Management Perspectives

If a commitment to social and environmental sustainability is something you want from your employer, you are not alone. A survey conducted by healthcare firm Bupa Global & UK in 2023 found that over two-fifths (42 per cent) of workers said they would accept a job for a lower pay to work for a more ethical or environmentally active organisation. This rose to 66 per cent among the Gen Z demographic, indicating that younger workers place an even higher value on sustainability.

For their part, organisations are waking up to the fact that, if they want to attract the right talent and investment, linking their purpose to sustainability goals such as the 17 created by the United Nations, is a must. Despite this, many employees remain unconvinced that their employers are actually delivering on sustainability issues. Stanford Social Innovation Review highlights that stakeholders, including employees, are often sceptical about a company’s motivations for sustainability initiatives.

Employees are more likely to embrace these environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives when they believe the company is genuinely committed to making a positive difference. How can you be sure that the organisation you’re working for—or applying to work for—is truly committed to sustainability? You can start by asking the following 10 questions, which include the SURF Framework for sustainability:

1.What are the company’s sustainability goals?

Internal sustainability objectives should ideally align with some or all of the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (known as the SDGs) and can range from discontinuing the use of singleuse plastic to updating hiring practices to become more diverse and inclusive. The ‘U’ in the SURF framework stands for user. Since every business has a ‘user’ of its product and/or service, it’s vital that the sustainability goals address the user, otherwise known as the customer, consumer or client. Is the user given the means to use the product or service sustainably? Is user input integrated into the company’s sustainability strategy?

2.How is sustainability integrated into their business strategy?

Sustainability should not be an ‘add on’; it should be fully integrated into the day-to-day life and performance of every organisation. A clearly defined mission, vision and values are clear signs that the organisation has set a direction of travel to help all employees work towards sustainability goals. The decision to employ a chief sustainability officer (or similar role) also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability; failing— or in addition to—that, employee-led focus groups within the organisation that help drive sustainability and ESG strategy ensure that all employees feel part of the sustainability journey, as well as helping build an inclusive, engaged culture.

3.What metrics do the company use to measure their sustainability performance?

96 per cent of the world’s leading organisations publish a sustainability report, often in line with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, which can usually be found on their website. Sustainability reports are essential for demonstrating accountability, but a report by Sage, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and PwC UK that surveyed more than 16,000 small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) found that 83% of SMEs prioritise sustainability but only 8% report on their impact.

This should evolve as sustainability reporting becomes mandatory by numerous regulatory bodies across the globe. The European Commission recently published the final delegated act containing the first set of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and Malaysia, Brazil, India, China, the Philippines, Nigeria, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, Costa Rica and Indonesia have proposed either mandatory sustainability standards or clear guidance issued by public authorities or stock exchanges.

It is important that the company sets forward-looking metrics in addition to reporting on the past. The ‘F’ of the SURF framework stands for the future and is focused on the responsibility that we— both humans and organisations—have to future generations. Sustainability is all about planning for the future—without it, there will no planet to hand over to our collective offspring.

4.How trustworthy is the company’s communication of sustainability practices?

‘Green-washing’ and ‘social-washing’ are the practices of making a company appear more environmentally friendly and socially responsible than the company actually is—and unfortunately, this practice does continue, with some organisations trying to leverage the value of appearing sustainable without doing the work. Looking at the company’s track record and what independent, third-party organisations have to say about the company’s impact should help you ascertain whether the company’s claims are trustworthy.

5.What sustainability certifications or standards do they adhere to?

Sustainability certifications are an excellent way of determining whether a company is serious about having a positive societal impact. Check for adherence to certifications and standards such as B Lab’s B Corp Certification (and the associated score) and sectorspecific accolades such as belonging to the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) in the case of a bank.

6.How do they manage their supply chain to ensure sustainability?

Many businesses that tout their own sustainability credentials fail to pay due attention to their supply chain, meaning they are often negligent to their impact as a purchaser. The ‘S’ in the SURF framework stands for supply chain considerations that address sustainability criteria. It calls companies to look at their supply chains and ask: are they ethical? Are they using eco-friendly materials? Are they centring diversity, equity, and inclusion? Organisations that are truly sustainable have accountability mechanisms that reach all the way down their supply chain and are actively working with suppliers to help them achieved these shared goals.

7.What initiatives do they have to reduce their carbon footprint?

Every sustainable business should be working towards Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions, ideally ahead of any governmentdesignated deadline (which is, for instance, 2070 in India and 2060 in China). To do this, they need to have identified where their emissions come from in the business (including Scope 3 emissions in the supply chain), set Net-Zero targets and identified opportunities for carbon reduction. They should be able to demonstrate to employees that they’re taking the necessary steps, including addressing their financed emissions by offering climate friendly, sustainability-aligned retirement benefits and banking with fossil fuel free and deforestation free banks.

8.How do they engage employees in their sustainability efforts?

A 2023 Gallup survey found that 79 per cent of employees feel more engaged in the workplace when they are actively involved in sustainability efforts. It pays for employers to ensure their employees are not just on board with the sustainability journey but actively driving it. Communication is key here; unsurprisingly, companies with good sustainability credentials are also proactive about engaging employees through focus groups, employee-led sustainability initiatives, and regular surveys to gauge employee satisfaction with sustainability initiatives.

9.What are their JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) policies?

JEDI policies aim to create fair and inclusive environments by addressing systemic inequalities and promoting diversity in various settings, such as workplaces, educational institutions, and communities. Employees who feel included are 3.5 times © 123rf.com more likely to contribute to their full innovative potential. This aligns with the ‘R’ in the SURF framework, which stands for relations or relationships—both internal and external. Is the organisation inclusive? Is company funding transparent? Do employees and other stakeholders have a say in decisions that impact on them?

10. How do they contribute to the local community and environment?

Any business that is serious about its ESG credentials will have a plan for working with the local community and environment, which may include working with smaller, local enterprises and affinity groups. Asking these ten questions that embed the SURF framework will help you see whether your company—or prospective employer is acting sustainably. Employees have the power to influence change. The world of work is gradually changing, but there is a long way to go before most organisations can be described as sustainability leaders. Let us make sure we are all part of that journey