How to Encourage Your Staff to Cycle to Work

Julie Starr • November 23, 2020



Cycling to work is a great way to stay fit and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. If your staff are lucky enough to live close enough to cycle to the office then as an employer you should be encouraging this. Commuting actually costs businesses time and money and often cycling is a quicker option than being stuck in traffic or in public transport delays. Offer your team a little incentive to cycle to work instead of driving especially and find new ways to encourage them to get back on their bike.

Don’t forget to look into the right insurance before you send everyone out on bikes in your business. It’s a nice idea, to get everyone cycling to work rather than driving and pumping out more fumes into the environment, but that doesn’t make it simple. You have to make sure that your business consults with the insurers about a potential need for a truck accident lawyer on file. You also want to ensure that you are realistic – not everyone can cycle to work. Not just for the distance away, but their physical health. Make sure that you have some incentives that are similar for those who are physically unable to cycle to work every day!

Organize cycling challenges

For example, you could organize cycling challenges. A little healthy competition between employees is fine now again and it can be really motivating. You can organize cycling challenges to work or outside of work, whichever you decide. This way you’ll create a healthier company culture and more people will jump on the bandwagon. It’s up to you what to offer as a reward for these challenges. You could even get involved yourself and send around your progress as inspiration.

Offer cycling training courses

If some members of your team aren’t quite confident enough cyclists to bike to work then you could offer courses in cycling . You can even do courses for complete beginners, so even for your employees who are new to cycling, they’ll still be able to learn. This might give them the confidence they need to cycle safely. Many people feel they aren’t able to cycle to work because of their fitness level so you could also encourage your colleagues to get into shape as well with various schemes. 

Provide road safety training

If you’re going to push cycling to work you need to ensure you promote safety at all times. Provide road safety training or as a minimum some online resources for your staff to use as guidance. Give them the information they need to know how to prevent any accidents or what to do if they get into any problems on the road. Provide the details for a reliable truck accident lawyer and other important information in the case that they get into an accident.

Offer flexible working hours

In order to encourage your staff to cycle to work offer flexible working hours. If they can begin a little later in the mornings or don’t need to rush to work they’ll be more motivated to cycle. There are also many other benefits of flexible working for both staff and employers. Companies that offer flexible working hours often have more motivated employees. It helps to boost office morale and makes employees feel as though their individual needs are being taken into consideration. 

Provide changing facilities

Another way to encourage more people to cycle to work is by providing the necessary facilities. Commercial properties are required to have bathrooms so ensure these are adequate for your staff to change in. They might want to wash or change their clothes after a long cycling commute. Provide what you can so they feel comfortable. Lockers could also be useful for storing a change of clothes and shoes for cycling.

Install bike racks for staff

If you’re going to provide lockers for your employees’ belongings then you’ll also need to install bike racks for them to lock up their bikes safely. You can buy commercial bike racks online . Ensure you have them positioned somewhere secure and in plain sight, with lights if you’re working during darker hours. If you don’t have anywhere convenient outside to store bikes safely then you could make a space inside. Wall hooks are also a good option if you don’t have enough floor space. If you think outside the box then you should be able to provide the facilities your staff need to cycle to work.

Lead by example

One of the best ways to encourage anyone to do anything is to lead by example. It’s not fair to expect your staff to change their habits of you’re not going to make the effort to yourself. If you want to motivate more people to cycle to work, then you need to get back on your own bike and make a point of cycling to work as often as possible. 

Cycling to work is a great habit for your staff to develop. It’s better for their health and the environment. You’ll also end up with more motivated and energetic employees. Consider a bike scheme or organizing cycling projects and challenges to encourage your staff to cycle to work more often.

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.