Podcast 204: Why should environmental sustainability matter to people professionals?
Feb 6, 2024
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Join experts Dr. Jan Maskell, a Business Psychologist focused on organizational well-being, Gilda Neiman, a sustainability advocate and Board Director at Chapter Zero in Brussels, and Susannah Haan, a Senior Corporate Governance Advisor. They dive into the urgent need for HR professionals to champion environmental sustainability within organizations. Key topics include the psychological impacts of climate change, combating greenwashing, and integrating eco-friendly practices into HR functions to foster a culture of sustainable innovation and responsibility.
HR professionals are crucial in integrating sustainability into organizational practices, influencing company culture and employee engagement.
Businesses must overcome barriers to prioritizing sustainability by enhancing leadership skills and aligning strategic planning with environmental goals.
Deep dives
The Urgency of Sustainability in Business
Businesses face significant risks related to sustainability, as highlighted by the World Economic Forum, which notes that six out of ten major risks pertain to this issue. Despite this, only about half of organizations are making meaningful reductions in their carbon footprints through measures like energy-saving technology and sustainable materials. There is a clear demand from customers for environmentally responsible companies, making it imperative for organizations to adopt sustainable practices. Given these challenges, HR professionals are positioned to step in as change agents, working to translate sustainability strategies into actionable practices within the workforce.
Barriers to Sustainable Practices
Key barriers preventing businesses from prioritizing sustainability include a lack of time and resources, competing business priorities, and a short-term focus on profitability. Many boards lack the necessary expertise in climate issues, leading to a disconnect between sustainability goals and business operations. Additionally, companies often underestimate the growing expectations of stakeholders, including customers and employees, regarding environmental responsibility. To overcome these barriers, businesses must develop leadership skills in sustainability and recognize the urgency of integrating climate considerations into their strategic planning.
The Role of HR in Sustainability Initiatives
HR professionals play a vital role in driving sustainability within organizations by focusing on skills assessment and employee engagement. They can incorporate sustainability into existing practices like recruitment, training, and performance management to align company culture with environmental goals. By educating employees and facilitating discussions around sustainability, HR can empower the workforce to take part in initiatives that promote change. Overall, HR’s involvement is essential in creating a collaborative approach across all levels of the organization, ultimately supporting a culture of sustainability.
There’s no time to lose in making our businesses environmentally sustainable, but among the myriad of responsibilities falling on the shoulders of people professionals, what role can you play as agents of change within the environment agenda?
Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests: Dr Jan Maskell, Business Psychologist; Gilda Neiman, Board Director at Chapter Zero in Brussels; and Susannah Haan, Senior Corporate Governance Advisor, as we explore how people professionals can better influence boards and senior leaders while also embedding sustainable checkpoints in your day-to-day processes.
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