Sustainability is no longer a fringe activity. Many organisations are now making commitments to environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. The leaders in this field are transforming themselves to become sustainable at a core level.
While the environmental aspect of this work is central, companies are realising that they need to pay increased attention to the social dimension of the ESG agenda and ensure “people sustainability”.
As organisations redesign the way in which their work is done, it is important they raise the bar and address the unmet needs of their people. This work must be inclusive and encompass everyone from employees to contractors, alongside workers in the broader supply chain ecosystem.
Organisations have to rise to the challenge of building a healthy, resilient and equitable future of work by adopting bold commitments to new work standards. This is starting to happen. For example, one in four companies are moving toward AI-driven nudges that prompt employees to advance their health, wealth and career prospects. While 88% of HR professionals are making “good work standards” a priority.
Relatable organisations can differentiate themselves as employers of choice by excelling in how they address the “S” in ESG and by ensuring they implement the highest standards. This work includes providing fair rewards, decent living wages and pensions, and flexibility and mobility. It involves a focus on total well-being, development and reskilling. It requires an inspiring purpose and a strong diversity, equity and inclusion culture. Employers who are differentiating themselves in this way are becoming known as “relatable” organisations. They wear this badge with pride.
To uphold sustainability and resilience, all employers need to look at the following areas:
Across all of these issues, you need to have leadership that is committed to nurturing a human-centric work environment. You also need a cross-business focus on diversity, equity and inclusion — this will help you cultivate diversity, justice and purpose within your organisation.
95% of executives have prioritised publicly setting standards and targets related to sustainable work practices.
Are your HR programmes aligned to your sustainability objectives, and/or sustainability more broadly?
Review and resolve pay inequities, reduce risk, increase diversity and drive organisational success.
Addressing the social dimension of sustainability by taking care of employee total well-being, supporting their needs for a decent life, and valuing them for their contributions.
