How to be an employee activist for sustainability

In today’s escalating climate crisis, more employees are asking how they can make a meaningful environmental difference at work - but where do we start and what can we really do?

In this Transforming Business episode, Martin Parker speaks with Barbara Kump and Babette Julia Brinkmann, authors of ‘The Green Handprint at Work’, about how we can all create change from within our organisations.

They unpack why the idea of a green handprint can be more powerful and motivating than the language of carbon footprints, the different strategies people use to spark environmental change within organisations and how employee activists can sustain hope and resilience while tackling challenges that often feel overwhelming.

Barbara Kump is Associate Professor of Business and Sustainability at the University of Twente. Babette Julia Brinkmann is Professor of Organisational and Group Psychology at Cologne University of Applied Sciences.

Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/professional-business/the-green-handprint-at-work

The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/03/10/podcast-how-to-be-an-employee-activist-for-sustainability/

Timestamps:

01:05 - How did you get interested in employee activism?

05:25 - What is the difference between a carbon footprint and the idea of a green handprint?

07:08 - Is the phrase 'employee activist' something of a paradox?

10:11 - Are these changes too small in the face of the larger issue of capitalism?

14:10 - What were some of the most inspirational stories from employee activists?

21:32 - How can people approach decision makers about these changes?

25:26 - What risks can come from being an employee activist?

28:36 - How can employee activists stay resilient?

33:50 - Who do you hope will read this book?

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com

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