Driving collective action is a critical aspect of the B Corp community and one of the most effective ways we can address large-scale problems such as climate change. Organizations that commit to climate action undertake a wide range of measures to support that commitment, from installing green energy systems in office buildings to ensuring the sustainability of their global supply chains. Empowering employees to contribute to organizational climate actions increases impact while also making those values tangible and actionable for individuals. Working together toward shared outcomes is a proven way to increase employee engagement and deepen connections.
Global events like Earth Month serve as catalysts for sustainability activities. Since 1993, the nonprofit Ecochallenge has been working to inspire community leadership and action around sustainability. The organization’s custom and out-of-the-box programs are specifically designed to drive engagement, teamwork, and shared impact.
In this Q&A, Ecochallenge Executive Director Elizabeth Zavodsky shares how shared action around events like Earth Month can empower employees, make organizational values tangible, and be a catalyst for lasting change.
A critical aspect of the B Corp community is driving systems-level change and collective action. How can these collective outcomes be accelerated through shared individual action around events like Earth Month?
Collective action is a critical driver of change, but in everyday life, it’s rare that we know what small daily actions others are taking to contribute to causes we care about. Events like Earth Month create a shared moment when those individual actions become more visible.
When organizations invite employees to participate together, it helps shift social norms by making sustainable behaviors something people see, talk about, and do openly. Seeing the actions of colleagues, teams, and organizations builds momentum and reminds people that meaningful change often starts with many small steps taken together. This reinforces the idea that sustainability is not just a personal value, it’s a collective effort.
Given competing priorities, it can be a challenge to center daily sustainability actions. Why should people prioritize individual acts of sustainability, and how can workplaces support them in doing so?
It’s easy for sustainability goals to be overshadowed by the demands of our busy daily lives. When organizations intentionally create space in the workplace for initiatives like Earth Month, they give people permission to pause, reflect, and experiment with new habits. A defined timeframe helps people focus their attention and try actions they might not otherwise prioritize.
These sustainability actions introduce a variety of benefits. Many people discover practical skills, create new habits, build greater self-reliance, and even save money with actions they explore during a challenge. Being part of a team can motivate people to stay engaged, making it easier to turn small changes into lasting habits.
How would you describe the organizational benefits of working toward collective action?
Working toward collective action strengthens workplace culture and tangibly reinforces the organization’s values. When organizations create opportunities for employees to take action together, it connects day-to-day work with a larger purpose. Many people want their work to contribute to something bigger than themselves, and shared sustainability efforts help make that connection visible. Organizations with engaged employees are shown to be more profitable, and employee engagement increases productivity and reduces absenteeism and turnover.
What do individuals gain from working together toward shared outcomes?
When employees work together toward shared outcomes, they often discover new ideas and perspectives from one another. Colleagues share practical strategies, resources, and stories about what works in their own lives. This exchange helps people feel more hopeful and confident that their actions matter, while also building a stronger sense of community. It also builds and strengthens relationships by creating opportunities for colleagues who don’t normally work closely to connect across teams.
Over time, these shared experiences reinforce the idea that meaningful change happens when people support one another.
Why did you develop the Earth Month Ecochallenge as a way to drive outcomes and engagement?
Activities like Earth Month Ecochallenge can bring energy and connection into the workplace. We designed the Earth Month Ecochallenge with elements proven to enhance connection—such as recognition, shared goals, impact tracking, and gamification.
When organizations make space for employees to participate together, it signals that sustainability and employee values matter. These shared experiences give colleagues something to look forward to each year while strengthening bonds across teams. Many organizations find that initiatives like this add a sense of fun, friendly competition, and connection while reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainability.
Learn more about the free Earth Month Ecochallenge and register your organization to take part.