Integrating sustainability: overcoming a lack of capacity and resources

Gaining competitive advantage through a more sustainable business proposition can be achieved by all companies, irrespective of size. Some, however, are still daunted by the challenges, known and unknown, of building a sustainable business. And the perceived burdens on resources of new commitments such as measuring and managing the impact of ESG over time.

Below, you’ll find examples of how capacity concerns in relation to sustainability can be readily overcome.

1. Taking your people with you. Critical to embedding sustainability into your business will be the engagement of employees and wider stakeholders with your vision, strategy and how it will benefit them over time.

Key also will be the involvement of employees (of all levels) in working parties that contribute meaningfully to your sustainable goals. These groups can, in turn, own responsibilities ranging from the measurement of tasks (such as employee CO2 reductions) to creating new parameters for the recruitment of a more diverse workforce.

2. Embedding sustainability into everyone’s role. Sustainability-related tasks can also be added (within reason) to employees’ existing functions, job descriptions and personal development objectives. This will often be an extension of their existing responsibilities, rather than increasing workload. Yet, by definition, this will often increase the purpose and value of individuals’ roles. According to a recent global survey¹, published by Hewlett Packard¹, employees are more productive, motivated, and engaged when working for an employer who is a leader on social responsibility.

3. Using your business size to evolve faster. With traditionally fewer rigid hierarchies and processes, medium-sized enterprises have the proven ability to adapt faster to a more sustainable business model. Change can be implemented more quickly, with medium-sized enterprises needing less resource and capital as larger ones.

To explore a comprehensive set sustainability measures view our joint publication with ecoDa “A practical guide for boards and leadership teams on sustainability” .

As a country sustainability is increasing becoming a key agenda item. Our personal experience is that many businesses are already taking steps to advance their planning and as a result experiencing value from the outcomes.
Jeremy Mortlock Partner - Sydney, Forvis Mazars in Australia

For more information on sustainability measures you can takeYou can take advantage of a more comprehensive set of solutions in our joint publication with ecoDa “A practical guide for boards and leadership teams on sustainability” .

¹HP Workforce Sustainability Survey

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Published: 20/04/2022

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Michael Jones Partner Melbourne

John Kotzur Managing Partner Brisbane

Jeremy Mortlock Partner Sydney