Sustainability and Relationships: The Power of One

Throughout this year we’ve seen vivid examples of the urgent need for actionable solutions to improve the lives of people and the planet — from crises, natural and human-made disasters, mass migrations, pollution, and drastic changes in the climate.

Now in its third Sustainable September, Genesys is aligning with the UN Global Goals Week, September 15–24, 2023, and we’ve aligned our annual sustainability strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The attributes of the 17 goals are extensive and provide myriad options for organizational alignment, strategy development and implementation. Genesys has chosen to place focus on these five — gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action — as they complement the company’s 2030 goals of achieving carbon neutrality and positively impacting 100 million lives annually. We also contribute to many other goals.

Let’s explore the ways you can get involved in sustainability — and what Genesys is doing locally and globally to reach our 2030 sustainability goals.

Starting on Your Sustainability Journey

Many people wonder what their part is in sustainability — and how one person can make a difference. They’re often uncertain of where to begin so they don’t take the first step.

But sustainable actions simply start with an individual decision to make a change or take a first step. From there, you can make a plan, take action, and then see how your small change impacts the whole. Then continue that path forward.

You can make a positive impact in one way or in several ways. For example, you can volunteer, donate, check in on others’ wellness, or educate yourself on how to help someone in crisis during World Suicide Prevention Day and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. You can also go car-free and use alternative transportation to reduce harmful carbon greenhouse gas emissions.

Responsibly addressing waste, recycling and upcycling are other ways to make a positive impact. According to the World Bank, “Worldwide, waste generated per person per day averages 0.74 kilogram but ranges widely, from 0.11 to 4.74 kilograms.” When unaddressed, this can increase methane gas — a contributor to harmful greenhouse gas emissions and rising temperatures.

From a technical perspective, think of taking that sustainability step as a “one-to-many relationship model.” Your one empathetic step can help many people through first (immediate), second or third-order benefits.

Genesys Global Sustainability Ambassadors: Mobilizing with Empathy

Genesys encourages everyone to get involved individually, as a team and with their families. We aim to inspire the adoption of ongoing personal, professional and community sustainable practices.

Our more than 150 Global Sustainability Ambassadors help implement initiatives through education and engagement throughout the company. Across business units, communities and continents, the Global Sustainability Ambassadors are taking action to make positive impacts and decrease carbon emissions.

Some ways this group is helping include planting seed balls and seedlings, leading workshops, helping develop resources, creating children’s activities and contests, recycling, hosting cleanups, participating in walkathons and cycling events, engaging in social wellness partnerships, and more.

These are just some examples of how Genesys is moving toward our 2030 goals.