Environmental and social concerns are becoming a major factor in the job market.
The number of people who are leaving their jobs to look for companies with climate commitments is growing. The term “Climate Quitting” has emerged to refer to this generational change in attitude millenial and post-millenial.
A study of 6,000 people in the UK reveals that 20% have turned down a job offer because the company was not aligned with sustainable, ethical, and social principles. The 2022 survey by KPMG also showed that 46% of employees would like their company to have a sustainability plan and that 64% refuse to work in certain sectors because of ethical issues.
As consumers, the new generations are not only more informed and aware of the sustainability purpose of brands and services, but are also more discerning in identifying greenwashing practices. greenwashing practices and more demanding in the search for jobs with impact for the planet.
The brands that are setting an example in Portugal
The path may not be perfect, but several companies, with a focus on FMCG, are working to offset their footprint and have been recognized for their sustainability policies.
In the first place of the ranking of the 100 most responsible Portuguese companies in social and environmental policies (ESG) in 2022 is Delta, for its organic and 100% biodegradable coffee capsules, with 0% plastics and certified in sustainable and organic agriculture. In addition to recyclable packaging, the brand also promotes circular economy projects for the transformation of the lees into mushrooms.
Worten is also at the top, through its circular economy and product life cycle extension programs that aim to recycle electrical and electronic equipment , repair them , and buy second-hand equipment. The SONAE group company has implemented other internal measures to encourage greener transportation, flexible working hours for its employees, and new facilities that have a breastfeeding room.
Jerónimo Martins has distinguished itself in circular economy policies by using “ugly” vegetables to make soups, by using by-products and vegetables to feed cattle and animal feed, and by contributing to the donation of surplus food. Still in the food retail sector, Pingo Doce was recognized for the decarbonization of its logistics. By centralizing its logistics hub to Lisbon, it has reduced its fleet by 15%. In addition, it has installed photovoltaic panels for self-consumption at two distribution centers, adopted LED lighting in stores and centers, and is currently reusing its pallets and shipping crates.
McDonald’s Portugal has implemented circular economy measures such as the reuse of cooking oils to feed its biodiesel fleet, the reduction of plastic in packaging (from straws to children’s menu toys), the transition of its employees’ uniforms which are now produced by Portuguese designers and made in Portugal; the implementation of electric chargers in the drive-ins in partnership with EDP and, besides sustainability policies, it defends equality in the recruitment of employees.
Within the ranking, with an impact on equality and diversity, are also brands such as Vodafone that provides a free Portuguese sign language service through videoconferencing at its contact center, EDP that stood out for its sustainable financing instruments, wind and solar energy, and IKEA, through its consumer education projects with practical tips on sustainability from home.
How can business contribute to a more sustainable impact?
Before communicating their actions publicly, companies must define their sustainability plan starting by analyzing their current footprint and actual emission sources. Then, they must put into practice solutions that reduce their daily impact, from production, to storage, to distribution, and of course, finally working with consumers, educating them about the importance of the energy transition.
In addition to all the advantages for the planet that come from all these measures being put into practice, this paradigm shift would also, and consequently, stop climate quitting.
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This article addresses an action that promotes change towards more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities, helping toreduce the adverse environmental impact of cities.
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