Our certification programme results reveals a 12% growth for sustainable practices and environmental certifications. Of the 79% of companies participating in CSR programs, 56% choose sustainable suppliers and 48% require training programs for employees and stakeholders. This also means more involvement and active participation by top managers, rather than more traditional charitable activities.
Environmental sustainability is no longer the Cinderella of good business practices, nor a niche reserved for elite companies claiming sensitivity to “green” issues; the idea itself is becoming increasingly important in terms of corporate culture.
A study of the Top Employers Institute - a global certification company that evaluates and certifies business excellence within the HR realm - found a 12% participation increase in certification programs of companies who are Top Employer Europe certified. This year, 65% of companies offer certification programs, as compared to 53% in 2013.
Also, approximately 79% of Italian companies participating in programs and initiatives for environmental protection, and in 2014, as many as 75% of those companies undertook initiatives to increase the sustainability of its internal operations.
However, the focus on sustainability is also important outside Italy, as evidenced by the 56% of companies who claim they consider sustainability a criterion in the selection of a supplier, as well as the 48% of companies adopting training programs and CSR studies, aimed not only at their employees, but also at stakeholders.
These are all signs that point to the increasing awareness of sustainability. The most innovative companies have realized that engaging in environmentally sustainable practices means not only adopting a mature and responsible attitude towards the needs of society and the planet, but also results in the consolidation of image, credibility, and prestige.
The companies of Top Employers are seeing a growing trend of good sustainable practices: from the simplest, such as energy saving strategies or video meetings instead of travel, from the perspective of cost savings, but also of emission reductions, to the most demanding, such as the construction of offices and green buildings. We also recognize that being part of a company with strong environmental sensitivity constitutes, for many employees, especially among the younger ones, an important element of engagement and just pride.
Our research data confirms the importance of sustainability as an integral part of corporate culture, and is personally experienced by employees, who in 48% of cases can take advantage of special permits to participate in CSR activities.
Sustainability is also demonstrated by the active involvement of 31% of top managers and executives, who played a major part in guiding sustainable activities in 2014. They demonstrated an active and sincere participation, a significant increase (+9%), as compared to 2013, even in the face of a small decline (-2%) to more traditional activities, such as charity events: 67% of activities in 2014, as compared to 69% last year.
Do you want to know how your organization would score against the best Top Employers, contact us to find out.
