Why should employees prioritize sustainability in their future job prospects? The reasons extend beyond mere altruism. Here are some compelling factors:
Long-term Security
Research indicates that companies committed to sustainability are more adaptable to shifts in the business landscape, ensuring their long-term financial viability and providing employees with greater job security. For them “employee are our most precious asset” is not only a claim but a long-term investment.
Job Satisfaction
A focus on employee well-being translates into higher job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and a more conducive work environment. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more engaged, productive, and dedicated to the organization's success.
Shared Values
For individuals who prioritize sustainability, joining organizations with a similar commitment to environmental and social impact enhances the significance they derive from their work. When evaluating potential employers, most workers consider the company's values. As sustainability gains prominence, alignment with such values increases the likelihood of exposure to growth opportunities within the company. Employers benefit from a workforce that shares their values and aspirations.
Career Opportunities
The global transition to sustainable energy, as well as climate change adaptation, are expected to be “net job creators”, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report. Even more precise, ILO flagship report estimates in his World Employment and Social Outlook 2018 that 24 million jobs to open up in the green economy. Sustainability opens up new career avenues and enhances professional growth prospect
Professional Development
Having often a long-term view on their development and impact, they also offer vision to they employees who can therefore build development path demanding mid or even long-term investment. It necessitates contributions from various functional roles as regulations evolve and innovative business models emerge.
For employee and candidates, even if not all aware of those big numbers, they perfectly understand the challenge and whare they interest is.
The spotlight now falls on a company's commitment to sustainability.
But what exactly does this entail?
It's more than just a checkbox on a list of criteria; it's a journey into the heart of an organization's values and practices. Here are some questions to ask yourself, as an employee or a decision maker to be “employee future proof”.
Consider, for instance, the strategic decisions made within the boardroom. How are long-term sustainability goals communicated and integrated across different departments? Is sustainability ingrained in the very fabric of decision-making processes, echoing through every level of the organizational hierarchy?
Beyond the boardroom, we delve into the operations and value chain, exploring how sustainability is assessed and prioritized. Are there tangible collaborations aimed at fostering sustainability within the company's broader ecosystem? From suppliers to consumers, how does sustainability permeate every link in the chain?
Yet, sustainability isn't just about the bottom line; it's about people too. How is remuneration structured to incentivize sustainability objectives? Are there educational programs in place to cultivate awareness and foster responsible consumption among employees?
In the realm of innovation and technology, we witness sustainability catalysing a wave of creativity and adaptation. How have sustainability strategies spurred the development of new business models and revenue streams? Can we pinpoint examples of products and services that directly contribute to sustainability targets?
Turning our gaze to the financial landscape, we explore the allocation of sustainability-related funding and the incorporation of non-financial metrics into reporting processes. How does the finance function navigate the delicate balance between profit and purpose, leveraging data and insights to drive meaningful change?
From marketing initiatives to governance structures, sustainability permeates every aspect of an organization's identity. How does marketing drive consumer awareness of sustainability efforts, reshaping brand narratives and consumer behaviours? At the governance level, what mechanisms are in place to support and challenge sustainability initiatives, ensuring accountability and progress?
In the grand tapestry of our interconnected world, the choices we make as job seekers and consumers reverberate far beyond individual transactions. By consciously aligning our careers with companies committed to sustainability, we not only shape our personal trajectories but also influence the broader course of industries and economies. As we embark on this journey towards a more sustainable future, let us recognize the power inherent in our choices, knowing that each decision made today contributes to a world where sustainability thrives, fostering resilience, prosperity, and harmony for generations to come.
How the climate crisis is impacting jobs and workers | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
World Employment and Social Outlook 2018: 24 million jobs to open up in the green economy (ilo.org)
What to ask future employers about sustainability — and why (ft.com)
Climate Legacy Commitment (ourclimatelegacy.org)
Choosing an Employer that Takes Sustainability Seriously | Oxford University Careers Service
It is essential to adapt our businesses to the consequences of climate change. According to the Institute for Climate Economics (I4CE), this requires a budget of at least 2.3 billion euros per year for unavoidable measures to be launched immediately. However, doing nothing would further burden the bill.
