A whopping 70 per cent of HR professionals admit that their organisation could do more to encourage employees to reduce the environmental impact on their travel arrangements.

The findings are highlighted in the latest quarterly CIPD/KPMG labour market outlook survey which shows that whilst bosses are paying more than lip-service to recycling and energy issues, far fewer are doing the same when it comes to transport.

While 91 per cent encourage recycling and 83 per cent encourage reduction in energy consumption, only 45 per cent promote car-sharing.

Gerwyn Davies, co-author of the report, said: “There is potential for organisations to promote greener transport alternatives and work practices, such as home working to reduce the environmental impact of business travel. Where practical, this could reduce costs and stress levels for employees and improve productivity for the employer – offering a potential win-win situation.”

Forty-four per cent of organisations have an environmental policy in place, a figure that is expected to rise to 70 per cent in the next 12 months. Policies such as these are also putting recruiters in a good position; just under half admit that workers prefer to join organisations with a strong environmental policy which is proving to be increasingly important for younger workers, says the report.