..how businesses can retain staff amidst rising 'climate quitting’

After setting world-leading CO2-cutting targets into law in 2019, Britain has struggled to stay on track to make them happen, with the government deciding to delay multiple green policies they had committed to, despite its pledge to meet 2050 net zero goals. Rishi Sunak cited the changing policy with the fact that the government had moved too quickly on net zero, without gaining the support of the public, however research shows that the public does value climate policies and are actively looking for work that has the same values. The climate emergency has sharpened Brits' need for purpose in their career with research from KPMG showing that 46% of British workers have a desire for their employers to demonstrate a commitment to ESG goals. As the notion of sustainability for team retention intensifies, as highlighted through the emergence of ‘Climate quitting', a new report from the nation's leading corporate sustainability platform, SaveMoneyCutCarbon, has found that nearly one in five (19%) UK employees are now actively refusing to apply to work with companies that are not sustainable. As part of a comprehensive survey revealing a significant shift in employee attitudes towards workplace sustainability, the national study has reflected the growing importance of climate change to our modern-day workforce and its impact on recruitment, employee satisfaction, and consumer loyalty.

The study coincides with a recent survey published by Deloitte which found that more than 40% of Gen Z and Millennials have changed jobs or sectors due to climate concerns, or plan to do so in the future. Coupled with today's findings that over a fifth of Britons (22%) say they are now more selective with the businesses which they support, solidifies the fundamental shift in the younger workforce's attitudes and level of concern about how their employers address climate issues at work.

Key stats:

• 19% (9.9 million) of UK employees would never apply for a job with a company that doesn't prioritise sustainability

• 14% (7.5 million) have now taken sustainability into their own hands at work as they feel their place of work does not address the wider issue

• 22% (11.7 million) will only support businesses that put sustainability at the forefront of their operation

The report also revealed that 14% of UK employees, totalling 7.5 million workers, have taken sustainability matters into their own hands due to the perceived lack of action from their employers. These employees feel that their workplaces do not adequately address the wider issue of sustainability, prompting them to personally initiate sustainable practices within their work environments to make up for lost action. This significant number of employees taking action highlights the desire for meaningful change and the need for businesses to proactively embrace sustainability measures in order to increase employee engagement.

Mark Sait, comments on why the responsibility of taking action on climate change lies in the hands of business owners, HR and training staff:

"As the frontiers of the climate emergency close in, it's no surprise that for the population at large, awareness is stiffening into action. Working at a company without a meaningful plan to reduce its environmental impact is simply a no-go for many job seekers. For employees, frustration at their own organisation's lack of development is leading to a new phenomenon: climate quitting.

"Employers must understand the generations who are increasingly turning away from roles who do not prioritise ESG goals, but further to continue to drive progress on the challenges that matter most to them. This will not only help boost productivity and retain talent—it will ultimately build trust and value for business in society more broadly.

"Our young generation of workers are looking for employers that can help empower them to make a difference. Organizations that actively listen and help address their needs and concerns will improve business resiliency and implement actionable change in our world.

"Climate quitting then is a natural symptom of the wider problem. In order to guard against this phenomenon effectively, businesses can't knock back a few painkillers – they need to treat the root cause."

About SaveMoneyCutCarbon

SaveMoneyCutCarbon is the go-to partner for sustainability. They help businesses and consumers take practical steps to a more sustainable future by providing products, solutions and expertise to support your entire range of ESG and financial goals.

www.savemoneycutcarbon.com