As we approach the 2024 UN Global Goals Week, businesses need to recognize this moment as more than a check-in on their sustainability goals. It’s a call to action; a critical opportunity for us, as business leaders, to reassess and amplify, if needed, the impact we can have. For us at Randstad, this means focusing on how sustainability, equity and business growth go hand in hand.
A lasting impact beyond the bottom line
Businesses are more than economic entities; they are key players in shaping a better world and fostering an improved future for generations to come. To make a meaningful impact, businesses must focus their sustainability efforts on areas that are directly linked to their operations, where they can create real, measurable change. It’s not about following a one-size-fits-all approach, but about aligning sustainability strategies with core business strengths and focusing on tangible areas that foster long-term impact.
The best approach is to hone in on the Global Goals where you can have the greatest impact. It’s not about doing a little bit of everything; it’s about doing the right things – and doing them well, in volume, over time. This is where it becomes necessary to ensure your overall business strategy is rooted in such a focus. If we are to achieve real, long lasting results, businesses must align their sustainability efforts with their core strengths.
For example, a company in the automotive industry may focus on reducing emissions and accelerating the development of electric vehicles, while technology firms might prioritize energy-efficient data centers or innovative recycling programs for electronic waste. In retail, reducing plastic usage or promoting sustainable supply chains could be a priority. The key is to ensure the focus is sharp enough to make lasting change.
A three pillar sustainability focus
As the world’s leading talent company, people are at the heart of what we do, which is why we have chosen to align our sustainability strategy with our core, focusing on areas where we can make the greatest impact and ensure long-lasting results: promoting a fair labor market, fostering equity at work, and supporting the green transition.
As leaders, we all have a responsibility to promote a fair labor market that provides decent work for all, including living wages, advocating for workers’ rights, and promoting safe, equitable working conditions. By fostering equitable labor conditions, companies not only enhance their social license to operate but also build trust with employees and wider communities.
At the core of any business striving for sustainability, the principle of equity at work should be readily identifiable. Companies that create inclusive environments – where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone has access to opportunities – are better equipped to drive innovation and navigate complex challenges. Equity is a strategic imperative that leads to more engaged, creative, and productive teams. In fact, 38% of workers say they would not choose an employer whose values on social and environmental issues didn’t align with their own.
Thirdly, climate change is one of the most urgent issues of our time, and businesses need to be at the forefront of efforts to support the green transition by reducing carbon emissions and rolling out sustainable practices. From investing in renewable energy to upskilling and promoting circular economies, companies that actively contribute to the green transition will be better positioned to thrive in a future where sustainability is a non-negotiable expectation.
Beyond the week, toward the future
The UN Global Goals Week certainly serves as an important milestone. But it’s only the beginning. Achieving these ambitious goals will require sustained effort backed up by dedicated, strategic focus. As business leaders, we must look beyond this moment and commit to systemic change that lasts.
We need to think critically about where our businesses can have the greatest possible impact and act decisively. The future of sustainability depends on equity-driven, focused efforts that prioritize both people and the planet. This is not just a moment to reflect – it’s a moment to lead.
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