What Sustainability Training Will Your Employees Need?

Sustainability has become a central element in the sustainable development approach of companies.This concept, which includes and expands the realm of CSR, involves integrating social and ethical concerns into their business activities and decision-making processes. However, to truly make a meaningful impact, it’s essential to equip employees with the necessary knowledge and skills through effective training programs.

But what training will your employees need to navigate this evolving landscape? In this article, we’ll explore key factors to take into consideration when designing a sustainability training for employees.

Understanding Sustainability: Beyond the Basics

Before diving into the training needs for employees, it’s crucial to grasp the basics by starting with an understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility.

It is not uncommon to encounter confusing definitions when talking about CSR. This problem frequently stems from a misunderstanding of the distinctions between ESG, CSR, and sustainability. But we will simplify it for better comprehension.

Sustainability is the umbrella terms for both ESG and CSR, encompassing social, economic, and environmental aspects of responsible business practices. CSR on the other hand, is an initiative taken by companies to contribute to society beyond their economic objectives. CSR is about leaving a positive footprint on society while maintaining economic viability.

It goes beyond philanthropy, extending to sustainable business practices, ethical decision-making, and fostering a positive corporate culture. As such, companies that embrace sustainability not only enhance their image but also anticipate future challenges, prevent risks, and contribute to the well-being of society.

But how do employees contribute to these goals, and why should they invest in the required training?

Why Train Your Employees in Sustainability?

Investing in sustainability training for your employees isn’t just about staying on the right side of social and environmental issues; it’s a strategic move that aligns with the expectations of today’s consumers and stakeholders. But despite this growing awareness, many organizations have yet to formulate concrete plans for implementing sustainability actions.

A recent study determining how cognizant employees are of the issues in public sector manufacturing revealed that a considerable percentage of employees remain unaware of sustainability/CSR principles. This in turn hinders adoption.

This knowledge gap highlights the need for structured training programs across boards. Mere production of reports or newsletters is insufficient, as these often go unnoticed or are only superficially read.

To overcome this challenge, companies must focus on training employees, making them aware of the new culture, and turning them into agents of change.

Benefits of Sustainability Training for Companies and Employees

Sustainability has enormous benefits to companies and individuals alike. Let’s explore some of these benefits.

For the Company

Sustainability training offers a myriad of benefits for companies. They raise awareness among employees on various themes such as the environment, disability, gender equity, health, and well-being at work. Beyond improving the company’s image, training helps in anticipating future constraints and preventing risks. Furthermore, they contribute to enhancing the quality of life at work, fostering dynamic teams, and improving overall performance and involvement in the company.

For the Employee

Sustainability training opens up opportunities for employees. It allows them to become more involved in project management, gain new skills, and potentially ascend to higher positions within the company. With newfound expertise, employees are better equipped to take on new tasks, leading to increased motivation and productivity.

Implementing a Successful Sustainability Strategy Requires Training

Implementing a successful sustainability strategy is not just about policies and initiatives; it’s also about ensuring that your employees are well-versed and engaged in the principles involved. Training plays a pivotal role in achieving this, providing your workforce with the necessary knowledge and skills to actively contribute to your company’s transformation towards a socially responsible and sustainable business model.

General training may cover key focus areas such as social, environmental, economic, and financial issues. It provides employees with a holistic view of the company and helps them understand how different departments contribute to the overall strategy. Specialized training can delve deeper into specific topics, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding among experienced employees.

A critical aspect of training is the identification and development of sustainability ambassadors within the organization. These individuals play a pivotal role in implementing actions at the operational level, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Types of Training

Sustainability training involves equipping employees with the understanding of principles and enabling them to integrate sustainable development (SD) issues into their daily work. This training can take various forms, depending on your organization’s maturity level.

Whether through conferences, workshops, or specialized courses, the goal is to make sustainability a tangible and integral part of your company culture. There are various types of training courses tailored to address specific aspects of corporate responsibility. Let’s explore a few:

1. Sustainable Development Training

This course focuses on actions that companies can take to benefit the environment and climate. With the ongoing climate emergency, sustainable development training helps companies adopt controlled energy consumption and implement good practices for a progressive energy transition.

2. Equality at Work Training

These courses, such as gender and governance training, aim to promote gender equality at work. Additionally, disability training encourages diversity and the inclusion of disabled workers in the workplace, fostering a better understanding of different forms of disability among managers.

3. Psychosocial Risks Training

This training addresses the impact of psychosocial risks on professional and personal levels. It equips managers to recognize signs of employee well-being issues, intervening to provide support and enhance overall working conditions.

Choosing the Right Training

Selecting the appropriate sustainability training is crucial. Consider the following factors:

1. Professional/Personal Project: Align training with the employee or manager’s project, addressing specific needs such as green jobs or psychosocial risk management.
2. Company Vision: Ensure the chosen training aligns with the company’s strategy and objectives, prioritizing areas where improvement is needed.

Conducting an internal sustainability audit with the guidance of trained personnel can help identify specific training needs. If unsure, seeking advice from experts can provide valuable insights.

Financing Training

Investing in CSR training is an investment in the future sustainability of the business. While the benefits are clear, financing such programs can sometimes be a concern. Here are avenues and considerations for securing funding for CSR training:

1. Personal Training Account (CPF):

• Employees can leverage their personal training accounts (CPF) to finance the training. This individual right to training allows employees to use accumulated funds for professional development, including sustainability courses. It’s a self-initiated process, and employees can check their CPF entitlement and apply for funding.

2. Skills Development Plan:

• The skills development plan, based on employees’ training needs expressed during annual appraisals, is another avenue. This plan, created in collaboration with the HR department, can secure funding through OPCOs (Opérateurs de Compétences). These state-approved training bodies support the development of professional certifications and help finance training initiatives.

3. Company Budget Allocation:

• Consider allocating a portion of the company’s training budget specifically for training. Demonstrating a commitment to employee development in sustainable practices can justify this allocation.

4. Government Grants and Incentives:

• Research government grants and incentives that support sustainability initiatives. Some regions offer financial support or tax incentives for companies investing in sustainable practices, including employee training.

5. Collaboration with Educational Institutions:

• Explore partnerships with educational institutions that offer sustainability programs. These collaborations may provide cost-effective access to training resources and expertise.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, sustainability training is not just a checkbox; it’s a strategic investment in building a workforce that understands, embraces, and implements sustainable practices. As the concept continues to play a crucial role in business success, ensuring your employees are well-versed in these principles will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term sustainability of your organization. And remember, investing in training is not just a cost; it’s an investment in building a workforce that is not only skilled but also aligned with the company’s values and committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment. Consider it as an integral part of your overall corporate strategy rather than a standalone expense.