Sustainability that pays off: Practicality replaces fashion

Human resources professionals affirm that green initiatives reduce employee stress, boost productivity by up to 20%, and even increase creativity by up to 45%. SIRIN Development, the largest real estate developer and manager in the Baltic States, observes that sustainability is evolving: what was once a trend is now becoming a measurable, practical investment.

"Sustainability is taking on new forms. Today, it encompasses not only environmental protection or energy efficiency. A major competition is unfolding among employees, and companies are taking a practical approach - they invest in high-quality workplaces because this is increasingly important to employees," says Asta Mikalajūnienė, strategist at DID Moons agency and a specialist in human resources and employer branding. According to her, recent research shows that sustainability is increasingly recognized not only as ethical but also as economically sound.

Green spaces and psychology

A 2024 study published in Scientific Reports revealed that eco-friendly work environments, natural light, and green and leisure spaces significantly enhance employee motivation and engagement. Global company Google has found that offices with abundant natural light can increase productivity by up to 15%, while according to the World Green Building Council, natural light can boost work efficiency by as much as 20%.

"Previously, Lithuania paid little attention to this, but today it is widely recognized that natural light and consistent LED lighting create visual comfort and increase productivity. Employees’ experiences also show that lighting, warmth, and good air ventilation reduce stress and improve job satisfaction," says A. Mikalajūnienė. She emphasizes that investing in a quality work environment is not merely a part of employer branding—it directly impacts employees’ psychology and becomes an investment that pays off over time.

Research from the University of Exeter in the UK confirms this: green offices - whether with plants inside or around them - positively affect employees’ well-being and can increase creativity by 30–45%. Increased creativity helps solve daily work problems more easily, reduces the likelihood of conflicts, and, according to HR experts, makes such investments worthwhile.

The rules are set by the younger generation

"Sustainable work environments are no longer just a marketing or sales gimmick. Younger employees genuinely care about environmental protection and ecology, and this often becomes a decisive factor when choosing an employer," notes Natalija Klimavičienė, Head of HR at SIRIN Development.

For example, a recent survey by consulting firm Deloitte shows that 70% of Millennials and Gen Z employees (born 1983–2005) consider employers’ environmental commitments important or even mandatory. Nearly half (48%) of Gen Z respondents have influenced their employers to invest in green initiatives, and 15% have even changed jobs for ecological reasons.

According to N. Klimavičienė, in developing new logistics parks, SIRIN Development considers the latest trends—modern heating and ventilation systems, smart building management technologies. New buildings are BREEAM-certified, meeting the highest environmental standards. Such sustainable buildings allow tenants to save up to 25–30% annually on heating and electricity, making it financially worthwhile to move from older warehouses to modern logistics parks. Additionally, green and leisure areas are specifically designed to provide employees with comfortable and convenient workplaces.

From electric cars to community

"Even seemingly simple things, like electric vehicle charging stations, access to public transport, and bicycle infrastructure, are already considered important parts of the work experience," says N. Klimavičienė. In her view, investing in a sustainable work environment is an investment in people - and through them, in business growth, stability, and competitiveness.

SIRIN Development also contributes to workplace quality by not only implementing technological and environmental innovations but also organizing welcome events for newcomers, themed knowledge-sharing meetings, and business events in newly built logistics parks. Celebrations, national holidays, and community afternoons help business communities grow and strengthen.

"Community cannot be accidental. It is a deliberately created organizational fabric that protects people from emotional isolation and strengthens engagement," says N. Klimavičienė. She adds that community activities provide tangible benefits by increasing employee engagement, reducing turnover, and improving the overall work atmosphere.

Link to the article: https://www.lrytas.lt/gamta/eko/2025/08/29/news/tvarumas-kuris-atsiperka-mada-keicia-praktiskumas-39292344