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Is there a need for sustainability? Yes! With rising global temperatures, extreme weather changes, and disruptions of ecosystems, we must find global solutions for a more sustainable future (1)(2). However, sustainability is not a universal concept; it varies widely in meaning, understanding, and practices, differing significantly from one culture to another. Each place has their own unique challenges and approaches to solve these, which is why it is not always possible to copy-paste sustainability initiatives to other locations. For example, in Germany, waste separation is a widely established practice. Applying a one-size-fits-all policy, and attempting to enforce the same practices in countries without a similar waste management infrastructure would be very ineffective and face several challenges. Some of these challenges could be; a lack of public education on waste separation which could result in low compliance; insufficient collection infrastructure and handling facilities which may result in the waste being improperly sorted; as well as financial constraints which could prevent the overall success of the program. It seems obvious why copy-pasting this model would not work in other locations. This difference in what works and what doesn’t work stems from both a practical level, such as available infrastructure, facilities, finances, and so forth, but also from deep-rooted cultural values, traditions, and societal norms.
If, for example, a multi-national company wants to introduce a policy encouraging employees to bike to work as part of their sustainable policies, it may not work equally well in different countries. It may work well in countries with good cycling infrastructure, such as the Netherlands or Denmark, but could be impractical or even unsafe in countries where roads are dangerous for bikers. Not only does the infrastructure influence the results, but also the culture of the country – if there is a strong culture for being outdoors and cycling, it may have positive results, but in a car-centric society such as the US, it would be close to impossible.
These examples may appear obvious, but that’s precisely why it is crucial to consider local context – especially when it comes to sustainability. It is necessary to understand the culture, which includes the customs, the mentality, and the traditions, but also be aware of the available resources and infrastructure. What is an easy-to-implement solution in one country, could be considered ineffective, or even culturally insensitive in another. So, for global sustainability efforts to be effective, they must be adapted to local contexts – and this is where Global HR and Cultural Awareness Training plays a vital role and have the possibility of being a catalyst for change. This goes beyond simply implementing solutions – it’s about empowering assignees.
Tailoring sustainability efforts to the local cultural context ensures that the solutions are relevant, feasible, and respectful to the local people, essentially making them more effective and sustainable in the long run. Thus creating a program, where sustainability is integrated into cultural awareness training, would allow assignees and companies to better navigate these local nuances and help them understand not only the how of sustainable practices but also the why, the cultural significance behind them. Such a training program not only helps the assignee on a practical level, but research shows that employees who see their company as committed to sustainability often report higher job satisfaction, particularly among younger generations (3).
Sustainable efforts can enhance overall employee fullfilment and the primary goal of Cultural Awareness Training of helping employees navigate across cultural differences and easing their transition during relocation. By integrating sustainability training into this program, assignees gain a deeper understanding of local practices, receive practical support, and ultimately experience a smoother relocation while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Combining Sustainability with Cultural Awareness Training creates a powerful approach that can:
🌍 Ease the transition for assignees, setting them up for success from day one
⚡ Minimize misunderstandings, preventing potential setbacks and conflicts
🤝 Increase connection between the assignee and the local community, building stronger connections and trust.
🌱Drive lasting behavioral change, turning sustainable practices into habits
Sustainability is often viewed as a set of universal principles – reduce, reuse, recycle, but the reality is far more complex. Sustainability efforts need to be designed with the local culture and the local policies in mind and it is also necessary to consider the local challenges. For instance, in some regions, such as the Southern part of Africa, water conservation is critical, due to severe droughts and water scarcity (4). While water conservation is generally beneficial, other issues may be more pressing in other countries. In South Korea, where air pollution is a significant concern, big efforts are being made to improve air quality (5). Considering the local challenges and policies ensures that the training remains relevant to the local area. There are also significant differences in local customs that can ease sustainable efforts. In Mexico, for example, buying groceries at local markets not only supports sustainable practices, but ensures access to fresh, seasonal, and local produce, and is often more affordable than shopping at bigger supermarkets (6). This might not be possible in other countries, such as Denmark, where supermarkets dominate the shopping possibilities, and farmers’ markets are often more expensive and less frequent. However, in Denmark, it is relatively easy to find organic products in supermarkets, as many Danish consumers have a preference for organic foods (7).
These examples show why it is necessary to have tailored approaches that consider each region’s unique challenges and opportunities because One Size Doesn’t Fit All. Acknowledging and addressing these local differences ensures that sustainability efforts are relevant and impactful.
By combining sustainability training with cultural awareness programs, the training becomes more than an educational exercise – it’s a bridge that connects the assignee to their new environment and culture, empowering them to live sustainably within it.
Do you have an experience where sustainability and cultural awareness played a key role in relocation? Share your thoughts on sustainability@expatride.com, we’d love to hear your experiences!
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Image credits:
1. Photo by Matyas Prochy on Unsplash
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