Sustainable shopping

Would you like to buy sustainably and support the local economy at the same time? Discover how sustainable purchasing behavior is changing companies!

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Sustainability is no longer a trend, but a must — and is increasingly becoming a joint task of companies and employees. By focusing on sustainable shopping, companies can not only reduce their environmental footprint, but also create a stronger sense of belonging and at the same time actively support the local economy. The implementation of sustainable purchasing practices plays a decisive role in this. But how exactly can a company motivate its employees to opt for sustainable consumption? What role do tax-free employer subsidies play in this and how do they inspire the willingness of employees to act sustainably? This guide will shed light on the darkness and show how sustainable shopping can benefit not only the environment, but also the working environment and the local economy in the long term.

1. Importance of sustainable purchasing for companies and employees

The shift towards a sustainable society and economy is no longer just an option, but is increasingly taking on the character of a necessity. Last but not least, this applies to shopping behavior. Sustainable shopping is therefore becoming increasingly important, both for companies and for their employees.

The role of sustainable purchasing in the corporate environment


For companies, sustainable shopping is more than just a trend. It offers an opportunity to take on corporate responsibility and at the same time contribute to image building. Customers are increasingly paying attention to the sustainable orientation of companies and their products. Deliberately sustainable purchasing, whether for office supplies, equipment or catering offers, can therefore send an important signal and positively influence the brand image.

In addition, sustainable procurement management can help companies manage risks. Companies can save long-term costs through strategies aimed at reducing waste, energy consumption and CO2 emissions. In addition, compliance with sustainability standards in the supply chain can minimize image and legal risks.

The importance of sustainable purchasing for employees


But sustainable purchasing behavior plays a role not only at company level. It can also be attractive for employees to work for a company that values sustainable procurement. After all, commitment to a sustainable world is one of the core needs of many people.

Sustainable purchasing behavior can therefore be a decisive factor, particularly for companies that depend on attracting and retaining qualified specialists. Studies show that younger generations in particular place increasing value on their social and environmental responsibility when choosing their employer.

In conclusion, sustainable purchasing behavior is of great importance for both companies and their employees. It is a fundamental part of modern, future-proof management and helps to retain employees and promote a positive corporate image.

2. How sustainable purchasing behavior supports the local economy

Sustainable shopping behavior goes far beyond the consumption of organic products or fair trade goods. It also takes into account where the products are manufactured and how they were produced. Support from local companies and craftsmen plays a decisive role and can have a significant impact on sustainable economic development.

Promoting local businesses

When employees consume locally produced goods, the money flows directly back into the local economy. It supports small businesses and craftsmen so that they can continue to exist and grow. Jobs are created and maintained and the local economy is strengthened. This in turn contributes to the vitality and attractiveness of the respective region.

Sustainable production methods

Employees can also influence production methods through their purchasing behavior. Local companies in particular often rely on environmentally friendly production and short delivery routes. This saves resources and reduces CO2 emissions. Regional products are therefore not only good for the local economy, but also for the environment.

The social significance

Sustainable shopping can also have a social component. Local producers and craftsmen are often deeply rooted in the community and are committed to social issues. Supporting these companies can therefore also have positive social effects.

Overall, sustainable purchasing behavior helps to establish and strengthen local economic cycles. It offers companies and their employees the opportunity to make an active contribution to the sustainable development of their region. This is not only about economic aspects, but also about environmental protection and social responsibility. This not only promotes the well-being of the community, but also creates a sense of value among employees.

Nachhaltigkeit trifft Mitarbeiterzufriedenheit. Entdecke die Regional Hero Card.

Vereine regionales Engagement mit steuerfreien Arbeitgeberzuschüssen und schaffe einzigartige Mitarbeiter-Benefits.

3. Benefits of employer-supported sustainable purchasing

Sustainable shopping is not only a personal concern, it is also increasingly becoming part of the corporate culture of many companies. Companies that provide their employees with sustainable shopping opportunities benefit in many ways. This is not only about environmental protection and a green company philosophy, but also about economic benefits and building a strong corporate brand.

Sustainability as a corporate philosophy

First of all, sustainable purchasing is an important component of a sustainable corporate orientation. More and more companies recognize that they have social responsibility and can and must make a contribution to environmental protection. Supporting the sustainable purchasing behavior of employees is a sensible step here. Through such measures, companies can reduce their CO2 balance and environmental footprint.

