HR at the heart of ESG
HR at the heart of ESG
In a land not so far away, the HR function stood at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. As the guardian of the company's soul, the function held the key to unlocking their organisation's true potential through an enhanced focus on the human elements of ESG.
The original 'Social' in ESG was a tapestry woven with threads of diversity, inclusion, and respect for human rights. HR leaders were now rewriting this narrative with renewed vigour, understanding that their company's strength lay in sustainable human practices, and a rich diversity of people and talent.
As the architects of change, HR leaders embarked on an organisational transformative journey in partnership with their colleagues from other functions. They armed themselves with actionable recommendations, aligning their people priorities with ESG goals. They championed human sustainability through diversity and inclusion, and they crafted policies that ensured fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for all employees' rights. They recognised diversity and human sustainability as not just a moral imperative, but a strategic one. They understood that a variety of perspectives lead to innovation and resilience.
However, the HR leaders knew that policies alone wouldn't suffice. They needed to bring these policies to life through storytelling and engagement. They launched initiatives that celebrated the unique stories of their employees, fostering a culture where everyone felt heard and valued. They introduced training programs that didn't just tick boxes but sparked conversations and built empathy.
Recognising the importance of wellbeing, HR leaders incorporated it into the company's narrative. They created programs that supported, not just the physical health of their employees, but also their mental and cognitive wellbeing. They understood that a healthy workforce was a productive one, and these initiatives were key to fostering such an environment.
Understanding that transparency was key to trust and accountability, working alongside their colleagues from Sustainability and Finance, HR leaders began to measure and report on their progress. They shared the chapters of their ESG story with all stakeholders, celebrating their successes and learnings from their challenges. This commitment to transparency was the cornerstone of their ESG journey.
As they continued their quest, the HR leaders became the architects of a new era, one in which the company's success was measured not just in profits, but also in its positive impact on the people working for and supporting the company. They crafted scorecards which illustrated that when people thrive, the company thrives too.
And so, the story goes on, with HR at the helm, steering the company towards a future where ESG is not just an agenda item, but a core foundation of every business. This is a story of transformation, of a company that didn't just adapt to change but led it, with its people at the heart of every decision.
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And so, the story continues...In this era, where social responsibility shapes corporate reputation, including the employer brand, HR professionals are uniquely positioned to lead the change. However, HR seems somewhat absent from the conversation. For individuals working within the People and HR space, we’re curious to understand your perspective on this.
- How is HR involved in the sustainability/ESG dialogue, process and transformation journey?
- How can HR collaborate with other functions to make human sustainability central to the business?
- How can impact be measured, reported on with transparency, and insights used to drive continuous improvement and a stronger brand?
In collaboration with flow2thrive, our People Advisory team have created a survey, and will hold a webinar to share the insights and open up a conversation around how the HR function and human sustainability can start playing a more integral part in the transformational journey, creating a stronger focus on the H in the S in ESG.