Sustainability is becoming a crucial topic during recruitment, with over three in five (62%) employers noting a rise in sustainability-related questions from candidates during interviews, according to new research from Totaljobs.

The Totaljobs Hiring Trends Index, which surveyed 3,000 workers and 1,000 HR decision-makers in the UK, highlights the growing importance of transparency in attracting job seekers, as greenwashing begins to deter potential employees.

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of workers indicated they would not apply to a company that falsely portrayed itself as environmentally friendly. Additionally, half of the respondents expressed scepticism about businesses’ sustainability efforts.

While 71 percent of the workforce is interested in green jobs or working for sustainably-minded employers, only 29 percent could accurately define a green job—one that involves working directly in environmental conservation or protection—suggesting a gap in skills and awareness around sustainability.

Sustainability and barriers to Green Jobs

The research points to significant barriers to entry for green jobs. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of businesses reported a lack of diversity among applicants for these roles. A third of workers stated they couldn’t afford the pay cut associated with green roles, and 24% felt they lacked the necessary skills or experience. Consequently, 18 percent of businesses hiring for green roles are struggling to find candidates with the right skills.

Natalie Matalon, Chief People Officer at The Stepstone Group, emphasised the importance of integrating authentic Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into a business’s strategy to attract and retain talent. “Our research shows that employees are increasingly seeking companies that align with their values and are open to having honest conversations about sustainability during the recruitment process,” Matalon said. “A strong ESG strategy makes a company more attractive to potential candidates and helps retain current employees.”

Q2 Hiring Trends and Q3 Outlook

Recruitment remains strong, with 85 percent of businesses hiring in Q2 and 77 percent feeling confident about their hiring prospects in Q3. Nearly a quarter (24%) of workers are actively seeking new jobs, with 71 percent contemplating a change every few months. Demand for talent is high in key industries, with over two-fifths (42%) of candidates being approached with job opportunities in the last three months, receiving an average of four offers.

However, challenges persist, with 30 percent of candidates receiving low salary offers, 23 percent facing high competition for positions, and 20 percent experiencing lengthy recruitment processes. The top reason for staff resignations in the past quarter was the pursuit of higher salaries (22%), followed by retirement (21%).

Julius Probst, Labour Market Economist at Totaljobs, noted that the biggest challenge for recruiters is finding candidates with the right skills, particularly in the context of a transitioning green economy. “While it’s encouraging that candidates are increasingly inquiring about green business initiatives, businesses must address the barriers to green jobs to avoid widening diversity gaps,” Probst said. “Employers need to educate and dismantle these barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and prepare talent for the UK’s green transition.”

The findings underscore the need for businesses to develop robust ESG strategies and address the barriers to green jobs to attract and retain talent in an increasingly sustainability-focused job market.

Amelia Brand

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.