Green Workplace Culture and Employees’ Commitment: Overcoming Socioeconomic Challenges Towards Sustainable Development

Abstract

The increase in the awareness of sustainability practices in most companies and the intensity of the commitment of employees have made the workplace undergo noticeable changes in workplace socio-economic dynamics. This study explored the relationship between green work culture and the level of employee commitment in selected pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria, the most populous and largest consumer market in Africa. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, and 389 were returned and analyzed using the Pearson product moment correlation method. The results revealed a weak and negative relationship between green work culture and employee commitment within the pharmaceutical companies studied (R = -0.044, p > 0.05). The findings suggest that employees in these organizations demonstrated limited engagement with green work culture practices that could strengthen their commitment and socioeconomic levels. The study identified several factors contributing to this outcome, including inadequate physical and social parameters supporting green initiatives, poor cultural alignment, discouragement, and low employee motivation. These issues are further compounded by broader socioeconomic challenges that affect both organizational policies and individual attitudes toward sustainability. The study emphasizes the need for pharmaceutical organizations in Lagos State to reassess and enhance their green workplace strategies despite prevailing socioeconomic challenges. It recommends that both the physical and social work environments be redesigned to promote employee satisfaction and align with sustainable goals. Addressing socioeconomic challenges through improved incentives, supportive organizational culture, and inclusive workplace design can foster stronger employee commitment and create a more resilient, environmentally conscious workforce.