Research indicates a significant shift in employee expectations towards sustainability, especially among younger workers.
- Over half (51%) of employees desire more sustainable company practices, with this figure rising to 61% for those aged 18-34.
- A growing number (53%) of younger employees prefer benefits such as electric vehicles and sustainable pensions.
- Despite this demand, a third of young employees perceive a lack of commitment to sustainability from their employers.
- This sentiment negatively impacts morale, with 42% of young workers feeling demotivated by poor sustainability initiatives.
In the lead-up to World Earth Day, new research underscores the rising significance of sustainability in the workplace, particularly among younger employees. The findings reveal that over half of the workforce is advocating for increased investment in sustainable practices, with a discernible emphasis from those aged 18 to 34. This younger demographic is progressively prioritising environmental considerations, reflecting a broader trend towards sustainability in society.
Further delving into employee preferences, the study identifies a strong inclination towards sustainable benefits. Approximately 53% of employees express interest in offerings such as electric vehicle incentives and sustainable pension options. For those in the 18–34 age bracket, the interest intensifies, with two-thirds favouring these sustainable benefits. The growing demand for such initiatives is evident, with more than 44% of businesses observing an uptick in employee requests for sustainable benefits, underscoring the shifting priorities in the contemporary workforce.
However, despite the clear demand, a significant proportion of the workforce, particularly young workers, remain sceptical about their employers’ commitment to sustainability. The perception that companies do not adequately prioritise sustainability impacts workplace morale. A notable 42% of employees within the 18–34 age group report a decline in morale attributed to underwhelming sustainability initiatives. This attitude poses a risk to organisations in terms of employee retention and attraction, as younger workers are increasingly seeking employers with robust sustainability credentials.
Matt Russell, CEO of Zest, highlights the challenges businesses face in balancing various operational demands with the increasingly vocal call for sustainability. While many firms focus on scope 1 and 2 emissions, Russell points out that employee benefits represent a crucial, albeit sometimes overlooked, dimension of sustainability strategies. He advocates for enhanced personalisation and flexibility in benefits, suggesting that such approaches can not only meet employee expectations but also bolster the UK’s broader aspirations towards net zero.
The report further reveals a disconnect between the availability of sustainable benefits and employee satisfaction with existing platforms. A mere 29% of workers believe their current benefits platform meets their needs, and there is a clear call for increased investment in these platforms to improve accessibility and relevance. Addressing this gap could significantly enhance the employee value proposition, aligning organisational practices with the expectations of a sustainability-conscious workforce.
The research conclusively highlights the imperative for businesses to align more closely with the sustainability expectations of their workforce, particularly younger employees, to foster motivation and attract emerging talent.
