Embedding sustainability into people strategy

According to a recent report, ‘Green Skills Outlook’ report, the lack of skilled workers in green industries represents a major hurdle to achieving climate goals. Governments and businesses are actively seeking ways to accelerate this green transition. Public entities establish national frameworks, while corporations are undergoing fundamental business model reinvention to contribute to this collective effort. Notably, this shift is demonstrably impacting the job market, reflected in the rising demand for green jobs. Read this article to know how organisations can prepare for the impact of sustainability commitments on the jobs, skills and workforce.

Organisations are increasingly recognising the strategic value of sustainability. Beyond environmental responsibility, embracing sustainable practices aligns with business goals, strengthens public trust, and attracts purpose-driven talent. This global trend, coupled with ambitious national net-zero targets by 2050, necessitates a significant transformation across industries and economies.

Governments and businesses are actively seeking ways to accelerate this green transition. Public entities establish national frameworks, while corporations are undergoing fundamental business model reinvention to contribute to this collective effort. Notably, this shift is demonstrably impacting the job market, reflected in the rising demand for green jobs.

A 2023 report by LinkedIn, included in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report, highlighted that hiring for green roles has consistently outpaced the overall hiring rate globally for the past four years. This means that for many job seekers, green jobs are a smart choice in a labour market that is starting to cool down. Some of the fastest-growing green jobs, according to LinkedIn’s “Jobs on the Rise” list, included sustainability analysts, sustainability specialists, and sustainability managers. However, according to a recent report, ‘Green Skills Outlook’ report by Economist Impact and Spanish renewable energy giant Iberdrola, the lack of skilled workers in green industries represents a major hurdle to achieving climate goals.

Applying sustainability commitments to strategic workforce planning

Integrating sustainability into strategic workforce planning is not just a nice to have, it is a vital step in navigating the future. Organisations can assess their recruitment, skilling, and performance processes to align their workforce planning strategy with their organisation’s sustainability goals commitment:

Skills assessment: Analyse your current workforce, identifying existing green skills and potential gaps. Align future skill acquisition with sustainability goals.

• Reskilling and upskilling: Invest in training programs to equip employees with green knowledge and expertise, preparing them for new roles emerging in renewable energy, circular economy, etc.
• Recruitment strategy: Prioritise candidates with green skills and a passion for sustainability during recruitment. Highlight your commitment to sustainability to attract purpose-driven talent.
• Performance management: Integrate sustainability goals into performance metrics, encouraging employees to contribute towards environmental and social objectives.
• Reward and recognition: Reward employees who excel in implementing sustainable practices and developing their green skills, further motivating workforce engagement.

Making a strong connection between our sustainability objectives and company mission and values

Weaving sustainability into the very fabric of the company is no longer a peripheral concern – it is a strategic imperative. But simply outlining sustainability objectives is not enough. For true impact and lasting change, these goals must be demonstrably linked to your company’s core mission and values.

• Unify purpose: Start by revisiting your mission statement. Can you incorporate language that explicitly reflects your commitment to sustainability? How does this enhanced mission resonate with your company’s purpose and reason for being?
• Values in action: Translate your values into tangible sustainability actions. For instance, if “innovation” is a core value, how can you foster innovation in green technologies or sustainable practices?
• Transparency and communication: Communicate this alignment to your stakeholders – employees, customers, and investors alike. Showcase how your sustainability efforts directly contribute to upholding your mission and values.
• Living the values: Integrate sustainability into everyday operations and decision-making. Empower employees to contribute ideas and actively participate in sustainability initiatives.

The rise of sustainability and the circular economy presents a significant opportunity for both individuals and the region as a whole. By acquiring the necessary green skills, individuals can not only secure rewarding careers but also contribute to building a more sustainable future for generations to come. As the region embraces its green transformation, embracing upskilling and reskilling initiatives will be crucial to ensure a skilled workforce and a successful transition towards a more sustainable future.

Source: GWFM Research & Study