Current Financial Consequences
Climate change already has significant financial consequences in France. Climate-related losses amounted to 10 billion euros in 2022, compared to an annual average of 3.6 billion euros between 2011 and 2021. Additionally, the health effects of climate change have a considerable monetary impact, with cumulative costs estimated between 22 and 37 billion euros for the period 2015-2020 in metropolitan France.
Pessimistic Financial Forecasts
These financial consequences will worsen with future climate developments. According to Swiss Re, France could lose 1% to 10% of its gross domestic product over the next fifty years at +2°C of global warming. On the insurance side, the amount of claims due to natural events could increase by 93% over the next 30 years, reaching 143 billion euros cumulatively for the period 2020-2050.
Affected Sectors
In agriculture, crop losses of 7.4% for wheat and 9.5% for barley are expected by 2050. On the road network, renovations necessitated by damage caused by climate change would result in an additional cost of 5%, amounting to 22 billion euros by 2050 for a scenario at +2°C.
Potential Costs of Inaction
In addition to these financial consequences, inaction in sustainable transition leads to additional costs in all areas.
Energy-related costs:
Over the past decade, the costs of raw materials and carbon energy have experienced significant fluctuations, but generally, they have increased more rapidly than other costs. Companies that engage in sustainable transition will benefit from very significant advantages, undoubtedly causing those that have not invested in time to disappear. Indeed, waste reduction through recycling and reuse can have a significant financial impact. For example, aluminum recycling can save up to 95% of extraction and production costs compared to virgin metal production. Another example, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), adopting eco-energy technologies could lead to global savings of $3 trillion by 2030. There is a double penalty for companies that do not reduce their carbon footprint. They will face costs related to environmental regulations and carbon emission taxes.
Carbon tax
The European Parliament adopted an ambitious carbon market reform in April 2023. This reform aims to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, the reform envisages a 62% reduction in emission allowances compared to 2005 (compared to a previous target of 43%). Globally, carbon pricing and emission trading system revenues reached an unprecedented amount of around $95 billion in 2023. Despite economic difficulties, more and more states are favouring direct carbon pricing policies to reduce emissions.
Costs related to reputation and brand image:
Companies that do not take into account the growing societal expectations regarding sustainability will suffer from loss of customers, decreased sales, and recruitment difficulties. The global market for sustainable products is expected to reach $12 trillion by 2025. This growth is fueled by increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly and socially responsible products. According to a Nielsen study, 73% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Companies that adopt sustainable practices can benefit from better profitability through loyal customer base and positive brand image.
Regulatory risks and investor and stakeholder pressure:
Many countries are implementing regulations to encourage sustainable practices. A distributor that does not comply may face fines and penalties. Investors and stakeholders (such as NGOs and consumer associations) closely monitor companies' sustainable practices. Investments in sustainable companies are on the rise. In 2020, assets managed according to ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria reached $35.3 trillion worldwide. A distributor that does not engage in sustainability may face pressure from these actors.
the imperative for businesses to embrace sustainable transition is underscored by the escalating costs of inaction. From the mounting financial burdens of climate-related disasters to the erosion of brand value and regulatory risks, the consequences of delaying action are profound and far-reaching. The evidence presented highlights not only the financial imperative but also the moral obligation for businesses to adapt and mitigate their environmental impact. Embracing sustainable practices isn't just a matter of corporate responsibility; it's a strategic imperative for long-term viability and competitiveness in an increasingly conscientious market landscape. As the world moves towards a greener and more sustainable future, businesses must recognise that investing in sustainability isn't merely an expense but a pathway to resilience, profitability, and positive societal impact. The time for action is now, and those who seize the opportunity to lead the charge towards sustainability will not only safeguard their own future but also contribute to a more prosperous and sustainable world for generations to come.
You are known for the quality of your HR offering, but is it sufficient to achieve your company's attractiveness and engagement goals?
According to an American study HR Morning, employees consider CSR as the 3rd most important factor in choosing a company, yet very few recruiters levarage it.
A new British report from OnHand shows the positive impact on employee engagement and productivity, as attitudes shift towards purpose-driven work. The survey highlights that 89% of employees say they’re more motivated when working for a company with a strong purpose, while 85% say they're more productive, too.
