One in four over 55s would quit their job if their employer was ‘greenwashing’
Half of UK employees would pass up on work that doesn’t align with their ESG values
Londoners are the most eco-conscious job candidates
More than a third (39%) of over 55s would turn down an offer to work for an unethical or non-sustainable company even if it offered a highly competitive package, reveals a national survey of 2,000 people commissioned by Resource Solutions, leading provider of workforce and advisory solutions.
Furthermore, one in four (27%) respondents over the age of 55 claim they would ‘climate quit’ if their employer displayed ‘greenwashing’ behaviour, countering the notion that solely younger generations are driving the push for sustainable practices.
Nonetheless, Gen Z employees lead the way as the most environmentally-conscious age demographic, with over half (54%) agreeing that they would leave their current employer if they were making false claims about eco-friendliness, using green-themed marketing without substance or engaging in token environmental initiatives.
More broadly, over a third (35%) of the UK workforce are open to ‘climate quitting’, and half of all respondents (48%) stated there are certain fields of work they would never consider joining due to their environmental and moral standpoint, even if it offered a highly competitive package.
Londoners are the most eco-conscious job candidates, with 59% saying they would turn down a pay rise if it meant straying from their moral convictions and moving to an industry with a bad track record for ESG – which is 20% higher than in the Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber.
Tom Lakin, Global Practice Director at Resource Solutions, said: “While it is often assumed that younger generations are more environmentally and socially conscious than their older colleagues – our data paints a more nuanced picture. Against the backdrop of a current skills shortage, it’s vital businesses retain loyal employees with decades of experience behind them. The world has experienced a pandemic, a recession, and the ever-escalating climate crisis in just a few years, and employees are more than ever seeking a purpose-driven, inclusive and value-led employer.”
Committed to assisting organisations in embracing ESG practices and attracting top talent, Resource Solutions recently launched the Employee Sustainability Proposition (ESP) audit, which enables businesses to have their sustainability offering and employer branding evaluated, and receive actionable recommendations.
Employee Sustainability Proposition (ESP) is defined by Resource Solutions as the environmental, social and governance promises employers make to their employees, which forms part of the overall Employer Value Proposition (EVP) – the sum package of benefits and rewards employees receive from the organisation they work for.
Lakin continues, “To attract skilled employees of all ages and retain the best talent across the board, investing in improving their Employee Sustainability Proposition (ESP) needs to be a top priority for businesses. As an example, employers can weave the company’s wider ESG mission into the job descriptions for all advertised roles, not just ‘green jobs’ – giving people in all areas of the businesses a chance to be involved and demonstrate their commitment to the environment.”
For more information on Resource Solutions’ ESP Audit and its full suite of services, visit the ESG for HR webpage.
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
- The survey polled 2,000 UK adults aged 18-65+ who have been employed in the past year, and was conducted by OnePoll in July 2023.
- Tom Lakin, Global Practice Director at Resource Solutions, is available for comment on demand.
For further press information please contact:
Yasmine Triana | Arabella Halfhide | Tiffany Huret | Becky Claxton
Rooster.
T: +44 (0)203 440 8930
E: [email protected]
About RSConsultancy:
RS Consultancy is a team of experienced recruitment professionals with specialist innovation consultancy skills; part of a pioneering workstream within Resource Solutions that disrupt, inform and lead on the major challenges of today and tomorrow clients in the field of recruitment are faced with.
About Resource Solutions:
Resource Solutions is a leading global provider of outsourced recruitment and consultancy solutions founded in 1997. As part of the Robert Walters Group, Resource Solutions’ global operations span 70 countries and provide tailored, premium, end-to-end recruitment solutions.
Head-quartered in London, Resource Solutions have over three thousand employees and manage a recruitment spend of over £2 billion on behalf of its clients. Resource Solutions’ comprehensive suite of tailored services serves clients across various sectors and industries such as Professional and Financial Services, Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing and FMCG.
As a business, we are proud to be led by our people, their experience and our combined purpose. Our mission is to redefine work so everyone has a lifetime of opportunity.
