Less than half of UK working adults (39%) agree that their workplace makes a positive environmental impact, according to new research by YuLi
The survey also found that 66 percent of UK working adults (including 73% of women) agree that volunteering positively impacts wellbeing.
A majority of workers (52%) feel that it would enhance their sense of wellbeing if their employer took them away from work to volunteer on a regular, fixed basis.
Most working adults (53%) agree that they are more likely to volunteer for causes if their workplace arranged it for them.
ESG
Workplaces have increasingly embraced ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) as a means of boosting employee engagement and standing out from their competitors.
With many businesses having upped their ESG investment in recent years, today’s new YuLife-YouGov report sheds light on what UK working adults want and expect from their workplaces, equipping businesses with vital insights into how to focus their ESG programmes most effectively.
The report finds that many UK employees consider ESG initiatives to be an important factor in their choice of workplace.
Also, 42 percent of UK working adults agree that they are more likely to work for a company with environmental initiatives (such as recycling programs, sustainable products and packaging, a walk-to-work scheme, etc.) over one without.
In addition, 37 percent of UK working adults say they would steer clear from working for a company with poor green credentials.
Despite this, the finding that less than half of all employees agree that their workplace makes a positive impact on society and the planet demonstrates that many employers need to bolster their ESG offerings.
The Great Resignation and making a positive environmental impact
“In the wake of the ‘Great Resignation’, employees are increasingly conscious about choosing a workplace which best fits their needs, preferences and priorities,” said Sammy Rubin, CEO and Founder, YuLife.
“This survey clearly demonstrates that large numbers of UK employees want to work in an environment which makes a positive difference to society, but employers still have some way to go in order to respond to employee demand on this issue. With many companies’ budgets now tightening, it’s especially important that businesses don’t lose sight of this vital need, and ensure that ESG expenditure is well-matched to employees’ expectations.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
