Earth Matters: My weekly scoop - 26

In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, sustainability has become a key strategic priority for organisations worldwide. Yet, effectively communicating sustainability goals and progress—both internally and externally—remains a challenge. Employees, who are essential for advancing sustainable practices, often feel disconnected from the broader vision. This disconnect can discourage efforts to achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes. That's where digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) come in. The EY CEO Outlook Pulse shows that 65% of chief executives globally see AI as a force for good, but more work is needed to address risks and potential unintended consequences. They are transforming the way businesses monitor sustainability metrics and communicate progress. These technologies help close the communication gap, keeping employees informed and engaged with sustainability goals in real-time.

Sustainability goals can’t just be distant targets that employees rarely hear about. To make a real impact, companies need to keep everyone updated with clear and regular information on their progress. AI-powered platforms are now capable of collecting and analysing vast amounts of data related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. From carbon emissions to energy consumption and waste management, companies can leverage AI to track these metrics in real-time and convert them into digestible, actionable insights. For example, employees might get notifications about their department’s energy use or recycling efforts, showing them how their everyday actions help meet the company’s sustainability goals.

Beyond tracking, AI-driven analytics can identify patterns and predict future sustainability challenges. Predictive models can help companies understand how shifts in operations or external factors (like regulatory changes or climate impact) could affect sustainability targets, providing a clear direction for employees on how to adapt their behaviour.

One-size-fits-all messaging is no longer effective in engaging today’s workforce. Employees have diverse roles, interests, and motivations, and AI can help deliver tailored sustainability messages that resonate with individuals or teams. For example, using AI-driven sentiment analysis, companies can gauge how employees are reacting to sustainability communication. Are they feeling empowered or disengaged? Are there departments that need more information or motivation? Tools like Microsoft Viva Engage take it a step further by facilitating real-time conversations and feedback on sustainability initiatives. Employees can share their thoughts, ask questions, and get involved in discussions, all within the platform. This ongoing dialogue helps companies fine-tune their strategies and boost engagement across the board.

Similarly, according to Poppulo, Maximus, a global health and human services provider with over 36,000 employees has begun leveraging generative AI to enhance internal communications. By using AI to generate and customise internal content, such as personalised messages and updates, Maximus ensures that employees receive relevant and engaging information tailored to their specific roles and interests. This approach not only improves communication efficiency but also fosters a more connected and informed workforce.

In the past, sustainability reporting was often an annual affair, with updates buried in dense corporate reports. However, with AI-powered dashboards such as IBM Watsonx, companies can now offer real-time, transparent access to sustainability data. These dashboards can track various sustainability metrics—such as carbon footprints, water usage, or waste diversion—while making the data accessible and easy to understand for employees.

Transparency builds trust. When employees can see the company’s progress and challenges in real-time, they’re more likely to stay engaged and feel accountable. AI-enabled dashboards let employees not only track the company’s overall sustainability performance but also see how their own actions contribute. For example, an employee might log into a dashboard and see how their office’s recycling efforts have reduced waste or how their team’s cutback on business travel is helping lower the company’s carbon footprint. This kind of direct feedback helps connect individual actions with broader sustainability goals.

As AI evolves, the possibilities for improving sustainability communication are huge. We might soon see AI-driven virtual assistants or chatbots that offer real-time support for eco-friendly choices. Imagine a chatbot that helps you find the most sustainable commute options or suggests ways to cut energy use in your workspace.

However, as companies start to use AI for employee engagement, there are a few important things to think about. First, how can we make sure that data privacy and security are handled properly? Another thing to consider is how to tackle bias and fairness. How can we ensure that our AI tools don’t reinforce existing biases and actually promote fairness and inclusivity? It’s also essential to be transparent about how AI decisions are made. Do our employees understand how these systems work and how their data is used? And let’s not forget about employee training—how can we make sure that everyone feels comfortable and knowledgeable about using AI tools? According to HBR’s report, effective training is key to helping employees engage with these technologies confidently.

With real-time data tracking, personalised updates, and AI-driven content creation, companies are making sustainability more tangible and relevant for their employees. Transparent dashboards also help everyone see how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture. As these technologies keep advancing, they offer exciting opportunities to boost engagement, enhance accountability, and move us all towards a more sustainable future.

At P3 Connect, we specialise in delivering expert solutions in sustainability, communications, and employee engagement, utilising tools such as Microsoft 365 to enhance these areas. By leveraging platforms like Microsoft SharePoint, we help organisations facilitate dynamic conversations and effective engagement strategies. Whether you are looking to optimise your internal communications, strengthen employee engagement, or drive impactful sustainability initiatives, P3 Connect is here to support your goals. Contact us to discover how our tailored solutions can help you achieve a more connected, engaged, and sustainable workplace.

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