Not only must they define their sustainability strategy but companies should communicate these strategies effectively and ensure it aligns with their corporate culture and the experiences of their employees, said EY in its latest note on sustainability in the workplace.

EY highlights that many employees lack understanding of their company’s sustainability strategy and the role they play in it. Therefore, it is crucial for companies to ensure that every employee comprehends their part in the sustainability journey and how it influences their daily work.

“Organisations must blend their sustainability and Future of Work strategies to create a work environment where employees naturally become passionate champions of and contributors to your organization’s green journey,” said Anna Richter Olsson, Assistant Director, Nordic Sustainability Field of Play manager, EY Nordics.

How to integrate sustainability into the Future of Work strategy?

For those companies that wish to integrate sustainability into their Future of Work strategy, EY recommends they work across functional areas such as real estate and facilities management, human resources (HR) and information technology (IT). EY highlights its approach which is: Bricks, Bytes and Behaviours. 

• Bricks: Aside from decreasing emissions and enhancing environmental friendliness, companies must look at  accommodating diverse work styles such as remote and hybrid models.
• Bytes: Beyond mere demographics, companies must  incorporate factors such as accessibility for neurodivergent individuals, ensuring that the digital workplace accommodates diverse needs.
• Behaviour: Companies must invest in learning and development to equip employees with the skills and motivation that help them drive a purposeful change in their behaviour which impacts both the work-place and the world. 

What are the driving forces behind sustainability-driven Future of Work strategies?

EY said that any company’s Future of Work strategy is increasingly driven by sustainability, influenced by regulatory requirements like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which mandates detailed reporting on environmental and social impacts.

The consultancy explains that the shift to a more sustainability-driven Future of Work requires organisations to deeply understand and mitigate their environmental footprint while promoting social aspects such as diversity and inclusion (D&I). 

Resource efficiency, including reducing waste and energy consumption, is crucial, alongside fostering a sustainable organisational culture.

Additionally, leveraging data-driven insights for transparent sustainability reporting and informed decision-making are essential driving forces for navigating the modern workplace and attracting top talent, the consultancy added.