Earth Matters: My weekly scoop - 25
In today's world, sustainability has become an essential aspect of business strategy. Companies are increasingly recognising that a genuine commitment to sustainability goes beyond merely setting ambitious goals; it requires engaging employees at all levels to create a truly sustainable organisation. This approach not only ensures that sustainability is woven into the fabric of the company’s operations but also amplifies the impact by harnessing the creativity, energy, and passion of the workforce.
This is especially critical given the current workforce's expectations. According to Paul Polman ’s Net Positive Employee Barometer, two-thirds of employee express anxiety about environmental issues and want their companies to take a stronger stance on them. Alarmingly, half of these employees are willing to quit if they feel there is a mismatch between their ethics and the company’s environmental stance. KPMG ’s 2023 research echoes this, revealing that companies are increasingly feeling the impact of "climate quitting." Not only do they lose valuable staff, but they also face a shrinking talent pool—one in five UK workers, and as many as one in three young adults aged 18-24, have declined job offers because the company’s ESG commitments did not align with their values. These findings underscore the importance of deeply involving employees in sustainability decision-making to ensure corporate actions align with their values.
Patagonia’s Activism Hours Programme is a prime example of how to effectively engage employees in sustainability efforts. Through this initiative, employees contributed over 1,300 hours to environmental groups in 2021, participating in hands-on activities like planting trees or cleaning shorelines. This approach not only helps the environment but also strengthens employees' connection to the company's mission, making sustainability a shared, lived experience.
My own experience at Unilever highlights the power of employee engagement in sustainability. I managed the ‘Foundation Challenge,’ the largest employee engagement campaign, which involved over 80,000 employees. The Unilever Foundation focused on improving quality of life through programmes targeting hygiene, sanitation, clean drinking water, basic nutrition, and self-esteem. Over 1,500 employees participated, with six chosen as Global Ambassadors to visit various Foundation-led programmes. This initiative not only inspired those directly involved but also created a ripple effect throughout the organisation, demonstrating that sustainability is not just a top-down directive but a shared responsibility.
For sustainability initiatives to truly succeed, they must resonate with all levels of the organisation. This means moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and instead tailoring efforts to the specific needs, interests, and strengths of different stakeholders. Take, for example, Anglo American’s Circulab initiative. Circulab is an innovative programme designed to engage employees in rethinking how materials are used within the company. Instead of viewing waste as an inevitable byproduct, Circulab encourages employees to see it as an opportunity for value creation. This initiative is a brilliant example of how a company can democratise innovation and sustainability by empowering employees to take ownership of the process. By involving employees in the design and implementation of circular economy solutions, Anglo American not only reduces waste but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and environmental stewardship.
However, not all companies get it right. A top-down approach to sustainability can backfire, as seen in 2019 when Google faced significant employee pushback for its partnership with oil and gas companies. Despite Google’s public commitments to sustainability, over 1,000 employees signed an open letter criticising the partnership as contradictory to the company’s environmental goals. This example highlights the importance of aligning corporate actions with sustainability rhetoric and genuinely engaging employees in shaping these strategies.
Sustainability should be a collective effort that involves every level of an organisation. Companies that succeed in this arena are those that recognise the value of engaging their employees in meaningful ways, giving them the tools, resources, and opportunities to contribute to the company’s sustainability goals.
By fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, businesses can transform sustainability from a corporate objective into a shared mission. This not only enhances the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives but also strengthens the overall organisation by building a more engaged, motivated, and purpose-driven workforce. From my own experiences, what I have seen is that in the end, the companies that will lead the way in sustainability are those that understand it’s not just about what they do, but how they do it—and who they do it with.
领英推荐
Source:
?
Head of Business Development
3 个月Great advice! I highly recommended.
Product Management Executive | AI/ML & IoT Innovator | Driving Market Leadership in Renewable Energy & Cybersecurity | Expertise in Strategic Vision, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, and Data-Driven Product Development
3 个月You’ve hit the nail on the head, Naila Mir—sustainability thrives when it’s a collective effort. Engaging employees across all levels not only drives meaningful change but also fosters a culture of shared responsibility and innovation. It’s inspiring to see how leading companies are empowering their teams to contribute to sustainability goals. This approach not only benefits the planet but also strengthens organizational purpose and unity. How do you see employee engagement evolving as companies continue to prioritize sustainability?