When considering job opportunities, sustainability and green values are often essential factors for people. Millennials and younger age groups, in particular, are looking for responsible employers with whom their values collide.
According to a survey by Cone Communications, 87% of young people (ages 18-34) said they would be more likely to work for a socially and environmentally responsible company. Younger generations are generally more concerned about sustainability issues such as climate change, so it's not surprising that they would be attracted to companies prioritising sustainability.
How can companies attract younger generations, then? There are several ways that companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability to appeal to young employees.
1. Make sure you incorporate sustainability into the company's mission, values and business strategy. This will help create long-term value for the company and its stakeholders. It also allows your company to actively address environmental challenges and preserve natural resources for future generations.
2. Creating a sustainability culture can enhance your company’s reputation. Companies perceived as socially and environmentally responsible often enjoy a positive reputation, which can be valuable in attracting and retaining customers, employees, and investors.
3. Implement sustainable business practices. Many employees are more attracted to companies prioritising sustainability in their business practices. This could include reducing waste and energy consumption, sustainable sourcing of materials, and supporting environmentally friendly initiatives.
4. Communicate the company's sustainability efforts. Share information about the company's sustainability efforts with your employees.
5. Educate employees on climate-related matters. Not only about your company's sustainability efforts but about climate change and climate action in general. Knowledgeable employees are more likely to come up with ideas for how your company can save emissions (and, consequently, often money).
6. Offer opportunities for employees to get involved in sustainability efforts. Young employees may be more likely to stay with a company if they feel they can positively impact and contribute to its sustainability efforts. Offer opportunities for employees to get involved in initiatives such as work travel policies, recycling programs or sustainability committees. These initiatives can simultaneously act as team-building exercises.
Spark Sustainability helps companies boost their employee engagement and climate competence. Try our climate campaign, where competence increases and community spirit grows! We also offer a shorter, 2-week-long turn-key campaign for Earth Hour.
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