I believe that when the topic of “Sustainability” comes up, most of us think of the simple definition, in the broadest sense. Sustainability refers to “ the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time“. In business and policy contexts, sustainability seeks to prevent the depletion of natural or physical resources, so that they will remain available for the long term.
With over 25 years of filling positions for clients in the interior furnishings industry, our team can personally attest to the changes in candidate priorities when considering a potential career move. As we delve into a candidate’s “must haves”, and what they are passionate about, responses in the past several years almost always include the company’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, an employer that invests in their employees and company that gives back. If the hiring company is not messaging this, it’s common for candidates to pass on the position. Likewise, companies are looking for candidates who align with their focus and culture.
The value of a sustainability program is often overlooked, however, genuine corporate sustainability not only benefits businesses and the environment, but also helps boost employee engagements and attract new recruits. But what makes it so important? The millennial generation has brought a renewed focus on social and environmental responsibility. This generation currently represents 35% of the workforce and is the level of experience that most hiring managers are seeking. It's important to note that most millennials won't accept a job at a company that doesn't have strong social responsibility practices. In fact, three out of every four millennials, as well as one out of every two non-millennials, state that they would be willing to take a pay cut to work for a more responsible company that cares about driving positive change. It's not just a job; it's a shared commitment to a common purpose. Such commitment strengthens a company's brand, reputation, and value alignment, which in turn, amplifies the ability to hire top talent that shares in the company values.
According to recent research, in 2024, the number of Gen Z employees in the workforce will exceed that of Baby Boomers. This generation is known for their strong focus on environmental sustainability and concern for the planet's well-being, particularly in regards to climate change. They tend to encourage others to prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.
According to a recent article published in Forbes regarding women in leadership, they reported, “Women have a unique way of building and nurturing strong relationships. Female leaders tend to prioritize establishing caring connections, mentoring and developing others, and exhibiting genuine concern for the community. In today's business environment, these qualities are essential and can be seen as a superpower.” Our team is often confidentially asked to fill positions of leadership with women, as there is a generalization that they are better listeners, more organized, more detail-oriented, better multi-taskers, and better at building trusted long-term relationships. I do wish to go on the record of saying that many of the successful leaders who have many of these qualities are men. What common characteristics do these remarkable and influential women share? Although they are each highly unique, what they have in common is having achieved outstanding accomplishments. There are some common traits that they all possess.
What is Sustainability Recruiting and Why Does it Matter?
Have you ever heard of sustainability recruitment? If not, now you have, because it’s a powerful tool for competing with businesses today. The most successful companies are adopting new techniques, ones that target sustainability recruitment.
Sustainability Recruitment is a Hiring Strategy with Sustainability in Mind.
Sustainability recruiting connects sustainable businesses with like-minded candidates, creating long-lasting, productive hires. The process builds an employer brand that emphasizes sustainability and helps businesses plan their growth strategies.Why is Sustainability in Business Important?
Forming a green team is not enough. The leaders at the top must exhibit their dedication to sustainability by making decisions that are consistent with this objective across the entire organization. This approach should be incorporated into the recruitment process, the orientation and onboarding of new employees, and the daily work experience. A suggestion that I would recommend is to consider implementing Engagement Activities that include a sustainability component in employee orientation. Examples of what this might include are suggestions such as:- Incentivized sustainability-related events such as Earth Day, recycling challenges, active transportation initiatives, and whatever fits with your company and your goals.
- Create an Annual Award Program recognizing champions of environmental stewardship, a Green Advocate and Sustainable Workspace Certification program.
- Ensure that you are messaging your sustainability in your marketing, your company mission statement, social media, job descriptions, and even on signs throughout our building.
Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, stated, “We believe that it’s really important to come up with core values that you can commit to. And by commit, we mean that you are willing to hire and fire based on them. If you’re willing to do that, then you’re well on your way to building a company culture that is in line with the brand you want to build.”
