Sustainability is not only good for the planet, but also for your business. It can help you attract and retain top talent who share your values and vision. In this article, you will learn how to use sustainability to showcase your corporate social responsibility (CSR) and appeal to the best candidates in the market.
Sustainability is more than a buzzword. It is a mindset and a practice that reflects how you care for the environment, society, and your stakeholders. According to a survey by IBM, 71% of employees and job seekers say that environmental and social responsibility is important to them when choosing an employer. Moreover, 77% of them would accept a lower salary to work for a more sustainable company. Therefore, sustainability can be a powerful differentiator and motivator for talent.
In my opinion genuine commitment to sustainability sets your company apart, acting as a magnet for top talent. To attract skilled individuals, showcase your unwavering dedication through eco-friendly practices, a green culture, and employee engagement in sustainability. Offer benefits aligned with eco-conscious lifestyles and communicate values through diverse channels. This integration not only resonates with candidates valuing ethical practices but also fosters a positive, purpose-driven workplace. Sustainability isn't just a checkbox—it's a powerful differentiator that aligns with the values of today's discerning talent, emphasizing the importance of environmental and social responsibility in their career choices.
People are driven and motivated by purposeful work. And profits as a purpose is not enough. With the evolution of the internet and social media, people are exposed a lot more to social and environmental issues and are beginning to realise the real need to change the way we do business. A sustainable company not just attracts talent but communicates the openness to meaningful change and the scope it provides for employees to innovate and contribute to their surrounding environments.
A todo el mundo le gusta trabajar en una empresa que tiene políticas de sostenibilidad y responsabilidad social potentes (cuidar el planeta, cuida a las personas, etc.). Por ello es lógico que los mejores profesionales acaben trabajando en este tipo de empresa o, lo que e slo mismo, las empresas éticas son las que tienen los mejores equipos, la mayor retención de talento y la mayor implicación. Obviamente, estas empresas serán las más resilientes (se vio claramente con la crisis del covid-19 y posteriores) ya que los mejores equipos son los más competitivos.
Yes, you can attract and hire talents in the first place but you will only retain most of them, if your sustainability strategy and implementation is genuine, strongly connected with your mission, vision, values, business objectives within measurement practices in place and being assessed and recognised by external authorities in this field...otherwise your sustainability is in fact no sustainable, it is just a superficial "green initiative"...to show up as "great company", but it is superficial in a medium, long terms...
En mi opinión, en LatAm se ve un aumento significativo de la consciencia ambiental y social. Las personas entienden que sus acciones actúan como multiplicadores, generando un impacto positivo significativo. La adopción de prácticas sostenibles a nivel personal, provocan que al postularse se identifiquen con corporacioraciones responsables social y ambientalmente. En el camino hacia un futuro sostenible, individuos y corporaciones, tienen un papel fundamental para alcanzar el objetivo.
To attract talent with your sustainability, you need to communicate your efforts effectively and authentically. This means that you need to have a clear and consistent sustainability strategy, goals, and actions that align with your core values and purpose. You also need to share your sustainability story through various channels, such as your website, social media, newsletters, reports, and events. Make sure that you highlight the impact and benefits of your sustainability initiatives, as well as the challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Es importante contar con una estrategia de sostenibilidad transparente, que se plasme en distintas iniciativas, que sean medibles, para poder definir indicadores que permitan ver su evolución. Dise?ar un reporte de sostenibilidad siguiendo algunos de los estándares internacionales, como podría ser las normas GRI, permitirá que inversores, accionistas, empleados y los potenciales talentos conozcan el enfoque de la organización y se identifiquen con sus valores.
Indudablemente los informes de sustentabilidad juegan un papel muy importante en este hecho, pero va más allá este tema, es decir, no basta tener un informe si no también las bases para que este tenga credibilidad y confianza… Los GRI son una opción de credibilidad y confianza ante los STAKEHOLDERS o grupos de interés de la compa?ía.
M?glich ist auch eine Aktionswoche oder ein Aktionstag, wo man verschiedene Programme und Aktivit?ten vorstellt. Dies kann sich an interne und/ oder externe Zielgruppen richten.
Cooperate with universities and schools, have a sustainability day or get invited to a sustainability day. Invite children and families to a sustainability day related to your business. Get involved in learning children good habits and prepare for the next generation of sustainable adults. Action attracts talents. And the next generation could be valuable talents.
Another way to use sustainability to attract talent is to involve your employees in your sustainability journey. This can help you create a culture of engagement, collaboration, and innovation that fosters loyalty and satisfaction. You can involve your employees in sustainability by providing them with training, feedback, recognition, and incentives. You can also encourage them to participate in volunteer, donation, or advocacy programs that support your sustainability causes. By doing so, you can showcase your CSR and empower your employees to be your sustainability ambassadors.
