Based on a KPMG survey, nearly half (46 percent) of respondents desire their employer to demonstrate a commitment to ESG, with one in five (20 percent) declining job offers from firms whose ESG principles didn’t align with their own values.
In today’s landscape, an increasing number of professionals aspire to cultivate lasting careers by affiliating with organizations that prioritize robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Therefore, it’s crucial for job seekers and professionals to be able to identify companies exemplifying these strong ESG principles.
Here are nine steps how you can do it.
- Research and conduct due diligence: Start by researching companies that you are interested in. Look for their sustainability reports, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and ESG ratings. Websites like CSRHub, MSCI, and Bloomberg can provide valuable insights into a company’s ESG performance.
- Review company information: Company websites often feature dedicated sustainability or ESG sections. Review these sections to understand their commitments, goals (e.g. Net Zero, carbon emissions reduction, DEI), and recent achievements in sustainability. Pay attention to their annual and sustainability reports, too, as these can provide comprehensive information.
- Consult industry-specific resources: Certain industries have organizations or certifications that signal a commitment to ESG principles. For example, in the finance sector, B Corporations, or companies certified by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), are known for their ESG practices. Research industry-specific resources to find companies aligned with your interests.
- Read employee reviews and testimonials: Reach out to current or former employees of the companies you’re interested in. Platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor often feature reviews and testimonials that shed light on a company’s work culture, ethics, and commitment to sustainability. You can also review feedback from customers (e.g. TrustPilot)
- Consider ESG ratings and rankings: Various organizations and publications rank companies based on their ESG performance. Check out lists like the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, FTSE4Good, or the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to identify top-performing companies in sustainability.
- Attend industry events and conferences: Attend industry-specific events, conferences, and webinars related to sustainability. These events provide opportunities to network with professionals who share your values and can offer insights into companies with strong ESG practices.
- Join communities focused on ESG and Sustainability: Online communities and forums, such as LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities focused on sustainability and ESG, can be valuable resources for discovering companies with shared values.
- Seek guidance from career advisors: Career advisors and mentors can provide guidance on finding companies that align with your career goals and values. They often have knowledge of companies known for their strong ESG practices.
- Analyse company actions, not just statements: Don’t rely solely on marketing materials. Look for concrete actions taken by the company, such as sustainability projects, partnerships, diversity and equity metrics, customer feedback or contributions to social causes.
In addition, you should:
- Consider the company’s size and industry. Larger companies may have more resources to invest in sustainability initiatives, but smaller companies may be nimbler and more innovative.
- Look for companies that are transparent about their ESG performance. They should publish sustainability reports and make their data available to the public.
- Ask questions during the interview process. Find out how the company is committed to sustainability and how you can contribute to their efforts.
By following these steps, you can find companies whose robust ESG practices align harmoniously with your career aspirations and personal values. Crafting a sustainable career extends beyond the nature of your tasks; it encompasses the organizations you choose and the influence you exert on both society and the environment.
Photo by Ylanite Koppens