Strong corporate brand

Companies that actively promote sustainability are thus strengthening their brand. They show that they take their environmental and social responsibilities seriously. This has a positive effect on their image and increases their attractiveness among customers, business partners and potential employees.

Economic benefits

Supporting sustainable purchasing can also bring economic benefits. For example, companies can cover part of the costs by provisioning the products they offer and at the same time create positive incentives for the workforce.

Retention and motivation of employees

Promoting sustainable purchasing behavior can also increase employee retention and motivation: When employers share and actively support the values of their employees, this increases the loyalty and commitment of the workforce. Companies can also promote employee satisfaction and motivation through attractive offers and discounts in the area of sustainable purchasing.

Overall, the promotion of sustainable purchasing behavior on the part of companies represents a win-win situation: They benefit from a strong brand, a committed workforce and can also make a contribution to environmental protection. It is therefore a corporate strategy with a view to the future and sustainable corporate development.

4. Role of tax-free employer subsidies in sustainable consumption

Tax-free employer subsidies play a crucial role when it comes to sustainable consumption and sustainable economic practices. By awarding these grants, companies not only create financial incentives for their employees, they also contribute to promoting and strengthening sustainable consumption habits among the workforce.

Tax-free employer subsidies as an incentive

A key element of sustainable consumption is promoting behaviours that enable a higher quality of life while minimizing environmental impact. Tax-free employer subsidies are an effective way to achieve this goal. They offer employees the opportunity to choose products and services that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Regardless of whether it is regional food, sustainable mobility or environmentally friendly clothing.

How employer subsidies support the local economy

It is not just individual behavior that contributes to a more sustainable economy. Companies that offer tax-free employer subsidies also help strengthen the local economy. By encouraging their employees to buy local and regional products, the money flows directly into the local economy and helps to secure and create local jobs.

Employee retention through tax-free subsidies

In addition to promoting sustainable consumption and supporting the local economy, tax-free employer subsidies can also help create stronger ties between companies and employees. This grant can be seen as a form of appreciation and helps to increase employee engagement and deepen their commitment to the company.

Overall, tax-free employer subsidies are a powerful tool for promoting sustainable consumer behavior, supporting the local economy and at the same time strengthening employee loyalty. They are a win-win tool for companies, employees and society as a whole.

Nachhaltigkeit trifft Mitarbeiterzufriedenheit. Entdecke die Regional Hero Card.

Vereine regionales Engagement mit steuerfreien Arbeitgeberzuschüssen und schaffe einzigartige Mitarbeiter-Benefits.

5. Ways to promote sustainable purchasing behavior among employees


Promoting sustainable purchasing behavior among employees can be an effective contribution to environmental protection and at the same time have a positive impact on the corporate image. Here are various strategies you can use to steer businesses in the right direction.

Awareness-raising and education

The basic requirement for sustainable behavior is first of all to sensitize the workforce to the issue and provide the necessary information. Workshops, seminars or information events can be helpful here. It is important to create awareness of the value and importance of sustainable purchasing.

Create incentives

Successful sustainable purchasing behavior often depends on appropriate incentives. Through tax-free employer subsidies for regional purchasing, employees can be encouraged to buy regional and environmentally friendly products. In addition, such reward programs have a motivating effect and at the same time promote the regional economy.

Provision of suitable options

For sustainable purchasing behavior, it is essential to provide employees with appropriate opportunities. This can be done, for example, by using a regional benefits card. This card, physical or digital, can be individualized with the logo of your own company and made available to employees.

Promote corporate culture


Another approach is to promote a corporate culture that supports and values sustainability and regional shopping. By building such a culture, sustainable purchasing behavior becomes an integral part of corporate values and corporate identity.

There are many ways to promote sustainable purchasing behavior among employees and in doing so offer added value to both the company and the environment. It is important to select the appropriate instruments, use them effectively and to take into account the needs of employees. Sustainability should not be an addition but an integral part of the corporate strategy.

6. Long-term effects of employee retention through sustainable purchasing

Sustainable shopping behavior is more than just a trend. It is an investment in a future-oriented strategy that offers both economic and environmental benefits for companies and employees. In particular, the long-term effects on employee retention through sustainable purchasing are remarkable.

