67% of Belgians consider a potential employer's ESG policy to be a determining factor in their job search.
The extent to which a company takes action regarding sustainability is becoming more and more crucial for its appeal on the job market. In other words, ESG commitment is crucial for the employer brand.
This was confirmed by research done by recruiting specialist PageGroup, in which 4.755 employees and job seekers were interviewed about sustainability topics. No less than 67% of Belgian participants indicated that ESG policy maturity was an important factor in their decision whether or not to apply for a job at a specific company.
Match with personal values
The importance of our personal values is gradually increasing and we want to work for an employer who matches our values. Laura Nibelle, Belux Senior HR manager and Head of D&I & CSR of PageGroup: ‘When personal values match your employer’s, there is a higher chance of being happy and inspired at work. When your work ethics match, you’ll get the feeling of having a positive impact in a way that is important to you. And that will lead to a higher level of well-being for all employees.’
After all, that match between personal values and your employer’s ensures that you’re willing to go the extra mile in your job.’That is why it is important to check what your values are and why before a job interview. Which values cannot be negotiated about, according to you? These values must be present at a potential employer, otherwise every day will be a struggle and you’ll resent going to work’, says Laura Nibelle.
ESG against discrimination
The study confirms that companies should prioritise their ESG policy. Especially within HR and recruiting teams, sustainability, diversity and inclusion must be the top priority. Because on the European and Belgian job market there is still a lot of discrimination when it comes to gender, etnicity but also age. Age is the factor most often discriminated against. Especially with candidates older than 50. 23% of Belgian candidates have been confronted with discrimination on the basis of age.
B-Tonic helps
At B-Tonic, we connect people to sustainability and wellbeing through our initiatives that prioritize the long-term health, happiness, and overall wellbeing of individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Our goal is to create a positive impact by promoting a sustainable approach that not only benefits employees but also contributes to a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
