A greater sustainability impact starts with engaging talent

In one of our most recent surveys, 74% of EY people told us they’re motivated by the EY purpose of building a better working world. And that they want to participate in activities that have a positive impact on communities and the environment.

With more than 340,000 people working at EY around the world, this means potential for real impact. It means we can not only transform EY to become a leader in sustainability, but have a larger ripple effect by helping clients do the same.

Across the organization there are numerous sustainability initiatives on the go, from a global corporate responsibility program to a public decarbonization commitment – a seven-point action plan to reach net zero by 2025. But what we’re trying to do now, is enhance our focus on solutions and innovation driven by our people.

Previously, much of the employee involvement around sustainability has been in the form of volunteerism, which is critical. However, HR Review cited a recent study that found workers tend to be unaware of these sustainability initiatives, as most are voluntary. Similarly, a recent Newsweek article talked about the shift from philanthropy and volunteering to a more hands-on, customized approach as the preferred social and environmental engagement form.

In keeping with this, we wanted to find a way to build sustainability into the jobs we do every day and open up new, related career paths so everyone can play a role. So, as part of our strategy to democratize education and provide equitable experiences to EY people, EY launched the new Master of Sustainability accreditation by Hult. The degree is offered free to all EY people regardless of rank or location and it presents them with an opportunity to learn how sustainability can reduce risk, increase innovation and realize new opportunities. Our people will develop knowledge of key sustainability themes, including: creating long-term value by applying environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles; addressing climate change and the low carbon economy; and applying the power of impact entrepreneurship and sustainable finance.

The EY Master of Sustainability program will not only help EY clients and communities in the long term, but immediately open up world-class learning opportunities and career options for EY people that help them build exceptional experiences with the tools to build the careers they want by gaining the latest in-demand skills.

Climate change and finding sustainable solutions have long been on the agenda at the most senior level at EY. But we’re missing a key piece of the puzzle if we don’t engage our people to be part of the effort. Getting employee minds to tackle the challenges our planet faces at the ground level is critical to innovation and finding new solutions. In fact, their engagement is the key to maximizing impact in the private sector. Our first Master of Sustainability cohort begins this summer and already candidates are working through the relevant learning through our EY Badges program, which offers on-demand, virtual, future-focused learning. I can’t wait to see what happens when our people take the lead on building a better, more sustainable future.?