Driving Sustainability: Why Investing In Green Benefits Matters For Businesses

27 Nov

People in a bright office meeting room, with a woman standing and presenting to colleagues seated at a table, all smiling during what appears to be a business discussion

On World Earth Day (April 22), businesses across the globe pledged support for sustainability. However, as the world moves toward net zero, the gap between corporate rhetoric and meaningful action has never been more apparent. In the UK, sustainability is no longer just a moral imperative - it’s becoming a key factor in retaining and attracting top talent.

The Growing Demand For Sustainable Practices

According to research by employee benefits technology platform Zest, it reveals that over half (51%) of employees want their employers to prioritise sustainability initiatives, with younger workers (18-34) showing even greater enthusiasm (61%). Yet, a disconnect persists: a third (33%) of younger workers feel their employers simply don’t care about sustainability.

This gap has tangible consequences. Two in five (42%) younger employees say poor sustainability initiatives negatively impact their morale. The risk for businesses is disengaged teams and a diminished ability to attract future talent.

Sustainable Benefits: A Critical Opportunity

While many businesses focus on emissions reductions, integrating sustainability into employee benefits is an overlooked yet impactful strategy. Over half (53%) of UK employees want their companies to invest in sustainable benefits, such as electric vehicle (EV) schemes and green pension funds. Among younger workers, this figure rises to 66%.

Employers are starting to notice. Over four in ten (44%) report an increase in employees asking for sustainable benefits. Yet small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are trailing behind, with just a third (33%) prioritising sustainable benefits, compared to 53% of larger companies.

The Competitive Advantage Of Green Initiatives

Businesses that invest in sustainable benefits not only boost employee morale (32%) but also strengthen their ability to attract and retain talent (32%). Conversely, 18% of HR leaders admit their companies have already lost talent due to a lack of sustainable options.

For smaller businesses, this presents a critical challenge. With only 25% of SMEs identifying sustainability as a top organizational priority, there’s a real risk of losing competitiveness to larger firms that are meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly initiatives.

Personalising Benefits With Technology

Adopting technology to streamline and personalize benefits platforms is key to bridging the gap. Platforms like Zest allow companies to cater to evolving employee demands while promoting sustainable choices like EV schemes.

By leveraging such tools, employers can enhance engagement, align benefits with employees’ priorities, and contribute to broader green targets. This approach also has financial perks, such as savings on National Insurance contributions and reduced talent acquisition costs.

With sustainability now intertwined with business performance, investing in eco-friendly initiatives like EV schemes can drive employee satisfaction and support environmental goals. Learn how your business can adapt and thrive by embracing sustainable benefits.

Calculate your savings and explore sustainable benefit solutions with Zest’s ROI Calculator.

Ellie Garratt

Ellie works in Content Marketing at The Electric Car Scheme, where she focuses on getting more people into electric vehicles. She's passionate about helping people make smarter choices that support a cleaner, greener future, and is dedicated to speeding up the journey to Net Zero.