Fostering Green Skills Essential for Labour Market of Tomorrow
The landscape of the modern labor market is evolving, marked by a significant skills shortage that is both qualitative, quantitative, and geographical. This shift has sparked a growing awareness among political and business leaders, who are claiming an acute sense of urgency to take action and combat the climate crisis.
One group that is particularly attuned to this issue is the millennial and Gen Z workforce. Over one third of these individuals cite addressing climate change as a top concern for them personally, and they are increasingly choosing degrees with sustainability in mind and examining prospective employers for their green credentials.
In response to this changing landscape, employers are being encouraged to reconsider their employee value proposition to attract an eco-conscious new generation. One key strategy is the integration of strong Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) commitments.
By demonstrating genuine sustainability efforts and social responsibility, employers can signal alignment with the values of millennials and Gen Z, offering meaningful work experiences that resonate with these generations.
Another approach is to focus on impactful climate goals. Corporations and employees can target high-impact areas like energy use and influence (funding, advocacy, and setting norms) to reduce emissions and lead climate action from within. Educating employees on how to contribute toward these goals empowers shared responsibility.
Creating workplace environments that reflect climate and wellbeing priorities is also crucial. This includes providing ergonomic, healthy workspaces, quiet zones, and wellness programs that contribute to employee comfort and reduce stress, showing care for employee wellbeing alongside environmental concern.
Fostering a purpose-driven, inclusive culture is another essential aspect. Gen Z especially wants to see how their work contributes to larger social and environmental impacts. Companies should communicate their mission clearly and connect employees’ roles to sustainable outcomes.
Leveraging technology and flexibility is another key strategy. Use of cutting-edge digital tools can facilitate collaboration and support hybrid work models that reduce commuting emissions. Offering flexible work arrangements aligns with younger workers’ preferences and promotes sustainability through less office energy use.
Engaging employees in social impact initiatives is the final piece of the puzzle. Encouraging participation in environmental and community programs, innovation hackathons, and sustainability challenges harnesses the enthusiasm and creativity of employees for climate solutions.
In summary, effective collaboration requires embedding authentic climate and social values into organizational strategy, daily operations, and workplace culture while empowering and engaging employees—especially younger generations—to lead and live those commitments actively in a flexible, supportive environment.
At the time of writing, the Committee of Parties 27 (COP27) has started in Sharm-El-Sheikh, underscoring the global commitment to addressing climate change. It is clear that employers and future talent, especially Gen Z and millennials who prioritize climate change and sustainability, can collaborate to build a climate-positive workplace culture that benefits both individuals and the planet.
- The commitment to addressing climate change is not limited to political and business leaders; it extends to the global workforce, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly choosing degrees in environmental science and evaluating potential employers based on their green credentials.
- In response to the growing awareness and concern about climate change, many employers are integrating strong Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) commitments and focusing on impactful climate goals to attract eco-conscious younger generations, create sustainable workplace environments, and foster a purpose-driven, inclusive culture that reflects climate and wellbeing priorities.
