Aligning People Strategy with Sustainability

Adversarial vs. Constructive

Adversarial• A focus on the

environment is going to cost more

Constructive• A focus on the

environment is good for the bottom line

We are all working toward the same goalDefinition of sustainability: “ …meeting needs of the present generation without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

- Brundtland World Commission on Environment and Development

We are all working toward the same goalDefinition of sustainability: “ …meeting needs of the present generation without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

- Brundtland World Commission on Environment and Development

Benefits of Corporate Sustainability Program

• Cost savings and new revenue opportunities

• Pressures to reduce carbon footprint

• Anticipation of more heavily regulated business environment

• Investor expectations• Reputation management, brand

loyalty• Retention/recruitment of top talent

The People Side of Sustainability

Sustainability efforts can only come to full blossom when management skillfully engages their workforce.

Engaged Employees

• Truly committed to helping organization succeed

• Understand the business and their role in its success.

• Trust leadership and believe they are making decisions with the best interest of the business and the people in mind.

• Are engaged in making a difference in their jobs every day.

• Feel valued and appreciated.

The Bottom Line on Employee Engagement

• Every ‘engaged’ employee is worth approximately $3,570 per year in additional profit. *

• 80% of young workers are interested in a job that has a positive impact on the environment; 92% would choose working for an environmentally friendly company*

• 77% of MBA students today are willing to earn a lower wage in order to work for a company with a credible sustainability strategy.**– *Source: Ethical Performance– ** Source: American Banker

Aligning people strategy with sustainability

• Make sustainability a part of your company’s DNA

• Foster employee innovation• Increase job satisfaction and

retention• Help recruit top talent• Improve levels of pride in the

organization– Contributes to improved

reputation with customers

How to Encourage Employee Involvement

• Provide a format for sharing ideas across departments and locations

• Encourage passion and allow employees the freedom to run with and implement their ideas

• Develop ongoing training programs• Leverage the diversity of your

company – allow for different ways to engage in sustainability initiatives

• Make sustainability part of every employee’s job description

Examples of Employee Engagement Programs

• Newsletters, videos, podcasts• Green teams• Green fairs• Lunch and learn series• Volunteer opportunities• Conferences