Sustainability as an appreciation and motivation

An employer that recognizes the importance of sustainability and actively promotes it sends a strong signal to its employees. It shows that he assumes social responsibility and cares about the well-being of the environment. For many employees, it is important to work for a company that shares their values and matches their identity. The opportunity to actively contribute to improving the world through sustainable shopping can create strong motivation and loyalty to the company.

Increasing employee satisfaction and loyalty

Sustainable purchasing can increase employee satisfaction and loyalty. By supporting this behavior as an employer, you improve the working environment and job satisfaction. In the long term, this also strengthens ties with the company. Loyalty and identification are, after all, important factors for employee retention.

Sustainable purchasing as a competitive advantage in employer branding

Sustainable purchasing behavior can also make a significant difference in employer branding. Companies that actively promote and support sustainability position themselves as socially responsible and future-oriented employers. These competitive advantages can help attract and retain qualified and committed employees.

Overall, promoting sustainable purchasing behavior can therefore create a win-win situation: for employees who can live their values, for the company, which increases its attractiveness as an employer, and for society and the environment, which benefit from sustainable consumption.

Any more questions?

Everything you want to know — simply explained.

What is a cash benefit card?

A benefit card in kind is a tool with which companies can provide their employees with tax-free benefits in kind. The Regional Hero Card is a special benefit card that aims to promote the local economy. The card works like a prepaid credit card and can be used at all acceptance points that accept Mastercard. Employers can conveniently top up the cards with tax-free benefits in kind, which employees can then use in shops and services in their region. The Regional Hero Card provides a convenient way to provide employees with tax-free benefits while supporting and strengthening the local economy. It promotes employee loyalty to the company and contributes to the attractiveness of the workplace. The card can be used both online and offline and is supported by a user-friendly app that helps employees discover local offers and keep an eye on their available amount.

How do companies and employees benefit from a benefits card?

Companies and employees benefit from a benefit card in kind, such as the Regional Hero Card, in various ways. Companies can pass on tax-free benefits in kind to their employees and thus increase employee motivation and retention. By supporting the local economy, they also improve their corporate image and contribute to the sustainable development of the region. Employees benefit from tax-free benefits that increase their disposable income and have the opportunity to support local businesses and services. The Regional Hero Card helps them discover the diversity of their region and promotes awareness of the importance of the local economy. Overall, the card therefore creates added value for everyone involved.

What tax-free benefits in kind can companies offer with a benefits card?

With a benefit card such as the Regional Hero Card, companies can offer their employees various tax-free benefits in kind. In Germany, for example, benefits in kind of up to 600€ per year and employee are tax-free, in addition, 180€ per year and employee can be granted for personal events such as birthdays or anniversaries. The tax-free benefits in kind include meal vouchers, vouchers for local shops, leisure facilities or cultural events. The Regional Hero Card allows companies to easily and conveniently pass on these tax-free benefits to their employees while supporting the local economy.

How can I order and activate the Regional Hero Card?

To order the Regional Hero Card for your company, please use the contact field on our website to make an appointment with us. In an online meeting, we will discuss the requirements and the desired number of cards for your employees. As soon as the cards have been ordered, your employees will receive the physical card by post or the digital card via email. The Regional Hero Card is activated via the corresponding app. Your employees must download the app on their smartphone and log in with their personal details. They then enter the activation code that they received with the card. After successful activation, the card is ready for use and the credit can be used at participating stores and service providers. The app also provides an overview of the current balance and the option to view transactions.

How does the Regional Hero Card contribute to sustainability and strengthening the local economy?

The Regional Hero Card contributes to the sustainability and strengthening of the local economy by allowing employees to spend their tax-free credit with regional businesses and service providers. In this way, the money flows directly into the local economy, which helps to secure jobs, support local companies and strengthen purchasing power in the region. By specifically promoting the local economy, sustainability is improved as transport routes are shorter and local resources are used. This results in a reduction in the ecological footprint. In addition, the Regional Hero Card promotes awareness of the importance of the local economy and the benefits of shopping with regional suppliers. By combining tax-free benefits for employees and supporting regional companies, the Regional Hero Card helps create a sustainable and economically strong community.

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