How Sustainable Business Practices can help attract and retain Candidates

The explosion in sustainable business practices is not only great for the environment, or even companies’ bottom line. Recent studies show that actively pursuing environmental sustainability helps companies attract top candidates.

Sure, a monthly cheque and stable employment have traditionally been the calling cards of a ‘good’ job. However, today candidates are increasingly seeking out green organisations that practice what they preach. In fact, over 70% of Australia job seekers say it’s “important” or “very important” that their employers take sustainability seriously.

Here’s why.

It fosters a sense of purpose

In an era where having a strong social conscience is important; employees want to make a difference, preferably in a meaningful and big way. That’s why more and more people are seeking meaningful work – a job that’ll not only pay but also make a positive impact on society.

That’s exactly where environmental sustainability comes into play. A recent PwC report revealed that around 65 per cent of job seekers say sustainable practices rank top among qualities they look for in an ideal company. More importantly, working for a sustainable organisation makes them feel like their work matters, which is the prime driver for 74 per cent of job candidates, according to a LinkedIn study.

It’s an indispensable source of pride for employees

Sustainable business practices paint a company in good light, dramatically improving its public image, status, and reputation. This makes employees feel proud to be associated with a sustainability champion. This sense of employee pride is even bigger, far more reaching, and more attractive to candidates if the company integrates sustainability into its workplace culture, services, products, and brand as a whole.

Sustainability practices demonstrate that the company truly cares

Nothing is more attractive than a company that cares about its employees, community, customers, and the greater society. That being said, sustainability tells job seekers that your company not only cares about the environment but is also likely treating its employees well.

This is especially true when the company blurs the line between environmental sustainability, ethical business and people practices. For instance, a company can demonstrate employee-driven sustainability agenda as a way of creating meaningful work experiences for the employees.

Job seekers want a company that aligns with their personal values

More and more people are trying to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. More people are ditching single-use plastics, opting for organic food, recycling … the whole shebang. And seeking a place to work is no different.

They want to align themselves with an organisation that shares similar sustainability views to their own. In other words, they want a company whose environmental goals are a good fit with their own sustainability initiatives.

Beyond attracting talents

The benefits of sustainable business practices go beyond attracting candidates. Research has also shown that they also play a massive role in retaining the best staff. In one study, researchers found that organisations with robust sustainability programmes see a boost in morale, productivity, and employee loyalty by 55%, 16%, and 38% respectively.