FINAL WORD along the value chain to each partner and supplier for the optimum community impact .
Where Europe may be further along in sustainability and other ESG areas , the Middle East journey is admittedly more recent given governments ’ prior focus on rapid growth . But in areas such as the Arab Gulf , sustainability clauses have found their way into the government guidelines that drive national economic programs .
The region ’ s decision makers must take care in timing their ESG forays . Invest too impulsively and the ability to deliver could be compromised . Conversely , the potential for partnerships with global organisations on ESG could be missed if enterprises wait too long .
Employees drive the change
The successful implementation of any great change rests on the shoulders of people . When it comes to ESG , not only will an organisation ’ s talent be part of the change process , but today , they will also be judges as to its success . The digital natives that make up the majority of modern workforces are more invested in sustainability issues than any generation that has preceded them .
Generation Z , while having only entered the workforce in the past decade or so , is having far-reaching influence on ESG . A third of them would turn down a job offer over ESG concerns , according to research from BUPA Health .
In an extraordinary shift , the current talent pool is brimming with passionate young professionals who expect their employer to align with their values .
This twist has likely been driven by the fact that today ’ s candidate does not need to compromise on this point because they find themselves in a seller ’ s labour market , especially if they have strong digital skills , which are in short supply in the region . And good ESG management requires these very skills .
This means companies must invest in talent . This will help them retain the talent they have and help
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