Green Human Resource Management and Sustainable Human Resource Practices

 


Introduction

Many organizations in the business world today have paid special attention to environmental sustainability. The concept of green human resource management (green HRM) refers to the use of human resource policies that support environmental protection and promote the sustainable use of resources (opatha.2019). In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations have begun to adopt environmentally friendly practices such as paperless HR systems, online recruitment, and teleworking to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency. Green HRM is not only about protecting the environment, but also about building a culture of responsibility and long-term sustainability within the organization.


Environmentally Friendly HR Practices

A key feature of green HRM is the use of paperless HR systems. Due to the use of digital HR systems such as Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), many organizations have now eliminated the use of traditional methods such as printing employee documents, appointment letters or reports. This reduces paper usage, saves time and supports sustainability goals.

Online recruitment has become a popular method for employers and job seekers to save travel costs and time. As a result, job advertisements, interviews and selections are now conducted through online platforms instead of traditional paper-based applications.

Another example is working from home, which helps reduce carbon emissions from daily commuting. Especially during and after the pandemic, many Sri Lankan organizations have also realized the value of hybrid or remote working as a sustainable and cost-effective approach.

 

Creating an eco-friendly corporate culture

The Green HR Management division is focused on developing an eco-friendly corporate culture. This means encouraging employees to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors such as energy conservation, recycling, and proper waste management. To this end, the Human Resources Department motivates employees through awareness programs, training sessions, and organizing reward programs.

According to the Central Environmental Authority of Sri Lanka (2023), creating green workplace cultures is essential to achieving the national sustainability agenda. When employees understand that their organization values ​​environmental protection, it builds a sense of pride and commitment, and over time, these practices become part of the organization’s identity and also help strengthen its reputation among customers and stakeholders.


Sri Lankan Model

Several public and private sector organizations have initiated Green HR pilot projects, which are promoting sustainable human resource management in Sri Lanka. According to the Ministry of Labour (2024), the aim of these projects is to reduce paper usage, improve energy efficiency and encourage green work behavior among employees. Some departments are using digital leave management systems and virtual meeting platforms instead of printed documents and face-to-face meetings. These steps also show how Sri Lankan organizations are moving towards sustainable human resource management.

 


Conclusion

Green HR management plays an important role in creating a sustainable future for organizations and society, and practices such as paperless HR, online recruitment and telework not only reduce environmental damage but also improve efficiency and employee satisfaction. Building an environmentally friendly corporate culture helps organizations achieve a positive image and long-term success, and as can be seen from the initiatives of the Government of Sri Lanka, green human resource management is becoming a key strategy for achieving both economic and environmental sustainability.



References

• Ministry of Labour. (2024). Green Human Resource Pilot Projects in Sri Lankan Government Institutions. Colombo: Government of Sri Lanka.

• Opatha, H. H. D. N. P. (2019). Green Human Resource Management: Simplified General Reflections. Sri Lanka: University of Sri Jayewardenepura Press.

• Central Environmental Authority of Sri Lanka. (2023). National Green Workplace Programme. Colombo: Ministry of Environment.

Comments

  1. Gihani16 November 2025 at 06:24

    This blog balances theoretical concepts with practical examples from various organizations operating in Sri Lanka, besides focusing on eco-friendly practices, cultural transformation, and government led pilot projects. Overall, it gives weight to HRM as a driver of progress in environmental accountability.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 08:48

      I thank you for highlighting how theory is effectively linked to practical Sri Lankan examples here. My main goal was to point to HRM as an active driver for environmental accountability and sustainable cultural change in organizations.

      Delete
  2. Nilanka Herath18 November 2025 at 05:25

    This blog provides a concise and informative overview of Green HRM and its growing importance in modern organizations. It clearly explains how practices like paperless HR, online recruitment, and remote work contribute to sustainability while improving efficiency. The Sri Lankan examples make the content practical and relevant. Overall, a well-written summary of how Green HR practices support long-term environmental and organizational success.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 08:53

      Thank you for your feedback! Making the content practical and relevant with specific Sri Lankan examples was a priority, and thank you for your insight into how these practices drive both environmental and organizational success.

      Delete
  3. Kalani Binusha18 November 2025 at 07:47

    Great post! I like how you explain Green HRM really clearly — showing how paperless systems, online recruitment, and remote work can make HR more eco‑friendly while also improving efficiency.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 08:57

      Thanks for your comment. I appreciate your point about paperless systems, online recruitment and remote work making HR more environmentally friendly.

      Delete
  4. CHARUNDYA WICKRAMASINGHE19 November 2025 at 01:51

    Great post. I completely agree that Green HR practices not only help the environment but also improve efficiency and employee satisfaction. It’s encouraging to see organizations in Sri Lanka adopting sustainable HR strategies for long-term success.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 09:06

      Increasing efficiency and employee satisfaction is the real power of green HR management, thank you very much for agreeing with me on this.

      Delete
  5. Githmini Dasanayaka20 November 2025 at 07:08

    This well-written and perceptive blog highlights the significance of green HR management. I admire how you express practical, eco-friendly HR approaches including digital hiring, remote work, and paperless procedures. This article, concentrating on creating a corporate culture that is sustainable in Sri Lanka, is extremely relevant and inspiring to organizations looking to accomplish sustained environmental and commercial success.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 09:09

      Thank you very much for your feedback! I appreciate the focus on practical, eco-friendly approaches and the emphasis on building a sustainable corporate culture in the Sri Lankan context.

      Delete
  6. Rukshan Hewamallikage21 November 2025 at 13:36

    As someone working in hospitality, I see Green HRM not just as an environmental initiative but as a way of honoring both our people and our guests. Paperless HR systems and online recruitment make our processes smoother, but more importantly, they show staff that their time and effort are valued. In hotels, even small changes—like encouraging energy conservation in guest areas or offering recognition for eco‑friendly practices—help build pride among employees. When our teams feel they are contributing to sustainability, it strengthens their sense of dignity and purpose, which directly enhances the guest experience. This article reminds us that sustainable HR is not only about reducing waste, but also about creating workplaces where people feel respected, engaged, and part of something bigger

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 09:18

      Thank you for sharing your feedback from a hospitality perspective! I am grateful to you for expressing the deep meaning of Green HRM not only as a way to reduce waste, but also as a way to "respect our people and our guests.

      Delete

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