A recent study conducted by Deloitte and Workplace Intelligence highlights a growing demand for organizations to shift focus toward human sustainability, emphasizing the importance of creating value for employees beyond traditional metrics. The survey, which included 3,150 C-suite executives, managers, and workers across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, revealed significant gaps between leaders' perceptions and the realities faced by their workforce.
Notably, while 93% of executives agree that companies should create value for society and not just shareholders, only 56% of workers feel their organization is advancing human sustainability. This disconnect underscores the need for organizations to bridge these gaps by involving workers in the process of identifying and addressing their needs.
The survey further indicates that organizations have been slow to adopt human sustainability metrics, with fewer than two-thirds of executives currently using such measurements. However, the potential benefits are clear, with over 80% of C-suite leaders acknowledging that a stronger commitment to human sustainability would enhance their ability to attract talent, appeal to customers, and improve profitability. As stakeholder pressures mount, the study urges leaders to take proactive steps, including setting transparent goals and aligning compensation with human outcomes, to ensure their organizations are future-proofed and resilient in the face of evolving workforce challenges.