Para llegar a una estrategia de sostenibilidad es indispensable lograr que nuestros empleados se involucren en el proceso, desde el análisis de materialidad, diagnóstico sostenible y validación de los pilares de que una estrategia de sostenibilidad llega a tener, amén ante la planificación que cada actor dentro de la empresa debe asumir para que esta sea una realidad en la compa?ía.
L'implication des collaborateurs dans la durabilité n'est pas juste une stratégie, c'est une obligation ! En les formant, les écoutant et les valorisant, on transforme chaque collaborateur en ambassadeur de la culture de l'entreprise. C'est en donnant l'exemple et en partageant les succès que l'on construit une entreprise durable. Il faut Encourager les initiatives vertes, célébrer les petites victoires et partager les expériences positives sur les réseaux professionnels. Ainsi, les collaborateurs tissent un réseau d'engagement durable, qui fait rayonner l'entreprise bien au-delà de ses murs et favorise les recrutements.
A third way to use sustainability to attract talent is to showcase your sustainability awards and certifications. These are external recognition and validation of your sustainability performance and commitment. They can help you build trust and credibility with your potential candidates, as well as enhance your reputation and visibility in the market. You can showcase your sustainability awards and certifications by displaying them on your website, social media, and job postings. You can also mention them in your interviews, events, and press releases.
A mi juicio lo más importante para una compa?ía es asumir la responsabilidad de tener estructuras sostenibles capaces de ser certificables, creo lo más importante es tener los procesos definidos y que estos trabajen adecuadamente para el logro de los objetivos… El certificado es producto de ello…. y una manera estratégica de hacerlo público es justamente a través de las redes sociales y otros organismos que te dan esa oportunidad… Por ejemplo, B Corp, Pacto Global de la ONU, etc..
M?glich ist auch eine übersicht über die wichtigsten Zertifikate und Auszeichnungen zu erstellen und in den recruiting Interviews vorzustellen.
He visto ejemplos de provecho para empresas, quienes usan sus certificaciones para el mercadeo de sus servicios. Para el interesado en el servicio, las estructuras, procedimientos, costos, etc. Que sustentan la certificación sin muestra de la solidez de la firma.
A fourth way to use sustainability to attract talent is to integrate sustainability into your hiring process. This means that you need to align your recruitment and selection criteria with your sustainability values and expectations. You also need to assess your candidates' sustainability skills, knowledge, and attitudes, as well as their fit with your sustainability culture. Furthermore, you need to highlight your sustainability benefits and opportunities, such as flexible work, green travel, wellness programs, and career development.
A través de políticas aprobadas por la dirección de una compa?ía, la atracción y retención de talento debe estar considerada en el scouteo. Siempre será importante la alineación del nuevo talento a las políticas de la compa?ía en temas de sostenibilidad, y este tema puede verse fortalecido en el on boarding del talento.
Consultora de Recursos Humanos | Licenciatura en Administración y gestión de empresas
?Exacto! Si el candidato no comparte tus valores o bien, no le interesan tus grupos de interés, no es el candidato por muy calificado que esté. Hay que ser coherente con lo que se piensa, se dice, se siente y se hace.
A fifth and final way to use sustainability to attract talent is to measure and improve your sustainability attraction. This means that you need to track and analyze your sustainability-related metrics, such as the number and quality of applicants, the retention and engagement rates, the feedback and reviews, and the return on investment. You also need to benchmark your sustainability performance and practices against your competitors and best practices. Based on your findings, you need to identify and implement actions to improve your sustainability attraction and achieve your goals.
Furthermore, external validation adds credibility to your commitment to sustainable practices. If your organization has received awards or recognition for sustainability efforts, prominently feature these accolades. Sustainability is often linked to innovation. Highlight how your organization is at the forefront of sustainable practices and technologies. Talented individuals often seek roles where they can contribute to meaningful, impactful work.
Sinnvoll ist es, die Wirkungsmessung entlang einer klaren Wirkungslogik auszurichten, so dass alle Kriterien aufeinander aufbauen und sich auf einander beziehen. Zum Beispiel wieviele Jugendliche wurden trainiert und wieviele davon haben einen Job / Ausbildung gefunden. Au?erdem empfiehlt es sich, für die Datenerfassung und -Auswertung eine Software L?sung zu verwenden, entweder selbst entwickelt oder eingekauft.
Embrace sustainability as a core value in your business strategy. Showcase your commitment through transparent, measurable actions and integrate it into your hiring process. This approach not only benefits the planet but also resonates with values-driven talent, fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation that attracts and retains top candidates.