Sustainability among employers: What employees think

60% of employees at medium-sized companies are satisfied with their company's sustainability efforts. This is shown by a recent survey conducted by Innofact in collaboration with Klenk & Hoursch. This means that employees at medium-sized companies are more satisfied than those at start-ups (58%), small companies (56%), and large corporations (54%). Family businesses stand out in particular, with an average of 63% of employees satisfied with their employer's efforts to promote sustainability. In addition to individual measures and commitment, however, the actual impact is also relevant for a successfully implemented sustainability strategy. What do the employees surveyed think about this? In principle, more than half of those surveyed (54%) see a positive impact from their own company and therefore feel that they themselves are making an important contribution. From the perspective of those responsible for the survey at Klenk & Hoursch, this is clearly good news: companies should see this as an incentive to continue investing in sustainability. This allows them to remain credible to their workforce and society and to take a clear stance. Employees were also asked about the drivers for a sustainable economy. The most frequently cited factor was the important role of innovative ideas (64%), followed by changes in consumer behavior (62%) and a general focus on values in corporate behavior (60%). Overall, the survey gives the impression that a majority of German companies are already operating in a sustainable and innovative manner. Klenk & Hoursch therefore notes a “positive sustainability mindset” and sees this as primarily the achievement of executives, sustainability managers, and communicators. Their commitment and long-term perseverance have led to the firm establishment of sustainability issues in German companies. We were also interested in the following topics:

• Immigration: Without immigration to Germany, there will be a nationwide labor shortage by 2060. This is shown by a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, which examines demographic trends and projects current and future labor market needs.

• Technology in the workplace: Frequent private use of cell phones during working hours is detrimental to job satisfaction and motivation. Wirtschaftswoche knows what employers can do to counteract this.

• Environmental protection: The mixed economic outlook in Germany is unsettling many small and medium-sized enterprises and prompting them to implement austerity plans. Spiegel explains why investments in environmental protection are often the first to be affected.

• Voices of Economic Transformation: Rarely has the future viability of Germany as a business location been so much the focus of public and political debate as it is these days. On December 9, 2024, 34 thought leaders will present fresh ideas and new approaches in the fields of artificial intelligence, circular economy, and reskilling and upskilling as Voices of Economic Transformation 2024. Register now for free here.

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