According to a recent TotalJobs Hiring Trends Index, 6 out of 10 candidates are looking for an employer that values sustainability.
https://www.totaljobs.com/recruiter-advice/hiring-trends-index#hiring-trends-index-market-overview
Although the main reason the research carried out in May and June has cited for people leaving their jobs is to find a higher salary, it also states that the majority of candidates aren’t just interested in a higher salary, there is another factor motivating them and that is the desire to have a “green job” or to work in sustainable businesses.
So, what exactly is a green job?
‘Green jobs’ are defined as “employment in an activity that contributes to protecting or restoring the environment, including those that mitigate or adapt to climate change”; they can be estimated using industry, occupation, and firm approaches. (Office for National Statistics)
According to ONS estimates, there were 20% more green jobs in 2022 compared to 2020 and the number is set to increase as the UK has somehow to fulfil its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
If, according to this data, 71% of candidates in the UK are interested in working in a green job or for a sustainably minded employer and 93% say it’s important that their employer acts sustainably, it makes complete sense for employers to consider a plan of action.
Accounting and finance recruitment agencies like ourselves notice that candidates ask about sustainability initiatives when presented with roles. It can be the dealbreaker when a tough decision needs to be made and is often a key factor when it comes to retention.
So how can employers in the finance sector offer “greener” jobs to candidates?
Of course, some industries will be more directly involved with “protecting and restoring the environment”, but that doesn’t mean that employers within other sectors can’t adopt an indirect approach and in so doing provide “greener” roles within their organisation.
Steps to take:
- Implement a sustainability framework. Many larger businesses have their sustainability initiatives firmly in place already, but for SMEs, there is still time to do so! Choose a sustainability framework best suited to your company goals and make it plain through your marketing and on your website. Communicating your efforts towards being more sustainable as an organisation will signpost candidates towards you and they will want to get on board!
- Report annually on the environmental impact you are making. Whatever green practices you are choosing to adopt in your operations, you need to report on what you are doing. Whether it’s energy-saving measures, reducing emissions reducing waste or partnering with suppliers who adhere to environmental and ethical standards, candidates will expect to see hard evidence on your website of the results. Unfortunately, greenwashing has become a thing, so stats relating to a carbon reduction plan, environment-friendly products and services, waste reduction and renewable initiatives will demonstrate the authenticity of your efforts towards ESG.
- Promote Employee Well-Being Don’t forget that sustainability initiatives include the way your company operates towards people; those who work for you, your customers and others who are affected by your company’s activities. Consider wages and benefits from this perspective: fair, competitive salaries and benefits such as healthcare, parental leave, and retirement plans benefit individuals, families and society as a whole. Offering staff a good work-life balance in the form of flexible working hours, remote options and mental health support fosters a positive working environment. Taking health and safety seriously by ensuring safe working conditions for all employees and even access to health and wellness programs to support employees makes your organisation more sustainable from a human perspective.
- Find ways to be accountable. Defining clear sustainability goals and KPIs allows you to measure progress within your organisation. If you regularly measure and report on your progress to stakeholders ( employees, investors, customers, and suppliers) you can also recognise and reward individuals within the company who are helping to drive your sustainability initiatives. Having these clear targets within your strategy will help you to define green roles within the company. To add another level of accountability you can seek out certification such as B Corp status or ISO 14001. These will align with your sustainability objectives and demonstrate your commitment. If you have already given some consideration to how you could become more sustainable as an organisation, the application process will help to solidify your efforts. The B Corp hallmark only comes as a result of implementing sustainable practices throughout your organisation, at every level. It speaks for itself. While you are in the process of obtaining the certification, maintain open communication with stakeholders and potential candidates as it might take some time, but the fact that you are working towards it carries a lot of currency.
- Engage with the community. Along with the usual day-to-day business of accounting and finance recruitment agencies, we became involved with local grassroots initiatives that are making life more sustainable for the next generation. Our commitment to these causes has been so rewarding, just from being able to make a difference to young people. In addition to this, our brand has benefited as our profile has become elevated in the city for using our business as a force for good. Getting involved with community initiatives that focus on helping the next generation to succeed brings your brand name to the attention of potential candidates who are looking to work for an employer who cares.
Our website gives fuller details of how we approached becoming more sustainable as one of Bristol’s accounting and finance recruitment agencies. Why not have a look on our Purpose page for some ideas on how you could make your contribution to people, progress and the planet and at the same time make your business more attractive to the best talent?
