We’ve always argued that the businesses which perform well with regards to environmental and social value will attract and retain more talent, and now here’s some proof.
A recent survey of 6,000 UK workers conducted by management consultants KPMG has revealed this to be the case. It found that 46% want the company they work for to publish and demonstrate ambitious ESG (Environmental Social Governance) commitments.
20% of respondents have turned down job offers based on a company’s ESG values not aligning with their own. This rises to 33% for those aged 18-24, suggesting that this could become a much more common trend over the coming years.
Additionally, the survey found that 51% of 18-24 years olds value ESG commitments as a reason to work for a company, rising to 55% for 25-34-year-olds. Less than half (48%) of 35-44-year-olds value ESG commitments.
30% of job applicants have researched a company’s ESG credentials before applying for a role. Environmental impacts (46%) and living wage policies (45%) were the key factors that workers looked at.
Given that by 2025, 75% of the working population will be ‘millennials’, these results mark what can only be an increasing trend, further highlighting the importance to business survival of embedding strong, credible and transparent environmental and social principles.
*The Clean Tech Business Group acknowledges Edie.net in bringing these survey results to us.
Ewan Bent, 31st Jan 23
