Firms that embrace missions that go beyond generating a profit can attract more, and better quality, job applicants, according to a study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The researchers, who launched a real company and recruited workers via Craigslist in 12 U.S. cities, found that they received a 25% boost in applicants by simply taking on a do-gooder image. More than that, the employees they hired were more productive and were even willing to work for lower pay than those brought on without such messaging.
The 21st century has been called the “Century of the Environment”. Every corner, every sector, every industry, every organization, every household and every individual can, and many are, contributing to make changes toward sustainable development and commit to the Circular Economy.
Consider for your company, the following definition of corporate sustainability from the Symposium on Sustainability Profiles in Leadership” NYC, Oct. 2001: “A company’s ability to achieve its business goals and increase long-term shareholder value by integrating economic, environmental and social opportunities into its business strategies.” This definition continues to mature with the UN’s SDGs 2030 agenda and broadening the three P’s to include Peace and Partnerships, along with Prosperity, Planet and People, the original triple bottom line concept. The circular economy is also a newly evolving approach to ensure a closed loop system that applies sustainable development concepts.
The Global Sustainability Story continues to gain momentum and broad acceptance: We’re in a state of change and innovation. The top ranked companies today are demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and showing the financial markets they are generally showing better business results.