At the French HR Tech fair in Paris only one out of 200 exhibitors offered a solution related to CSR, and it was primarily focused on ethics. Have HR lost control? Not yet; it's more about companies lacking credibility.
Published by Forbes Magasine, even if an uncertain economy, companies need to face critical potential employee considerations, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), workplace culture, the employee experience and total rewards strategies, to name just a few.
So how address this?
We propose a 5-step action plan:
1- Take CSR out of the communication department.
2- Be transparent about what you do and don't do.
3- Set a goal starting from your T zero.
4- Implement engagement and innovation tools to involve your employees and track your action plans.
5- Only then, measure progress and communicate what your employees have accomplished. Continuous evaluation ensures the effectiveness of implemented initiatives.
damtower evaluates your company on Environmental, Social, and Governance performance. There is at least one of these aspects where your employees, within their sphere of control, can make a sustainable impact and bring innovation.
With the "Name & Shine" method, your employees actively work to improve your practices.
Instead of chasing corporate labels, offer a label to your employees. Their engagement depends on feeling involved.
Where to start?
HR teams and employer brand managers, an effective eco-friendly initiative starts with a structured approach. Begin with a climate awareness session using a "Climate Fresk," an interactive and educational tool. Continue this momentum with a "2 Tonnes Workshop" to enhance understanding of climate issues. or chose a more holistic " SDG Game 2030" . It's crucial to share these experiences with colleagues to broaden awareness.
After building a solid foundation of knowledge and relevant arguments, become ambassadors for these initiatives, and apply them in your company contact with a damtower assesment and workshop. Your role is to amplify awareness within your organization. Keep in mind that resources, both in terms of budget and time, will be allocated based on the interest shown in these matters.
Finally, once you've gathered enough allies and fine-tuned your ROI arguments, you can implement these actions on a larger scale. The goal is to turn this awareness into a real driving force for change within your company.
Safe travels, and see you soon.
Engaging team in #sustainabledevelopment is not just the latest trend, it's an essential shift in many ways. But there is still a significant lack of support and it's no longer just a question of #learning, but also of #teaching.
Numerous initiatives have been launched, such as the
@climatefresk ,
@2030SDGgame and
@damtower.
Their success is undeniable, with millions of participants across Europe and the world.
These are effective ways of getting teams excited about the company's mission. Sustainable development attracts the best talent. Young people looking for work today want to work for companies that care about the #planet and #society. Show them that you're on the same wavelength and you'll be a more attractive employer.
Sustainability isn't just about being green, it's a smart business approach. These #workshops are proof that it's a win-win approach that engages teams, attracts the best talent and creates a self-sustaining cycle of #positivechange and #innovation. Every day that passes adds to the regulatory and societal burden, so don't delay, get on board!
The Pope caused a sensation by publicly expressing his support for migrants and our obligation to welcome them in Marseille. Above and beyond any religious conviction, he is taking a stance on climate change and our social responsibility in the run-up to COP 28. Worth reading:
“It is no longer possible to doubt the human – ‘anthropic’ – origin of climate change …/… For when human beings claim to take God’s place, they become their own worst enemies. …/… There are no lasting changes without cultural changes, without a maturing of lifestyles and convictions within societies, and there are no cultural changes without personal changes”
“Laudate Deum”: the Pope’s cry for a response to the climate crisis - Vatican News
Summer is the perfect time to take a step back, see things from a distance and consider future decisions. Disconnect, they say? For me, never completely. The little song of continuous improvement, of listening to what's going well and what's not, never completely switches off. I've tried two approaches to dealing with it. The first is to ignore it, and then it turns into anxiety. The second is to listen to it and turn it into action. That's what I did this summer.
The climate fresc. Climate Fresk. Before the summer, I had taken part in this great movement of education and awareness. I was enthusiastic about many aspects of the process. Apparently I'm not the only one, with over a million people taking part. This time I decided to become a player and went through the steps to become a facilitator. It's an excellent tool for individuals and businesses to get the teams started on climate change. Simple, participative and educational, its success is no accident. For damtower customers, it's a first step towards business transformation.
