35 percent rank an environmentally-aware workplace as either a requirement or deciding factor, for their next job.

Beyond.com, Inc., the world's largest network of specialty career communities, recently polled business professionals throughout its network of more than 15,000 sites to gauge how important it is for professionals to find an environmentally-friendly workplace for their next job.

More than 5,500 Beyond.com Network visitors responded to the recent poll question:

"How important is finding an environmentally-aware workplace for your next job?" 

• 16% - required for my next job
• 19% - a deciding factor between two similar jobs
• 44% - nice to have, but not a real deciding factor
  21% - not something I am actively looking for

The results of Beyond.com's poll indicate having an environmentally-friendly workplace is becoming more than just a trend. Companies that make the decision to invest time, money and resources to "go green" are not only helping the earth, but are also attracting a number of potential employees who consider a green workplace a requirement or deciding factor for their next job.

With so many companies jumping on the bandwagon to go green, sites such as Carbonrally.com can provide a convenient way to kick start a corporate or personal program. 

"It is clear that the environment and overall quality of life is becoming a top priority for many people and companies, so it's no surprise the trend to go green is starting to affect career choices for many job seekers," says Rich Milgram, CEO of Beyond.com, Inc. "More and more companies are creating green programs and advertising their initiatives on their corporate websites and in job descriptions to attract these eco-friendly candidates to their company. "

"The office is an ideal place to team-up and make a larger contribution to green issues," says Jason Karas, Founder of Carbonrally.com. "Currently, there are 40 corporate teams competing in Carbonrally, which are making a significant impact on the environment. The key is finding a few dedicated leaders that can pull people together and focus on creating powerful initiatives."

Below are some helpful tips on how businesses can create an environmentally-friendly workplace and motivate employees to participate in company-sponsored "green" initiatives: 

• Get Employees Excited – Create an internal "green team" to help develop and promote environmentally-friendly initiatives throughout the company. 
• Promote Recycling – Place recycle bins in high-traffic areas, such as copy or lunch rooms, to promote recycling of paper, plastics, bottles and cans.  
• Save Energy – Optimize energy settings on all company computers, and encourage employees to turn off their computers and office lights when they leave work.
• Encourage Carpooling – Encourage employees to take alternative methods of transportation (public transportation, bike riding) or organize an internal carpool. Employers can also invest in technology that enables their employees to telecommute. 
• Track and Promote Company Progress –Track new initiatives and join an association or online community that generates new ideas and provides ways to measure green efforts. Promote your eco-friendly initiatives on your website, in collateral and when posting your next job.

For more career-related tips and resources, please visit the Beyond.com Career Resource Center. 

About Beyond.com, Inc.
Beyond.com, Inc. is the world's largest network of specialty career communities, powering more than 15,000 geographic and industry-specific sites. We are dedicated to helping business professionals, corporations and vertical communities connect with each other by providing relevant career search services, networking tools and portal software solutions. Beyond.com was named to Inc. Magazine's prestigious ‘Inc. 500' list of the fastest growing private companies in 2007 and is a Safeguard Scientifics (NYSE: SFE) partner company. www.Beyond.com