With conferences such as COP27, and recent grassroots protests, it is fair to suggest that concerns surrounding the environment and climate change have gone mainstream. Regardless of age, it seems there is a new understanding and demand for positive change in our efforts to save the planet and our day-to-day practices as both companies and consumers. But how does this affect the decision making of candidates looking for new roles?
A study by Gallup has shown that in a post-pandemic world, candidates are more likely to consider the environmental practices of a company before applying for their vacancies, with 71% of workers saying they do consider a company’s environment record. It can be argued that a company’s sustainable efforts and eco-friendly practices are now a desirable factor, as well as the likes of salary and benefits, when attracting candidates.
Gallup found that candidates want to work for businesses that align with their personal beliefs as 74% of people want to feel like their job matters. Eco-friendly practices naturally elevate a company’s reputation. Not only can sustainable practices attract talent but also create a positive workforce, creating a sense of giving back and protecting the planet whilst fulfilling the duties of their role. A survey by Cleartrace states that nearly 70% of Gen-Z respondents said that if a company had a strong sustainability plan, it would impact their decision to stay with the company.
As new entrants into the workforce, Gen-Z lead much of the sustainability debate. For many companies looking to hire the future top talent, Gen-Z are a generation they need to appeal to when hoping to fulfil vacancies with long lasting employees.
In order to appeal to a wide audience of candidates and be at the forefront of environmental change, businesses need to implement green initiatives. Such initiatives could be as simple as making office space and waste greener, and carbon offsetting various areas of the business. A more in-depth approach may be adding competition and initiatives for employees or making a committed environmental plan for the upcoming years. Without this environmental consciousness, businesses could be less attractive to top talent in the market.
What can you do to make your business more environmentally friendly?
Making Office Space Greener
Creating a greener office environment could be as simple as implementing designated recycle bins, creating a ‘Go Paperless’ policy to encourage less use of printed goods and paper, or even reducing the use of single use plastics.
Carbon Offsetting and Environmentally Friendly Commutes
Being green doesn’t just have to stop at the office, you can also make your business miles and commutes a lot greener too. Your business miles can be carbon offset by planting a tree for every mile you travel, whilst introducing cycle to work or carpooling schemes to help your employees have wider access to greener travel. As electric cars become more accessible, installing electric charging points at offices/warehouses could also be beneficial.
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