In study by British broadcasting firm Sky, the next generation of business leaders in the U.K. says that sustainability must be a priority for all businesses. The Sustainable Generation: The Sky Future Leaders Study examines the attitudes and ambitions toward sustainability of 750 corporate graduate trainees, high potential middle-managers and M.B.A. students.
The so-called sustainable generation has grown up with issues such as environmental protection and social responsibility as part of their daily lives. According to the report, 70% of these future leaders agree that sustainability can create new opportunities for business, while 66% believe difficult economic conditions should not be an excuse for businesses to ignore sustainability. Respondents also suggest a gap exists between words and actions and that only a minority of businesses has a social purpose beyond creating profit to improve their reputation.
So what might businesses do to better integrate sustainability going forward? This group suggests a five-point plan:
- Increase employee engagement to harness the workforce creativity.
- Collaborate across industry to share best practices.
- Take more responsibility for supply chain sustainability credentials.
- Integrate sustainability into values and decisions.
- Use new technology to improve business performance on sustainability.
Also, be sure to check out the Center for Safety and Health Sustainability to see how SH&E professionals can take a lead in their organizations' sustainability efforts.