Early estimates show that more than 4 million people participated in last Friday’s climate strike, making it one of the largest global protests ever. The sheer number of participants was made possible not only by a worldwide passion for global climate action, but also by the endorsement of the strike by major companies, schools, and employers.
Last week we shared a story about how New York schools were excusing students for the march and Patagonia was closing its doors for the day, but they were not alone. Ben and Jerry’s also closed their stores and Burton ceased taking online orders.
As climate change becomes a hot political topic, there are three major ways companies can support employee participation in climate activism:
- Give employees time to participate in protests and events
- Permit using online sites and social platforms to mobilize and raise awareness
- Share specific actions employees can take to make a difference
Employer support of climate change activism allows employees to feel not only like they can participate in events, but that their employer is supporting and encouraging them to. We at the Optimist Daily are all about employee activism and encourage all companies to give their workers the green light to have their voices heard.
