A sustainable approach to people is pretty simple, really. It’s about treating everyone fairly – from your employees and customers to your supply chain and stakeholders. It’s also about doing everything by the book and doing the right thing for your people.
That includes things like good working practices, fair pay, inclusivity and diversity, and employee wellbeing. And the benefits are well worth it – think engaged employees, a big productivity boost, stronger business relationships, and better recruitment and retention.
is the increase in employee engagement levels when businesses put sustainability initiatives in place*.
of employees choose a place to work based on their beliefs and values aligning with their employer.†
of businesses have seen an increase in customer loyalty after introducing sustainable business processes ‡.
*Mckinsey, †Edelman ‡Greenbiz
When you’re battling for business and talent, it just makes sense that putting people first is key to success. Time and time again, it’s been proven that businesses with better diversity and inclusivity and employee wellbeing outperform those that don’t. And, as a small business, being able to show that you don’t just treat your own people well, but also the people you come across as part of your work – like suppliers, clients, and contractors – is going to cement you as a business people want to work for and work with.
If you’re looking to build a sustainable approach to your people, why not start by looking at these areas within your business?
To get the best from your people and boost your reputation, you need an inclusive workplace culture that values and respects individual differences. You could achieve that through great diversity and inclusion policies, bias awareness training, and inclusive recruitment practices.
Put the physical and mental health of your employees first by offering wellbeing programmes, flexible working arrangements, and building a supportive work environment. Encouraging a good work-life balance – whatever that may look like – can help productivity and performance skyrocket.
ESG and sustainability always boil down to doing things the right way, before all else. So from employee contracts and policies to people development and customer relations, having clear processes and procedures that your whole business engages with is a top priority.
You’re responsible for making sure your people, customers, stakeholders, and anyone else who interacts with your business is safe. So don’t cut corners. From risk assessing all your activities to investigating incidents, doing things by the book helps you save money and protect your people.
What keeps employees motivated, boosts your business performance, and gives you a reputation as a great employer? Employee development. Whatever form it takes – from appraisals and e-learning to mentoring and skills sharing – invest in your people and you’ll reap the rewards.
Cutting your carbon footprint and protecting the planet can be easier (and more affordable) than you think.
Good governance sits at the heart of sustainability – but what does that look like for a small business?
Hear it from the experts. Whether you’re a complete novice or a sustainability scholar, explore our Knowledge Hub for top tips and expert guidance on making sustainability a success in your business.
Find out everything you need to know on handling holiday leave in our helpful guide.
DOWNLOAD
Join our host Catherine Hare as she discusses how to handle challenging conversations with your...
LISTEN NOW
Download our guide for the lowdown on everything sickness absence.
DOWNLOAD