Climate change isn’t just a danger to the environment, it’s a risk to companies that can’t get their response right.
Companies now face crosswinds that include new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules, politicized views of the issue, and demands from investors, the public, suppliers and employees—especially younger employees.
“Getting it right in terms of sustainability is critical. It is also not easy,” says Kelley Vendeland, vice president of marketing and sustainability at energy efficiency technology manufacturer Energy Recovery Inc., headquartered in San Leandro, Calif. One key is to make sure you’re in regular discussions with stakeholders to understand their priorities, Vendeland says. Then, look at how those priorities “interact with what management believes is important from a sustainability perspective to meet business goals,” she says.
Pairing stakeholder priorities with business goals that are challenging but achievable is key, instead of throwing out “pie in the sky” promises that will erode trust, Vendeland says.
“If you get it wrong, the biggest risk is you lose trust … with employees,” she says—the very people who generate some of the most innovative ideas on sustainability.
Read the rest of the article
Working Toward Sustainable Success
SHRM | Apr 2024
Climate Change Branding Can Lift Recruitment and Retention
SHRM | Jan 2022
HR's Role in Sustainability
How HR leaders can promote a more sustainable workplace
HR Executive | April 2024
How To Create a Sustainable Workplace Environment?
Blue & Green Tomorrow | Feb 2022
HR ups its sustainability game
Trellis | Jan 2022
HR instead of PR – sustainability as a core task of human resources management
CMS Law-Now | Jan 2022
5 ways to build a sustainability-focused work culture that aligns with employee values
Business Insider | Jan 2022
Why HR teams are core to an environmentally sustainable business approach
The Oxford Review Briefings | Jan 2022
Employers eyeing people-focused efforts to help achieve climate goals
WTW | Nov 2021
Role of HR in Sustainable Businesses
Blue & Green Tomorrow | Nov 2021
SHRM Ask An Advisor
Get expert help on a wide range of HR topics. Access experienced, certified HR Knowledge
Advisors by phone, chat & email
Connect with An Advisor now: https://www.shrm.org/hrhelp
SHRM Members' Survey
Tell us what you think about the Express Request self-service feature in a few quick questions.
Advertisement
An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.
Advertisement