SDG Game 2030. 2030 SDGs GAME This time we're heading for Japan, where this interactive workshop was created. It is much more wide-ranging, covering the three aspects of sustainable development: People, Planet, Profit. It puts everyone in a position to act on the 17 goals defined by the Global Compact. Once again, I was seduced by the methodology. It encourages reflection and commitment. It is perfectly in line with damtower's ambitions and acts as a trigger, an emulator and a facilitator for producing solutions.
In addition to the 7 weddings I took part in this summer and the great weather, I'm very proud to now be able to offer these two approaches. The music of continuous improvement has, for a while, lost its intensity.
See you soon for new exciting experiences together.
Benoit Montet COO
In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate practices, sustainable development has emerged as a central concern for companies worldwide. As they strive to adopt more environmentally, socially, and economically responsible approaches, the year 2023 sets the stage for key trends that will guide these efforts and shape corporate strategies. These trends can be broadly categorized into three main areas: people trends, legal trends, and environmental trends, each carrying significant implications for sustainable business practices. While the following list is not exhaustive, it presents a comprehensive overview of these trends and their far-reaching impact.
Human-related trends (soft):
Legal trends (reporting) and green finance:
Environmental trends:
The years ahead hold promise, with companies increasingly committed to responsible business practices. The identified key trends underscore the growing importance of addressing human, legal, financial, and environmental aspects in corporate strategies. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant against potential greenwashing practices, especially when companies in the global North outsource production to countries in the global South. These nations face multifaceted socio-economic and environmental challenges, along with political, economic, and financial pressures from their clients in Western and Asian markets.
Creating a sustainable future requires collective will and commitment atall levels. Overcoming present challenges and embracing collaborative and inclusive approaches will enable us to build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future for generations to come.
In the realm of business, labeling a company can prove to be a valuable process for enhancing performance in areas such as sustainable development, social responsibility, quality, and safety. However, determining whether the outcomes of a certification should be shared with a company's employees is contingent upon various factors, including organizational culture, company size, certification objectives, and the sensitivity of the data involved.
Let's delve into the potential positive and negative effects that arise from sharing the results of a labeling exercise with employees:
Positive Effects:
Negative Effects:
The decision of whether or not to disseminate certification results to employees hinges on the company's objectives, organizational culture, and the associated risks entailed in divulging sensitive information. If the choice is made to share these results, it is essential to adopt a transparent and educational approach, ensuring that employees comprehend and integrate the findings into their daily work. We eagerly anticipate your valuable insights on this matter!
Carbon neutrality and global sustainability are critical issues facing society and it is essential for all employees in organizations to be trained and engaged in addressing these challenges. Here are ten reasons why all employees should be trained and engaged to face the challenge of carbon neutrality and global sustainability: Chose one and contact us ! :
In conclusion, training and engaging all employees to face the challenge of carbon neutrality and global sustainability is critical for companies to achieve their sustainability goals, gain a competitive advantage, save costs, improve employee engagement and satisfaction, attract and retain top talent, stay ahead of regulatory requirements, build a positive brand image, foster innovation, ensure sustainable supply chain management, and future-proof their operations.
by Benoit Montet.
There are a variety of reasons why employees may not be engaged in sustainability in their own companies. Some of the most common reasons include a lack of understanding of the importance of sustainability, a lack of incentives or recognition for sustainability efforts, a lack of resources or support from management, and a lack of clear goals or objectives for sustainability initiatives. Additionally, some employees may feel that sustainability initiatives are not relevant to their job or that they do not have the necessary skills or knowledge to contribute. Finally,
One way to engage them through their own initiatives is to provide them with resources and support to help them achieve their goals. This could include providing them with access to mentors, providing them with educational materials, or offering them opportunities to participate in activities that are related to their interests. Additionally, it is important to listen to their ideas and feedback and to provide them with a platform to share their ideas and experiences. Finally, it is important to recognize their efforts and celebrate their successes.
Are your employees also doubtfull about your Sustainability report?
Adopt the damtower methodology to engage from the bottom-up and accelerate the adoption of your Sustaianble strategy