“Join the Movement: Find Employers Committed to Sustainability and Employee Engagement”
As the global focus on sustainability continues to grow, employers are increasingly being scrutinized for their commitment to environmental responsibility. A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) at the University of Bath and Cardiff University found that nearly half of respondents in the UK expressed extreme concern about climate change.
Employees are now seeking job roles with employers who are actively working towards mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable living. A survey by Deloitte revealed that over half of respondents research a company’s environmental impact before accepting a job, and many are willing to change jobs based on climate concerns.
To assess organizations’ sustainability efforts, a global customer database of 6,500 companies was analyzed, drawing on engagement survey data. Surprisingly, only 27% of companies globally ask about their social responsibility strategy in employee engagement surveys.
Industries with higher carbon emissions, such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics & transport, are more likely to inquire about their employees’ perceptions of their commitment to reducing climate change. Interestingly, tech firms, known for their innovation, were the least likely to address social impact in their surveys.
European workers were found to be more skeptical than their US counterparts about their employer’s commitment to sustainability. Companies with a genuine commitment to sustainability scored higher in employee engagement, showing a 16% increase compared to those without such initiatives.
Organizations that provide opportunities for employees to actively participate in sustainability efforts see a significant boost in engagement and loyalty. Companies with sustainability plans and direct employee involvement in green initiatives scored higher in employee engagement compared to those with only carbon reduction targets.
Overall, the research suggests that organizations need to go beyond setting carbon reduction targets and involve employees in meaningful sustainability initiatives to truly engage their workforce and make a lasting impact on climate change efforts.