CEO's guide to sustainable business perks

Becoming a sustainable business doesn’t have to mean starting again from scratch. One of the most effective ways to make an impact is by changing the benefits you offer your employees. From electric vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice schemes to remote work options, sustainable perks help businesses attract and keep top talent, hit their ESG goals, and future-proof their operations.

So, where should you start? Let’s break it down.

The right benefits package can help you become more sustainable while building an inclusive, engaged workforce. Our research shows that more than half of employees (59%) are more likely to join or stay with an organisation that offers comprehensive benefits. But here’s the challenge: more than a third of employees don’t see the value in the perks they currently have. Most have never used them, while others don’t even know what’s available.

Sustainable benefits are different. They support your employees while aligning with business goals and making a real impact on the planet. What’s more, many of them come at little to no cost to your company. Here are some of the best options:

Helping employees switch to EVs through a salary sacrifice scheme is one of the easiest ways to cut emissions while boosting engagement.

The way it works is simple. Employees pay for an electric car from their pre-tax salary, which lowers their tax bill and saves them up to 40% on the cost of the vehicle. There’s no deposit, no hassle, and everything - from insurance to servicing - is included in one monthly payment.

It’s a perk employees actually want, too. With the UK banning new petrol and diesel car sales from 2035, demand for EVs is hitting record highs. Most employees (61%) want to make the switch to an EV for their next car, but price is a key limiting factor. The overwhelming majority (74%) said they'd want their employer to offer an EV salary sacrifice scheme when they were shown what was included.

We make it easy for businesses to offer this perk, handling everything from setup to employee onboarding, and slotting it in seamlessly alongside your other benefits. It’s a totally free, highly effective way to make a real difference.

Subsidising public transport costs is one of the simplest ways to lead more sustainable lives, because it encourages them to swap car journeys for buses, trains, or trams. Google even offers free shuttle buses and e-scooters to help its employees commute more cheaply and sustainably.

It’s an easy, scalable way to support sustainability goals. And as public transport networks continue to improve, more employees are open to making the switch - especially if businesses make it cost-effective.

Incentives like cycle-to-work schemes can make a positive difference to your carbon emissions and your employees’ health. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that people who cycle to work have a 45% lower risk of developing cancer and a 46% lower risk of heart disease.

Businesses can support green commuting in different ways. Some offer cycle-to-work schemes that make buying a bike more affordable, while others provide secure bike storage, showers, or even e-bike subsidies. It’s a small change that can have a big impact, both on the environment and employee wellbeing.

Fewer people commuting means fewer emissions. It’s as simple as that. But remote and hybrid working also improve employee wellbeing. A Stanford study found that remote workers are 13% more productive, take fewer sick days, and are less likely to quit. Similarly, when Buffer surveyed remote employees, 98% said they’d like to continue working remotely in some capacity.

For businesses, the key is making remote work seamless. That means providing the right tools, setting clear policies, and ensuring employees have what they need - whether that’s a home office stipend, better tech, or flexible hours. Companies that get it right benefit from happier, more engaged teams while cutting their environmental impact.

How do you know your green benefits are working? The best way to measure impact is through data. Businesses can track things like carbon footprint reduction (fewer petrol cars, more EVs and public transport use), employee engagement scores (happier, more motivated teams), and cost savings (lower recruitment and turnover costs).

Some companies take it a step further by publishing sustainability reports to show progress and keep themselves accountable. Even smaller businesses can gather employee feedback, track participation in green schemes, and set clear sustainability goals.

Sustainability starts at the top. When CEOs take the lead, employees follow. That means making sustainability part of everyday business decisions. It’s about setting an example - whether through driving an EV, using public transport, or choosing greener travel options for business trips. It’s also about communicating why you’ve introduced these initiatives. When employees understand the bigger picture, they’re more likely to get on board.

Over time, pairing sustainable benefits with a supportive, inclusive culture will help you recruit and keep the best talent, hit your ESG goals, and reduce your environmental impact.

Ready to get started? Explore our EV salary sacrifice scheme today.

Want to learn more? Read our Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Salary Sacrifice for Business.