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HR as a sustainability activist: Five ways to drive ‘social’ impact in ESG plans

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on HR Zone or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: HR professionals are increasingly viewed as conduits for sustainable change, specifically in the context of addressing climate action and the 'social' aspect of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
•  This role involves a focus on human rights, equity, and a range of workplace factors like working conditions and diversity

🔭 The context: The evolution of corporate social responsibility has emphasized the importance of the 'S' in ESG, which addresses all aspects of people interactions within an organization. This includes areas like wellbeing, community relations, and supply chain management
•  The UN Sustainable Development Goals highlight the significance of addressing inequalities in our communities and economic systems

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: HR's involvement in social sustainability efforts is crucial for addressing broader environmental challenges
•  This includes managing eco-anxiety among employees, a mental health issue stemming from climate change concerns, and rethinking approaches to rewards and benefits to be more climate-conscious

⏭️ What's next: Organizations are encouraged to listen more to their employees, address eco-anxiety, rethink rewards and recognition, commit to local communities, and align organizational values with climate action
•  This holistic approach is key to making a significant social impact and contributing to global sustainability

💬 One quote: "Your organisation needs it, your people need it, your communities need it, and our planet needs it" – Natal Dank, Chief HR Trendwatcher of the HR Trends Institute, on the role of HR in breaking boundaries for sustainability in 2023

📈 One stat: Google searches for 'climate anxiety' soared 565% between Oct 2020 and Dec 2021, peaking in July 2022, indicating a significant rise in public concern about climate change

Click for more news covering the latest on Sustainable Business

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