team environments
How to act professionally and show respect
How sustainability can become part of everyday work life

Key Takeaway: No matter where you work or what your role is, you can help shape a respectful, green workplace through your daily actions.

- Glossary Terms
  - Workplace Culture: The shared values, rules, and behaviors in a workplace
  - Environmental Responsibility: Taking action to reduce harm to the environment
  - Eco-Friendly: Products, practices, or habits that are good for the planet
  - Sustainability: Using resources wisely so they last for future generations
  - Professional Etiquette: Respectful and appropriate behavior at work
  Further Reading & Links
  1. European Commission: Sustainable Workplaces – Learn how sustainability is shaping European jobs
  2. ILO Green Jobs in Practice – Explore green behavior in different job sectors
  3. Circular Jobs Monitor – Discover career paths in sustainable industries
  4. YouTube: “What is Workplace Culture?” – Simple explainer video with tips
  5. Greener Workplaces Guide – WWF – Workplace sustainability checklists and tips