Why Social Sustainability Matters

It has now been almost two years since we reintroduced SHE to the market as Social Human Equity, further expanding our area of responsibility and impact while remaining anchored in our initial mission to create equity in the workplace. A lot has happened since then, and it has been an exciting and sometimes challenging journey. While the global challenges we face may seem overwhelming, we strongly believe that a true commitment to the social aspect of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) can lead us to a more sustainable and inclusive tomorrow. You can read more about us and the work we do on our website .

We Empower People to Make Business Fair for Everyone

Behind gender, backgrounds, and titles, we are all human beings. We all have a valuable perspective, and the world is poorer without it. Yet, the bulk of our leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs still come from the same, overrepresented group.

SHE was born from a desire to end this lack of balance. To change what is inexcusably unjust and create opportunities not just for some – but for all of us. And not only because it’s fair, but because social progress can also create long-term sustainable growth.

We believe that social sustainability is the key.

What Is Social Sustainability?

Social sustainability, at its core, is about fostering a fair, equitable, and just society where individuals and communities can thrive. It includes promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee well-being in workplaces, communities, and beyond. Social sustainability is often one of the lesser-discussed aspects of the ESG framework, which focuses on creating long-term value not just through environmental and governance efforts, but through social impact as well.

Social sustainability ensures that businesses and organizations create environments where everyone, regardless of their background, has an opportunity to contribute and succeed. According to the United Nations Global Compact , social sustainability encompasses human rights, labor practices, and corporate responsibilities toward creating a more inclusive society.

The Importance of Employee Engagement in Social Sustainability

One critical element of social sustainability is employee engagement. A workplace that actively engages its employees fosters an inclusive culture, driving not only the well-being of its workers but also enhancing overall business outcomes. Research by Gallup shows that companies with highly engaged employees report 21% higher profitability compared to those with lower engagement.

Employee engagement aligns directly with social sustainability because when employees feel valued, heard, and respected, they are more motivated to contribute to the success of the company and the wider community. Engaged employees are more likely to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to a company’s sustainability goals, making them critical to the social aspect of ESG.

Creating Inclusive Workplaces

Inclusive workplaces are essential for achieving social sustainability. Diversity alone isn’t enough—what truly drives progress is inclusion, where people from all backgrounds are given a platform to share their ideas and grow. This helps dismantle barriers, creating a healthier and more resilient workforce.

Social Human Equity (SHE) emphasizes the importance of not only recruiting diverse talent but ensuring that everyone feels included and valued. This concept aligns with the social pillar of sustainability, ensuring that businesses operate in a way that promotes equal opportunities for all. In fact, the United Nations Global Compact calls for companies to prioritize human rights and labor conditions, as these are fundamental to achieving broader social sustainability goals.

Addressing Global Challenges

As we move forward, social sustainability will continue to be a crucial factor in shaping a more inclusive and resilient global economy. Companies that fail to address social issues will not only face reputational risks but could also miss out on the economic benefits of an engaged, diverse, and innovative workforce. According to Gallup, disengaged employees cost businesses over $500 billion each year in the U.S. alone, underscoring the high stakes of ignoring social factors.

Social sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of responsible business. By fostering equitable and inclusive environments, businesses can not only achieve their social goals but also drive long-term growth and profitability.

It is not just about doing the right thing—it’s about building a better future for everyone. Companies that embrace social human equity and focus on creating diverse, inclusive, and engaged workplaces are better positioned for long-term success. SHE’s work in this area serves as a model for how businesses can integrate social sustainability into their core strategies, creating a meeting place for diverse voices and key decision makers. We don’t just talk about making a change, we enable you to act.

We are excited to continue bringing all of you on this journey with us!

We believe in the power of collaboration to achieve greater impact.

Our corporate and strategic partnerships are built on shared values and mutual goals, fostering a collaborative environment where innovation and success thrive. You can read more about our partnerships here.

Do you want to more knowledge about this important topic? We offer keynotes and other speaking engagements. Inspire your team and stakeholders. Whether you are hosting a corporate event, conference, or workshop, our CEO Astrid R?nning Skaugseth will captivate your audience and ignite a passion for growth and excellence.

You can get in touch with us directly via [email protected] ??

FAQ

1. What is the definition of social sustainability?

Social sustainability refers to practices that promote fairness, equity, and well-being within businesses and society as a whole, ensuring that all individuals and communities have equal opportunities to thrive.

2. Why is employee engagement important for social sustainability?

Employee engagement is key to social sustainability because engaged employees contribute more meaningfully to the business and community, promoting a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

3. How does social sustainability impact business outcomes?

Businesses that prioritize social sustainability often see better employee satisfaction, increased innovation, and improved financial performance due to a more engaged and diverse workforce.

4. What role does diversity and inclusion play in social sustainability?

Diversity and inclusion are central to social sustainability as they help dismantle systemic barriers, creating more equitable opportunities for all individuals.

5. How can businesses improve their social sustainability efforts?

Businesses can improve social sustainability by fostering employee engagement, promoting diversity and inclusion, and aligning their practices with human rights and fair labor standards.

Further reading and resources:

United Nations Global Compact? - This outlines the broader framework of social sustainability within businesses, focusing on human rights, labor practices, and responsible corporate behavior. The UN emphasizes the importance of social sustainability in creating inclusive, equitable societies that promote fair opportunities for all.?

Gallup Workplace? - This research highlights the significant correlation between employee engagement and business performance, noting that engaged employees contribute to higher profitability and sustainability in the workplace.?

Frontiers in Sustainability? - A comprehensive look at how social sustainability within organizations impacts employee well-being and organizational success, tying it to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the context of health, decent work, and economic growth.?

Stanford Social Innovation Review? - A detailed analysis of how businesses have embedded sustainability in their corporate culture and used it to align employee values with long-term business goals, driving both social and environmental impact.? ?