A common issue that businesses encounter is the hiring of new, driven, and ambitious talent. This is a universal obstacle that has, unfortunately, risen in recent times due to the constantly evolving job market as well as the skill gap. Talent Acquisition (TA) problems seem to be even more prevalent in start-ups and SMEs, as they require certain expertise and skills to manage the constant demand and growth. Simultaneously, big corporates are accessing the talent pools on a global scale and are fishing out the best candidates, further emphasising the problem for SMEs. What can SMEs do to counter this? This is where sustainability can differentiate you from the rest!
Does sustainability make a difference for job seekers?
Job seekers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly prioritising organisations committed to environmental and social responsibility. This is not a small percentage of young job seekers either. Research shows that at least 40% of millennials choose sustainable workspaces. It is not only millennials though, Gen Z is also sensitive to sustainable business models. In 2021, research shows that about 64% of 18-22-year-olds find it important for employers to act on environmental issues. The hiring throughout the years underlines these findings, see Figure 1. This is because sustainable business models not only reflect the ideals of a socially conscious staff but also demonstrate forward-thinking leadership.
It is not only hiring that is impacted, employee retention improves because of more sustainable business models. The correlation between ESG reporting and employee satisfaction corroborates this as well. A study conducted by Bain & Company showed that ESG high performers also had high employee satisfaction. In a world where professionals seek purpose beyond employment, SMEs that embrace sustainability position themselves as preferred employers. This results in a symbiotic relationship between corporate principles and hiring.
How can SMEs communicate this in support of TA?
Here are a few hiring tips to put yourself ahead of the competition:
- Awareness: Make sure to communicate your sustainability projects and the improvements. This is crucial to keep potential job seekers informed. Try to include these elements in job postings or social media.
- Include employees: Encourage employees to share their experiences and perspectives on the company's sustainability efforts. This helps to create a collective feeling and potential job seekers will gravitate towards it.
- Partnerships: Highlight partnerships with sustainability-focused organisations, suppliers, and community groups to demonstrate a broader commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Showcasing collaborations can also attract like-minded talent who value working for companies with a strong network of sustainability partners.
These are just a few easy hiring tips for your business, but there are more options.
How can Eevery help?
At Eevery, we specialise in assisting SMEs to conduct various baseline assessments of their sustainability practices. Our platform offers intuitive tools and robust features designed to streamline the assessment process. This enables you to quickly identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.Join our growing community of SMEs that leverage Eevery to gain actionable insights, drive meaningful change, and position themselves as leaders in sustainable business. Start your journey towards a more sustainable future with Eevery today and make yourself a talent magnet!
