aligning people strategy with sustainability
DESCRIPTION
Sustainability efforts can only come to full blossom when management skillfully engages their workforce.TRANSCRIPT
Adversarial vs. Constructive
Adversarial• A focus on the
environment is going to cost more
Constructive• A focus on the
environment is good for the bottom line
We are all working toward the same goalDefinition of sustainability: “ …meeting needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
- Brundtland World Commission on Environment and Development
We are all working toward the same goalDefinition of sustainability: “ …meeting needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
- Brundtland World Commission on Environment and Development
Benefits of Corporate Sustainability Program
• Cost savings and new revenue opportunities
• Pressures to reduce carbon footprint
• Anticipation of more heavily regulated business environment
• Investor expectations• Reputation management, brand
loyalty• Retention/recruitment of top talent
The People Side of Sustainability
Sustainability efforts can only come to full blossom when management skillfully engages their workforce.
Engaged Employees
• Truly committed to helping organization succeed
• Understand the business and their role in its success.
• Trust leadership and believe they are making decisions with the best interest of the business and the people in mind.
• Are engaged in making a difference in their jobs every day.
• Feel valued and appreciated.
The Bottom Line on Employee Engagement
• Every ‘engaged’ employee is worth approximately $3,570 per year in additional profit. *
• 80% of young workers are interested in a job that has a positive impact on the environment; 92% would choose working for an environmentally friendly company*
• 77% of MBA students today are willing to earn a lower wage in order to work for a company with a credible sustainability strategy.**– *Source: Ethical Performance– ** Source: American Banker
Aligning people strategy with sustainability
• Make sustainability a part of your company’s DNA
• Foster employee innovation• Increase job satisfaction and
retention• Help recruit top talent• Improve levels of pride in the
organization– Contributes to improved
reputation with customers
How to Encourage Employee Involvement
• Provide a format for sharing ideas across departments and locations
• Encourage passion and allow employees the freedom to run with and implement their ideas
• Develop ongoing training programs• Leverage the diversity of your
company – allow for different ways to engage in sustainability initiatives
• Make sustainability part of every employee’s job description
Examples of Employee Engagement Programs
• Newsletters, videos, podcasts• Green teams• Green fairs• Lunch and learn series• Volunteer opportunities• Conferences