Neumann Steel Ch. 3 - Bringing the team along: Employee engagement in sustainability

Neumann Steel believes that fostering a culture of sustainability requires the collective effort of the entire workforce. Team engagement is not just a part of their sustainability strategy — it is the driving force behind it. By actively involving employees in sustainability initiatives, they create a shared sense of responsibility, innovation and pride in the company’s environmental goals.

Engaging employees in sustainability is crucial for long-term success. Neumann Steel has implemented several effective strategies to ensure that their team members are not only informed, but also invested in their sustainability journey:

Open Communication Channels: Neumann Steel foster an environment where employees are encouraged to share ideas and feedback on sustainability. Regular forums and meetings are held to discuss ongoing initiatives, allowing team members to voice their opinions, propose new ideas and feel empowered in the decision-making process. This transparency ensures that employees are aligned with their sustainability goals.

Incentive Programs: To encourage active participation, Neumann Steel has established incentive programs that reward employees for contributing innovative sustainability ideas or demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainability projects. These programs recognise individual efforts while reinforcing the value of continuous improvement.

Collaborative Projects: Neumann Steel believes that sustainability thrives on teamwork. Cross-departmental collaboration is actively promoted at Neumann Steel, with various teams working together on key sustainability projects. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and helps to remove barriers between teams, enabling employees from different areas of the business to contribute their unique perspectives.

The power of team engagement is best demonstrated through the success of several employee-driven sustainability projects at Neumann Steel. A prime example is the development of NuPod, an award-winning product made from Australian recycled plastic. This innovative solution, created through collaboration across multiple departments, has revolutionised concrete slab construction by offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. NuPod has significantly reduced the environmental impact of construction, and it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when teams work together with a shared purpose.

Another key success story is the solar PV expansion project at Neumann Steel's Currumbin facilities. A dedicated team of employees identified opportunities to boost on-site renewable energy production as part of their broader decarbonisation strategy. This project will lead to the installation of a 1.5 kW solar system, helping reduce carbon emissions and further integrating green energy into Neumann Steel's operations. These team-driven projects exemplify how engaging employees in sustainability initiatives leads to tangible results and a more sustainable future.

Neumann Steel understands that for employees to be truly engaged in sustainability, they need the right knowledge and tools. That’s why they invest heavily in training and development programs designed to empower employees at every level:

Sustainability Workshops: Neumann Steel regularly hold workshops focused on the latest sustainability trends, technologies and best practices. These sessions increase awareness and deepen understanding of environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics, helping employees become more effective contributors to sustainability efforts.

Lean Manufacturing Training: Lean manufacturing principles are embedded in their sustainability strategy, and they provide specialised training that equips employees with skills to improve efficiency, reduce waste and enhance safety. This program fosters a culture of continuous improvement by promoting autonomy, problem-solving and respect for the environment.

Leadership Training: All managers receive leadership programs that focus on guiding sustainability initiatives. This ensures that every leader at Neumann Steel is well-prepared to drive environmental goals within their teams.

Personal Development Plans: Tailored development plans align individual goals with Neumann Steel’s broader sustainability objectives. This personal approach allows employees to see how their contributions fit into the bigger picture, creating stronger motivation and engagement.

The active engagement of employees in Neumann Steel’s sustainability initiatives has been key to their success. By creating a culture where sustainability is not just a corporate objective but a shared responsibility, they have empowered their workforce to take ownership of environmental goals. This has not only led to innovative solutions like NuPod and expanded renewable energy projects, but has also strengthened their internal culture, increasing employee satisfaction and retention.

The Power of an Engaged Team

Neumann Steel's experience has shown that engaging employees in sustainability is essential for driving meaningful change. By fostering open communication, rewarding innovation, promoting cross-team collaboration and investing in training, they have created a workforce that is both motivated and empowered to contribute to their sustainability journey. For companies looking to make sustainability a core part of their operations, the key is to bring the team along — together, you can achieve a more sustainable future.

"By fostering open communication, rewarding innovation, promoting cross-team collaboration, and investing in training, we have created a workforce that is both motivated and empowered to contribute to our sustainability journey."