Awareness of sustainability is growing in strength all over the world, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, and businesses have begun to take concrete steps to begin their sustainability journey, and open new roles related to this area. However, new generations expect their employers to full embrace sustainability across their business, and believe companies should aim to become more environmentally responsible.
Yaman Alkan Sustainability Services Partner
We need to support future generations to make their voices heard by matching their current competencies with the talents companies are looking for. Businesses can also accompany them on this challenging journey by ensuring sustainability is an integral part of their recruitment.
Harnessing sustainability: its value in attracting new talent
ServicesPrivately owned business servicesSustainability for privately-owned businesses
Harnessing sustainability: attracting new talent
The importance of employers holding sustainable credentials is becoming increasingly critical in the recruitment (and retention) of talent.
Research, published by Hewlett Packard, clearly reveals how employees are more productive, motivated, and engaged when working for an employer who is a leader in social responsibility.
Employees, especially up-and-coming millennial and Gen Z talent want to be part of a journey that contributes to a better environment and a fairer society. 1 in 4 employees confirm they would consider quitting their current role and moving to one offered by a more environmentally responsible company2.
A growing environmental ethos is a driving factor for increasing numbers of jobseekers. In fact, 61% of office workers agree that sustainability is no longer a nice to have for companies, it’s a ‘need to have’.
Yet, while green credentials attract top talent, sustainability is still not perceived as a priority for a great many employers. Here are just a few ways it can help you attract high quality talent:
1. Make sustainability part of your recruitment. To target the right talent pool, detail how sustainability is critical to your business both in job descriptions and your recruitment advertising.
2. Align with millennials’ values in your recruitment. By 2025, millennials will account for approximately 75% of the workforce. Around 30% of staff have said that they have worked harder for businesses which employ these strategies2. You’ll find more on this in our article on recruiting and retaining Gen X by clicking here.
3. Turn employees into ambassadors. With sustainability figuring high as a point of pride in an employer, it’s likely employees will, in turn, share your company’s activities with like-minded friends, on LinkedIn and on professional network websites; further building your reputation and supporting your recruitment initiatives.
1HP Workforce Sustainability Survey
Embracing a sustainable mindset
Some companies still see sustainability policies as a threat to their business. Far from it. In the new economy businesses will soon realise that integrating sustainability into their business strategy will help them take advantage of opportunities, better manage risk, and increase their appeal for inward investment. At the same time, they’ll be helping improve the environment and create a fairer...
Integrating sustainability
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 resource of new commitments such as measuring and managing impact of ESG over time.
Recruiting and retaining Gen Z
As Millennials, or Generation Y, grow into the founders, directors and managers of today’s workplace, focus is now shifting towards the new cohort coming through: Gen Z. Born between 1995 and the early 2000s, Gen Z are either just entering employment, or starting to think about what they want from their careers. They are the future leaders for growing businesses and the race is on to attract and retain...
Sustainability for privately-owned businesses
Every business is different, whether that’s in size, ambition, or even geography. But all of them have a connected topic that needs to be addressed: sustainability.
Our expert
Ivan Chan Partner, Audit & Head of Financial Advisory - Hong Kong
Our global team
Our global team of Privately Owned Business experts understand your business and the specific considerations in local markets in addition to having a global reach and outlook.