ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is no longer just relevant for the major players in the market. Today, small businesses and large corporations face the same expectations and requirements for sustainability, making ESG a cross-sector priority. According to Patrick Lyon Veirum, a Consultant at Compass specialising in ESG recruitment, there is no excuse not to take ESG seriously: “Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, you must address ESG.”
A Cross-Functional Role
ESG is unique in that it spans across the entire organisation and is not confined to a specific industry or department. This means the skills sought in ESG can be relevant to many different functions within a business. Whether in leadership, production, HR, or finance, ESG plays a role.
“The people recruited to ESG often work across the organisation. This makes ESG not only something specific to certain industries or functions but something that can extend across the job market,” explains Patrick.
Sustainability as a Driving Force
One of the key reasons for ESG’s growing importance is the role of sustainability as a driver of future business. Companies prioritising ESG not only experience enhanced reputations but also long-term benefits such as increased employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, and improved risk management.
For small businesses, ESG can be an opportunity to differentiate themselves and build a responsible profile that attracts customers and partners. For large corporations, it is a necessity to maintain their licence to operate and avoid regulatory sanctions.
ESG Recruitment: A Broad Job Market
One of the most intriguing aspects of ESG is the broad job market that has emerged around it. ESG recruitment is not limited to a specific sector but spans industries such as finance, IT, manufacturing, and retail. This means businesses can find ESG skills in many places – but they must also be clear about what they are looking for.
As Patrick notes: “ESG affects all businesses and industries. Therefore, it’s important to be open to finding skills outside traditional frameworks and consider how they can be integrated into the organisation.”
Summary: ESG is for Everyone
Regardless of a company’s size or industry, ESG has become a fundamental part of doing business today. It is no longer a choice but a necessity. With its cross-functional nature and focus on sustainability, ESG creates new opportunities and challenges for businesses willing to take it seriously.
By attracting the right talent and ensuring ESG is integrated throughout the organisation, businesses can enhance their competitiveness and create long-term value. As Patrick concludes: “Sustainability is not just a trend – it is the future.”