Sustainability skills are in high demand

Through our dialogue with both customers and candidates we capture daily what is happening in the recruitment market and what type of skills are in demand right now. One of these hot topics is sustainability, which is being increasingly discussed. Sara Palmqvist, consultant at Alumni, discusses how competency in sustainability is gaining traction and highlights our expertise in this important area.

Why are sustainability skills more in demand?

Several forces have come into play that have driven the demand for sustainability competencies. On the one hand, there is a major impact from increased regulations, ie. the new laws and policies that are produced by authorities such as the UN's 2030 agenda. But also, from consumer forces and a growing awareness amongst customers whose purchasing decisions are increasingly more influenced by the issues surrounding sustainability.

According to the 2030 agenda, sustainability can be defined in three dimensions: environmental, social and economic. This makes it a broad subject with implications across much of all businesses. Where sustainability was previously viewed as a matter associated with minimising risks and reducing environmental impact, today it is viewed as a way to also maximise opportunities and profits. Sustainability is now key to survival and is directly driving results for many organisations.

Are sustainability issues more crucial in certain parts of the business community?

Since the shift takes place on such a broad front, I would say that it affects all businesses. Today, sustainability competence is business-critical, and we will see a clearer trend where sustainability roles will be included in the management groups at companies. It is no longer just a narrow profile, for example environmental reporters - who are in demand, because sustainability is no longer simply a side issue or project silo within the framework of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work. Rather, it is increasingly a strategic remit within business and demands an influence on the management team's agenda.

It is also a reason why I think the area of sustainability competency is so rewarding to work with, it has so many different perspectives. I always start by defining what does this particular client mean by sustainability and what is the real skills being sought?

Traditionally many of our sustainability assignments have been in the food industry or in the financial sector, but now this is an important issue for all industries that have a major environmental impact. It is promising that so many large global companies are still at the forefront and driving its advancement. Overall, there is a clear awareness in Nordic businesses that we should feel proud of. A lot is happening in the area of sustainability and it is exciting to follow new developments closely.

Where do you find candidates with sustainability skills?

As recruiters, we are constantly on the ground and catching trends and changes in the market. We do this in the many thousands of meetings we have every year, through networking, following debates on the topic, keeping up to date with thought leadership on the topic as well as keeping a close eye on interesting profiles. We are always trying to understand what customers want? What needs they see in front of them? And what the candidates are looking for in their next role? It is in this context that we as recruiters contribute with value by bridging and matching business needs with the right skills.

I have worked as a recruitment consultant for many years and worked extensively in several different areas of expertise, which has been a fantastic way to learn and develop my profession. I am delighted that sustainability competence is emerging in several functional areas. It can now be part of communications, operations, HR or the finance departments.

Can you say something about what sustainability roles will look like in the future?

I believe that sustainability work will be even more interconnected with the operational side of organisations and that the role will have its own place within the management team. I believe there will be a greater demand for skills that can link the business's key figures and goals with sustainability.

New legislation on sustainability reporting is coming into force continuously. Undoubtedly, it will be even more stringent in the future, and we will see a new professional group of sustainability auditors emerge as a result. If you look at HR departments, social sustainability work is current and happening. In our modern society, it is people who are the most important resource, and they are being asked to work more and stay in their role longer. You cannot expect to run a business successfully, sustainably and long-term unless your staff can keep up. Everything is connected.

At Alumni, we help companies in the private and public sector to recruit and develop the skills they need to achieve success. We deliver solutions for both permanent and interim positions within managerial and specialist roles. For more information about us and how we can add value to your career or organisation, feel free to contact us.