You, Me, and ESG - the Key Role of HR in the Sustainability Transformation

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the WU Executive Academy hosted an evening panel discussion on the important role and strategic significance of the HR function in the sustainability transformation.

In the discussion with the experts Christof Miska, Vladimir Preveden, Sabine Bothe, Katarina Roder and Michael Müller-Camen, it became clear that the topics of ESG and HR are extremely complex and closely interlinked. Here are some of the key learnings from the evening:

• Companies must take responsibility and integrate sustainability now in order to remain viable. Superficial measures and greenwashing or bluewashing are no longer enough to survive the competition or to inspire and retain employees and customers in the long term. It takes courage and a high willingness to learn, and individual pioneers can already provide important impetus for ecological and social sustainability through their own initiative.

• A strategic approach is essential: all corporate functions must embed ESG (environmental, social, governance) in their processes and decisions. The HR function in particular plays a central role, as it has direct access to the human factor and expertise in supporting change and transformation processes, which is essential for a successful sustainability transformation. This is one of the reasons why People & Culture Management has been gaining in importance and strategic scope for years.

• Beyond strategy, sustainability is also a defining cultural issue that requires a holistic view, targeted personnel development and authentic communication both internally and externally. People are looking for purpose in their work and are increasingly orienting themselves towards companies that act responsibly. This also offers clear competitive advantages in the “war for talent” and in retention management.

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